From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up–Mitra and her younger brother, Babak, are refugees in ancient Persia, living in a labyrinth of caves, scraping by with the food they can steal in the nearby marketplace. Disguised as a boy for safety and mobility, Mitra dreams of returning to her former life of opulence before her father's plot against a despotic king scattered the family. When it is discovered that Babak possesses the ability of prophetic dreaming, he comes to the attention of a local magus, Melchior, who takes the children under his protection as he travels westward, following signs in the stars. Joined by two more scholars, each with his own gifts, the caravan continues on a harrowing journey that leads them into the Roman territories, and eventually to the tiny village of Bethlehem. While the focus is always on Mitra, readers experience a growing awareness of who these three wise men actually are and what portentous events Babak is dreaming for them. Fletcher explains in detailed author's notes her long-standing fascination with the story of the Magi and provides insight into the research process. A fine weaver of historical fiction, she creates a fully realized world for her characters and builds a plot full of suspense and anguish. Mitra and Babak's plight is that of any children caught between warring factions. Their journey is one of seeking a place of safety to call home, and, for Mitra, it is a coming-of-age quest that leaves her changed forever.
–Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From AudioFile
Meera Simhan elegantly delivers this enchanting and intricate story of one of the greatest mysteries in the history of Christianity. In the time before Christ's birth, protagonist Mitra and her brother, Babak, find themselves victims of political and social upheaval. Left to fend for themselves in the City of the Dead, they find that Babak has a special gift they may use to gain passage to find their family. Simhan deftly carries off the Old World diction and syntax of the dialogue. Fletcher's detailed descriptions of setting, well researched and true to the time period, also add charm to the listening experience. D.L.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
