From Publishers Weekly
Originally published in Italy, this pricey volume sets up a stilted dialogue between two children living in the third century A.D.: Martilla, a nine-year-old Roman slave girl, and Marbord, the 11-year-old son of an arms merchant from Scandia. In alternating spreads, the two take turns describing life in their homelands. The book's title refers to the Romans' name for Marbord's tribe; making a feeble stab at humor, the authors have the boy challenge Martilla, "Come on, last one in is a barbarian!" as he suggests a swim in the river. The youngsters uncover differences and similarities in their respective lifestyles (housing, food, clothing, gods, burial rituals, etc.). Though the narrators reveal some lively particulars, an excess of extraneous reactions ("Do you really wash your feet before eating? Why on earth would you do that?") and vague, lackluster passages ("In our village, we do everything by ourselves. Everyone has to pitch in so that we'll have everything we need by the time winter comes") slow the pacing. The cartoonish artwork fills in period details but doesn't do much to help characterize Martilla or Marbord. Ages 10-up. (Dec.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-When 9-year-old Martilla, a slave girl who is traveling north with the Roman army, meets Marbord, the 11-year-old son of a Scandinavian merchant, they compare their lives and become friends. The alternating narratives are rather breathless, with many exclamation points, but present the information in a lively manner. The cartoonlike illustrations are helpful in showing unfamiliar customs, clothing, and architecture. Small pictures of the children identify who is speaking on each page. Marbord says that his "family are descendants of a Germanic tribe. The Romans call us 'barbarians' because they think that we're stupid. Maybe they don't know that the word 'barbarian' means 'traveler' or 'foreigner.'" As the youngsters discuss their houses, food, work, and entertainment, readers learn about daily life in ancient times. Some of the more difficult aspects of society are introduced but not explained in detail. "[S]ome slaves in Rome are much worse off than I am," says Martilla, and "Some slaves are gladiators, fighting for their lives against beasts and men in the amphitheater." Although the words are serious, the illustration depicts a nervous-looking man trying to appease a lion with a box of popcorn. Many terms are explained in the context of the story but a detailed glossary is also included. A serviceable discussion starter for students studying ancient civilizations or examining issues of prejudice.
Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
