Virgilia; or, Out of the Lion's Mouth

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"Virgilia; or, Out of the Lion's Mouth" by Felicia Buttz Clark is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in ancient Rome during a time when Christianity was emerging amidst the pagan traditions of the Empire. The plot centers around the character Virgilia, the daughter of a Roman lawyer, as she grapples with her religious beliefs and the ensuing conflict with her family's expectations and the societal norms of her time. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the bustling atmosphere of the Roman Circus where a gladiatorial contest is taking place, showcasing the brutality cherished by the crowd. Virgilia, accompanied by her mother, Claudia, and father, Aurelius, struggles to reconcile her newfound Christian faith with the pagan practices demanded of her. A pivotal moment occurs when she boldly aligns herself with the despised Christians, which brings tensions to the surface in her family, especially with her mother. The opening sets the stage for a tale of internal and external conflict as Virgilia seeks to navigate her spirituality while risking familial bonds and societal acceptance.