The More Things Change, Maeve Maddox’s newest novel, goes on sale on July 4, 2025.

A historical novel set in the early fifth century Roman empire, The More Things Change follows the struggles of Shifra, a Jewish widow, and her servant Dacia, an Arian Christian, to remain true to their childhood faiths as Roman religion shifts from acceptance of many beliefs to the political domination of one Christian sect.

Shifra, a native of Alexandria, has lived in Milan in the Western empire for more than thirty years when tragedy forces her to return to Egypt to live with her brother.  On the journey back to her childhood home, Shifra–herself intolerant of other religions—comes into contact with sympathetic believers of every stripe. Her own difficulties in clinging to her faith lead her to an understanding of the devastating consequences of forcing one religious belief onto a diverse population.

The More Things Change is available in both print and digital editions.

Kirkus Review