From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8–Susan Fletcher once again illuminates the scope of history with a personal and engaging story about individual struggles in this novel (Ginee Sea Books, 2006) with a biblical theme. Of royal heritage, their family scattered when their father tried to overthrow the king, 15-year-old Mitra and her younger brother Babak are living in the catacombs of Rhagae in ancient Persia. Mitra disguises herself as a boy and they beg and steal to survive. Then Babak tells of a dream that comes true and Mitra discovers that when Babak sleeps with an item from another person next to his skin, he dreams their dreams. For a time, Mitra parlays this somewhat frightening talent into coppers, saving up for passage to Palmyra, where some kin may still exist. They are soon discovered by a magus, Melchior, who wants Babak to dream only for him. Their journey finally takes them to Bethlehem. This deeply and richly imagined novel, with intricately spun details that bring the story to life, is read with solemnity by actress Meeta Simhan. Mitra's humorless rancor at having sunk so low socially, her absolute determination to find a better way, and her bottomless love for Babak shine through in Simhan's narration. A worthy addition to both public and school libraries.–
Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
