Author: Rosemary Sutcliff.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Classic.
Plot: Marcus Flavius Aquila, a youthful Roman cohort commander, marches to his first command in Ancient Britain. Some wondered why he chose Britain of all places for his first command. In some way, he has family ties to the wet and rainy country; his uncle lives in Britain and his father, commander of the infamous Ninth Legion that had marched away into the wilderness of Britain beyond the Wall and never returned over ten years earlier, had last been stationed in Britain. Marcus, a soldier through and through, makes good his first command in spite of his youth, and saves his men in battle with the wild tribesmen. The personal cost of the victory was a high one: Marcus would never be a soldier again.
Laid up in his uncle’s house for nearly two years recovering from his wounds, having them reopened and then recovering again, Marcus was lonely and had plenty of time to think. And yet, he also had opportunities to make three loyal life-long friends. Esca, a British slave and gladiator for the sport of bloodthirsty Romans, was purchased and then freed by Marcus. Cub, a wild wolf Esca rescued while still dependent upon his mother, was raised by Marcus and Esca together and goes bounding about the house like an overgrown puppy. And Cottia, a fiery-tempered graceful British maiden who has a fashionable aunt who is trying to Romanize her, becomes something more than just a friend to Marcus. When Marcus undergoes surgery on his leg, it is these three friends who cheer him, and it is they who, though saddened by his decision, support him when he embarks on a dangerous quest to find the lost eagle of his father’s legion beyond Agricola’s Wall.
Likes/Dislikes: Beautifully well written in a style that is old, endearing and breathtaking. The characters are all wonderfully well drawn and the scenes are skillfully described in such a manner as to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind without becoming too tedious. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long while!
Rating: PG-10 and up for reading level. Recommended for all ages.
Date Report Written: November 12, 2011.
1 comment:
Such a great book...glad you enjoyed it!
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