A powerful and fierce reimagining of the earliest Roman legend: the twins, Romulus and Remus, mythical founders of history’s greatest empire, and the woman whose sacrifice made it all possible.

“Superb. . . .Themes of sisterhood and motherhood, nature and wildness, survival, and love in its many forms resonate throughout. Bear weaves a layered, captivating story of the two tenacious women behind the birth of Rome that will resonate with readers long after the final page. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal (starred review) 

“In Bear’s hands, women’s stories—and women’s rages, hopes and fears—matter. Cathartic and moving, Mother of Rome reimagines the founding myth of Rome in a way that transcends gods and empires, instead focusing on the humanity at the story’s core.”—BookPage (starred review)

"Bear brings her strong heroine to life with compassion and skill. The result is a must-read for fans of mythology retellings."—Publishers Weekly

LAUREN J. A. Bear was born in Boston and raised in Long Beach. After studying English at UCLA, and education at LMU she worked for a decade as a middle-school teacher focused on literacy and humanities. Though she eventually settled in Seattle with her husband and her three young children, Lauren has spent every summer since she was born on the Vineyard. She is also the author of Medusa’s Sisters.