Britannia, AD 403. A Roman, Marcus Cassius, arrives on Vectis - known to us now as the Isle of Wight. Abandoned by his wife, left with a small baby girl, A Roman Smile chronicles his eventful life at this time. The spirited young daughter Fannia, the alluring neighbouring widow Melania Lupurca, the corrupt government official Marcellus Fronto, the future son-in-law Aquilinus Drusus - Marcus Cassius` life is packed with fascinating characters. Gilly Beckett beautifully evokes the style of life for all those living in Britannia at the beginning of the fifth century ad. Rough sea journeys, dangerous travels amongst marauding bands of ex-slaves, a Londinium filled with perils at every turn - there`s never a dull moment in A Roman Smile.