private_reader's review against another edition
3.0
Picked this up in the library book sale and read it while DD swam with a friend. As history, this book has it all – the clothes, architecture, food, politics and culture of the period are rendered clearly and in great detail. But all that detail came at the cost of the main character, Atticus, who was flat and inscrutable. I didn’t even have an idea of his age until the very last pages. In fact I don’t think he says a word until that scene. Much too much time was spent on the supporting characters and their thoughts and feelings. There was enough for a gripping plot, but poor Atticus seemed like he was watching it from the sidelines rather than being its hero.
I bought this because I thought DD, who loves historical novels, might like it, but I think she will be bored.
I bought this because I thought DD, who loves historical novels, might like it, but I think she will be bored.
heyshay07's review against another edition
3.0
This is definitely a thinly disguised history book. Lots of information about everyday Roman civilization and a weak plot. I'll donate it to the school library since the 6th graders do a unit on Rome. Maybe someone will be inspired to check it out and learn more.
jordantaylor's review
2.0
I was excited about reading this book, but any hopes of "Atticus of Rome" being anything close to good vanished within the first few chapters. This book is extremely boring and dull. The main character of Atticus remains unrealistic and detached from the reader. You never get a sense of him as a person, as he is far more representative of, say, a cardboard box.
And why don't people talk in this book? The use of dialogue is scant, to such an extent that I began to wonder if I had missed something in the beginning and some of the characters were mute or deaf. Or something. It would be more plausible than them just deciding to never speak.
This book is classified as children's fiction, and it is, except for Atticus' recurring fascination with the large breasts of his master's pretty young wife, which are mentioned at random more than once.
Not recommended.
And why don't people talk in this book? The use of dialogue is scant, to such an extent that I began to wonder if I had missed something in the beginning and some of the characters were mute or deaf. Or something. It would be more plausible than them just deciding to never speak.
This book is classified as children's fiction, and it is, except for Atticus' recurring fascination with the large breasts of his master's pretty young wife, which are mentioned at random more than once.
Not recommended.
tomb_of_phantoms's review
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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