Tamar Williams Posted February 14, 2005 Report Share Posted February 14, 2005 This historical fantasy (A. D. 62: Pompeii, by Rebecca East) has received positive reviews - it's sort of a cross between "Household Gods" and "Pompeii", with a bit of Upstairs/Downstairs... there is a web site with more information at: www.rebecca-east.com From: Midwest Book Review, April 2003 A.D. 62: Pompeii is an engaging time-travel novel about a twenty-first century woman who is sent to first century Pompeii when a time travel experiment fails to work as planned. Adopted into a wealthy family as a house slave, Miranda manages to improve her lot through telling stories, yet the master's wife becomes jealous and plots vengeance against her. Superbly written, A.D. 62: Pompeii is a compelling and imaginative saga of romance, adaptation, and adventure. From: Historical Novel Society, Reviews, Issue 24, May 2003, p. 34 www.historicalnovelsociety.org A volunteer in a time travel experiment, the studious Miranda has prepared herself for everything except arriving in the middle of the Mediterranean. Pulled from the sea by a poor fisherman, she swiftly finds herself sold as a house slave. She begins her new life in 62 A. D. in the Roman city of Pompeii, in the patrician household of Marcus Tullius. Although well versed in the manners and mores of Imperial Rome, Miranda discovers there's a vast difference between theory and reality and then she discovers that the recall device planted in her arm doesn't work. She's trapped in 62 A. D. Now her life as a household slave is no longer a game she can end at will. Facing the realization that she is imprisoned in time, Miranda calls upon all her knowledge and training to improve her lot. Using her talent for storytelling and her historical knowledge, she gains prestige as a seer who can accurately predict the future. Miranda's quick mind and quiet courage enable her to mold a new life and to create a place for herself in the frightening, fascinating world of the past. An interesting, well-told story (think Upstairs, Downstairs crossed with I, Claudius) with a strong and intelligent heroine, A. D. 62: Pompeii draws the reader into a vividly imagined ancient world. Definitely recommended. India Edghill Excerpts from: Daily News, Bowling Green, Kentucky (Sunday May 25, 2003, page 11C). "There are numerous historical novels about ancient Greece or Rome, but only a few of them focus on women's or slaves' lives in these classical societies. The setting for A. D. 62: Pompeii is the resort town near Naples that was preserved and immortalized by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in the year 79 A. D. Seventeen years earlier, much of the city was damaged by a serious earthquake. Miranda, a young woman who had studied classical archaeology at Harvard, becomes the subject for an experiment in time travel. She is catapulted back to the first century A. D., and winds up near Pompeii, where she is enslaved, but where her knowledge of the past also allows her to "foretell" the earthquake. Miranda is sold to a family as a domestic slave and becomes very close to the young daughter and eventually to her father, while at the same time attracting hostility from the mistress of the house. Miranda's interactions with other slaves and with the masters' family provide the forum of action for the novel. Through this scenario, the author is able to bring the reader into Roman family life and, along the way, present insights into women's roles, the institution of slavery, and the legal system. Miranda's observations of daily routines, objects, and customs are both instructive and entertaining.... A. D. 62: Pompeii is an interesting novel that holds the reader's interest. It is both an adventure and a love story wrapped into one.... Historical information is generally accurate... any reader who finds the classical world exciting, or who might be particularly attracted by this different perspective, should find A. D. 62: Pompeii an enjoyable and interesting reading experience." -- Richard Weigel, History Department, Western Kentucky University - Tamar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primus Pilus Posted February 14, 2005 Report Share Posted February 14, 2005 I've seen her book advertised quite a bit, and have thought about doing a review for it. I've just been hesitant due to the 'time-travel' aspect and (knowing myself) assume that I won't like it. I know that's closed minded, but I can't help myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest spartacus Posted February 15, 2005 Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 generally, I dislike Fiction, I much prefer Factual Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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