Silvia lives with her father in Northumberland, near Hadrian's Wall. Dad loves LARP (Live-Action Role-Play) and, because of this, has planned a weekend festival to the cause. However, just before the festival, Silvia and her dad bump in to Rory Smartwart who is always unkind to her about LARPing. Annoyed at her Dad, she heads to her bedroom and falls asleep, but when she wakes up to the sound of the smoke alarm, she races downstairs to discover the pizza burning in the oven and her dad vanished. Determined to try to find him, Silvia embarks upon an adventure that will transport her to Ancient Rome. But can she find her father and what will she discover on the way?
My Family and Other Romans is split between the small town of Once Brewed (yes, it is a really place in Northumberland!) and Ancient Rome. Once Brewed is situated close to Hadrian's Wall which makes the perfect place for Silvia's dad and his Roman LARPing. It's just the two of them, with her mother having left when she was a baby, and the pair seem to muddle along well. At times, Silvia seems to be the more sensible of the pair, despite being the child: it is she who is worrying about the success of the LARPing festival and she is the one suggesting they need more advertising to make the event a success. Therefore, it would make sense that, when Silvia realises that her dad has vanished, she decides to take control and find him.
Once she lands in Ancient Rome, Silvia encounters a whole new world of demi-gods and experiences. There is strength to Silvia but she does experience uncertainty at times, which is only to be expected when the consequences could be sweeping. As well as Silvia, readers will be introduced to a host of lesser-known Roman gods and goddesses, some far nicer than others!
The plot is pacey and will have readers laughing along, whilst also providing a wealth of information about Rome. Those words specific to the Ancient Roman period are conveniently in bold and an explanation provided in the glossary, so as well as laughing along, readers will certainly learn about the period. But be warned, some facts may make your stomach churn (lamb fries and tersoriums anyone?!).
Whilst the focus of the book is Ancient Rome, I liked the fact that the book reminds the reader that it is ok to follow your own interests: Silvie and her dad enjoy LARPing which is different to most children's hobbies and this doesn't always go down well with others in school; however, Silvie's interests and skills may just prove useful! It's an important message for readers to understand.
My Family and Other Romans is a riot of a book that will have you jumping in your chariot and heading for Ancient Rome. Perfect as a book to curl up and read (I gobbled it up in a day), it will also make a great accompaniment to a Roman topic in school.
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