The Secrets of Vesuvius - Hardcover

Caroline Lawrence

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1842550802 ISBN 13: 9781842550809

Publisher: Orion Children's Books (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd ), 2001

Synopsis

It's the summer of AD 79, and Flavia Gemina the sea captain's daughter and her friends Jonathan the Jewish boy, Nubia the African slave-girl and Lupus the homeless beggar-boy set sail for the Bay of Naples, to stay with Flavia's uncle near Pompeii.

They are soon absorbing in trying to solve a riddle that may lead to treasure. But then tragedy strikes – Mount Vesuvius erupts and the children are fleeing for their lives, in one of the worst natural disasters ever recorded.

Not just a mystery – an absolutely thrilling action adventure that makes you feel you were there!

About this title

About the Author:

Caroline Lawrence is American. She won a scholarship to Cambridge to read Classical Archaeology, then did a degree in Hebrew and Jewish studies at University College London. She now lives in London with her English husband and teaches Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Art and French to children

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-7-A mystery set in ancient Rome. When Flavia, Jonathan, Lupus, and Nubia rescue an admiral from a boating accident, he not only rewards them, but he also offers them a riddle that holds the promise of great treasure to anyone who can solve it. He explains that he saw the riddle on the wall of a blacksmith shop and that the blacksmith could help solve it if they can find him. Later, the four friends spend the summer with Flavia's uncle, who lives near Mt. Vesuvius in Pompeii and find Vulcan, the blacksmith. He is an orphan and wants to solve his own mystery of why his parents abandoned him. Just as they are all beginning to figure out these conundrums, the great Vesuvius erupts and they must flee for their lives. The action begins slowly and doesn't really pick up until the volcano starts erupting, about halfway through the book. Also, the mystery element is somewhat confusing and hard to follow. However, the many interesting details about Roman life incorporated into the story provide insight into the period. Readers who are interested in the time as well as fans of the first book in the series, The Thieves of Ostia (Roaring Brook, 2002), may be willing to stick with it until the end.
Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Orion Children's Books (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1842550802
• ISBN 13: 9781842550809
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 213