The Fall of Rome
By Martha Southgater

     The Fall of Rome is a fitting title for a profound book that made little sense to me until I gave it the earnest attention it deserved. Martha Southgate has spun a masterful tale that combiness the symbolism of ancient Roman times with the present day struggles of several individuals, one being, appropriately, a classics and Latin teacher.

     Mr. Jerome Washington has lived a less-than-perfect life, but his demeanor would never reveal this fact. The carefully-crafted persona he has striven so hard to create is destined to betray him, no matter how close to the breast he keeps his secrets. This dichotomy draws the reader in to the story from the very beginning.

     Washington is a teacher at a New England Prep School for boys, the only African-American, who firmly believes that he has achieved his status in life through hard work, tireless effort and most of all, completely by himself. His stand-offish nature is reflective in everything he does and general unhappiness is in the air. His relationships with coworkers and students can best be described as strained, due to his stoic rules.

     The fall begins with the introduction of a new teacher, Jana Hensen, and her unlikely friendship with Washington. The fall culminates in the arrival of Rashid Bryson, an up-and-coming African-American adolescent, at the Chelsea school and the striking similarities in upbringing of both teacher and student.

     The story takes some remarkable twists. Myths are shattered about African-American people, done in parallel to ancient Roman civilization. This is what makes this book remarkable. Most importantly, this book makes it clear that people are destined to follow the paths of history if they aren't proactive in changing things.