Possibly a tribute to Graves. However, I have never actually read I, Claudius. I've started it a few times but never been able to read more than a few chapters. I just don't have the attention span it requires.

Well, whether there is a connection or not, this does look like an interesting book. I'm intrigued by the author's choice of writing from Livia's perspective. I believe most, if not all, of what I have read about Ancient Rome was written from a male POV.

That seems to be my experience too. Kate Quinn's Ancient Rome novels are among some of my favorites and they alternate between male and female POV. Off the top of my head, I can't really think of anything else.

Have you tried watching the screen adaptation of "I, Claudius" instead? It's excellent! (Starring Siân Phillips as Lydia, btw ... and of course Derek Jacobi as Claudius, and a young and be-wigged Patrick Stewart as Sejanus!)

No but I might have to. If Patrick Stewart is in it, I might even be able to talk someone else in my house into watching.

Come to think of it, I need to watch it again, too ... :) (Besides listening to the audio version narrated by Derek Jacobi, that is. :D)