Attila: A Romance. Vol. I.

"Attila: A Romance. Vol. I." by G. P. R. James is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative appears to focus on the character Attila, the infamous ruler of the Huns, while also weaving in thematic elements surrounding the lives of princes and noble families in Roman-era Dalmatia. The story is set against a richly described backdrop of vivid landscapes and explores themes of love, loss, and the fortunes of power. The opening of the novel invites readers into a serene Dalmatian landscape infused with the sounds and sights of nature, punctuated by music and life. As the sun sets, a group sings a hymn, setting the scene for a gathering of noble characters who are introduced as they interact under the cypress trees. Among them are the Lady Flavia, her daughter Eudochia, and her son Ammian, who introduce elements of familial bonds and the weight of societal expectations. As the passage reveals these characters and their relationships, a foreboding sense of change looms, suggesting future tumult and trials embodied by the threat of an impending earthquake, which dramatically interrupts their serene existence.