Cave Canem
Beware of Dog
Richard B. Schmidt
www.authorHOUSE.com
ISBN 1-4184-1798-X
Paperback 404 Pages
When I began reading Cave Canem by Richard B. Schmidt, I decided that
I would read it in three different sessions since it has over 400 pages. As
it turned out I read it in one session, simply because I could not find a
stopping point; I was hooked! From the very first chapter where a witty
street beggar called Coponius is introduced, to the last chapter where the
convict he saves finally receives punishment for the horrendous crimes he
has committed, readers will be intrigued.
Defined as classical reading for the ordinary person,
Cave Canem has special appeal to readers of both genders as they
follow the adventures and endure the hardships of this witty beggar during
the first century of the Roman Empire. A special oak bowl with seemingly
supernatural qualities directs him in his wanderlust travels as the alms
that people drop into this bowl provide for his basic needs.
Although Coponius is my favorite character, I enjoyed
the personality and antics of Pollio who is introduced as a nine-year-old
child whose parents are poor and live in the slums. The very first time
Pollio is near dogs, the parents are shocked that the dogs, not only don’t
like him, but are determined to attack him. Over the years, he is attacked
again and again, spending considerable time healing from his
wounds—sometimes coming close to death. This is a life-long plague and, not
only influences the way he lives, but also eventually disturbs his sleep
because of horrible nightmares in which Cerberus, the mythological
three-headed dog who guards the gates of Hell, haunts and taunts him.
Pollio is given the opportunity to take acting lessons
and becomes a successful and adored matinee idol of Rome. Ladies find him
charming and he does not ignore their overtures. It doesn’t matter whether
they are married or single, he enjoys being with them and fulfilling their
desires. Eventually, there is someone special who comes into his life;
however, they share very little in common other than strong feelings toward
one another—feelings that they express through a passionate love affair that
takes them to incredible heights. Men will be drawn to this scene, and women
will be living it as if they are Pollio’s lovers. There will be a question
in the minds of all readers: Is Pollio finally ready to settle down?
All characters in the book are memorable and each one
plays an important role in the story. Some you will like . . . others you
will hate. The author is very descriptive in relating the sinking of a
vessel, battle scenes, great adventures, and lurking dangers. He is able to
engage readers to the point that they, too, live in fear that Pollio will
have yet another encounter with dogs. Will their vicious attacks ever
stop?
It is obvious how much research the author has put into
this work—he describes the culture and customs of the time, mixing facts
with an exciting, fictionalized story. Readers are even provided with a map
prior to the reading of the story so they can visualize the geographical
areas that are mentioned.
As a former publisher of sixteen years, this is the
type of book I hoped to find in evaluating the many hundreds of manuscripts
that would come into my office. Cave Canem is a “classic” for
present and future generations.
Bettie Corbin Tucker
For IP Book Reviewers
Available from
www.amazon.com
www.authorhouse.com
