It was first translated into English by Naomi Walford in Great Britain by Methuen and United States by Pantheon Books in 1963 under the name I Loved Tiberius.

The novel was written as a careful reappraisal of the contemporary sources, placing Julia and Tiberius in a more positive light.

The novel is set in 1st century BC Rome, centred on Julia the Elder, the daughter of Augustus and her life right up until her death.

Julia, the daughter of Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, suffers with an awkward relationship between her and her sixteen-year-old stepbrother Tiberius.

Through the harshness of living in Livia's strict household Tiberius becomes attracted to Julia's more affectionate nature despite her being merely thirteen.

Shortly after Augustus recovers Agrippa and Marcella (His wife and Julia's cousin) nearly die in a fire at their house that was purposely lit.

Worried about her future Julia writes a letter to Agrippa (via Maecenas) begging him to return home.

Nonetheless, Julia chooses to go with Agrippa, rather than stay in Rome with Tiberius and Vipsania, when he leaves for a campaign in Gaul.

Not long after this, Agrippa dies, and Julia's close ally and friend Maecenas, suggests that Livia had him poisoned.

Julia becomes very depressed following Agrippa's death but tries to stay strong to ensure that her unborn child will be healthy.

She also becomes fond of her cousin Antonia's son Claudius, who Postumus forges a friendship with due to their rejection by most other people.

However he quickly confesses he wants them to be lover; she rejects him at first but eventually gives in although Julia disbelieves that Julus has love in his nature.

However her father's servant (and Livia's spy) Crispus, who was at one time considered as a "safe" husband choice for Julia, suspects something.

She manages to sneak a letter from her children, written by Gaius, promising that once Augustus was dead they would bring both her and Scribonia back to Rome and charge Livia with the murder of their father, Agrippa.

While in exile Postumus comes to see the error of his ways and is allowed to write a letter to his mother, telling her that he is studying well and working to make her proud.