If nothing else, read the book for the phrase 'Rome's former action man [Tiberius] had turned into an ageing, filthy-minded and malevolent sloth lurking around on Capri like a vindictive cave troll.' 

Also, have a sip of water every time a variant of the word 'acquiesce' is used. It's not excessive, but enough that I played a little game with myself the whole time I was reading.