Certain elements of the novel seemed to be glosses for contemporary issues such as child sacrifice, which did happen in Carthage around that time, being a commentary on abortion.

While Peterson captures the world of Roman Africa pretty well, early Christian spirituality reads a lot like contemporary American evangelical spirituality in Perpetua. If you're looking for a solid adaptation of the Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas, I'd recommend Perpetua's Journey by Jennifer Rea and Liz Clarke, which is a graphic novel. I didn't hate it, nor would I discourage a curious reader from it, but I don't wholeheartedly recommend it. The Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas is begging to be novelized, or otherwise adapted, but unfortunately I didn't love this particular execution of it. The book is based on Perpetua's actual diaries, as well as other early Church writings about her death in Carthage's Arena, other writings of Christians' lives at that time, along with the author's excellent abilities to weave a plausible storyline around it all. We read of how she learns to say good bye to those she loves most, her time under arrest and in prison, her father's desperate attempts to get her to recant, and more. Still, as the story comes to a climax, the young wife and mother realizes she has been chosen for martyrdom. Yet this woman also finds joy, a loving husband, a faith community and all that is good and holy as she embraces her new life. Perpetua's faith is tested time and again as she must choose Jesus over family, friends, etc.

Amy Peterson's writing is excellent, as she tells the story of the girl who finds Christ and develops her faith in the city of Carthage, known to hate Christians. It is a profoundly moving biography/novel of the life of the first female Christian martyr. Perpetua was by far, the BEST book I have read in 2015, and one of the top five I have EVER read.

Perpetua by Amy Rachel Peterson