Antonina; Or, The Fall of Rome

by Wilkie Collins

"Antonina; Or, The Fall of Rome" by Wilkie Collins is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a time of upheaval as the Gothic forces march toward Rome, exploring the personal and emotional struggles amidst these grand historical events. The story introduces key characters such as Goisvintha, a Gothic woman, and her wounded child, as well as the ambitious senator Vetranio, who becomes entangled in the life of a young girl named Antonina, representative of the conflicts between personal ambition and historical tumult. At the start of the novel, we are plunged into the desolate highlands where a Gothic woman, Goisvintha, seeks refuge with her wounded child, all while ominous clouds loom over their fate. The narrative vividly portrays their despair as they await salvation or death amid the impending Gothic invasion. Meanwhile, in contrasting scenes, Vetranio, a senator in Rome, is depicted as a frivolous figure engrossed in trivial pursuits, unaware of the storm brewing outside his palace walls. The opening chapters establish a stark contrast between the lives of those fighting for survival and those immersed in decadence, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of fate, identity, and resistance as the characters face the collapsing might of the once-great Roman Empire.