Review: The Green Bronze Mirror By: Lynne Patricial Newark

Title: The Green Bronze Mirror
Author: Lynne Patricial Newark
Publisher: CnPosner Books, 128 Pages (August 30th 2009)
From: CnPosner Books

Synopsis: A schoolgirl looks into an old bronze mirror and finds herself transported in the Rome of Emperor Nero.

Review: 2 Stars - The Green Bronze mirror is a reprint of a YA title that was originally printed back in 1966. This new version comes to us with illustrations By: Philip Smiley.

The story takes place in what would be current times. Our main character – a fifteen year old girl by the name of Karen is wandering around a beach in England and comes across a Green Bronze Mirror that magically takes her back in time over 2000 years to when Nero ruled Rome. She’s found by some Roman soldiers and is mistaken to be a slave. She’s force to travel back with them to Rome and be sold to the highest bidder.

This book was sometimes confusing as to who was speaking during many conversations and I found it hard to believe that even a 15 year old, no matter the year – 1966 or 2010 wouldn’t be freaking out by not only the HUGE difference in year, but to be forced to live as a slave and really not be worried or do much about it. It was just not something I could see any one taking as easily as Karen did. It frustrated me that she just lived this way for months before showing any sign of wanting to find a way back and finally when she did show interest in going home, the ending felt rushed.

I think I would have enjoyed this story further if we would have been told more of the adventure our main character had while traveling back to find the mirror. The little glimpse we did get to see of this journey as Karen and her companion, a slave boy name Kleon was the most interesting parts of the story. I have to say that he – Kleon was the also a better part of this book. I wish the author would have let us see a little more into who he really was.

The copy I have has many printing errors and I’m not sure if this is an ARC/Galley printing or if this is a completed version, however this also took away from the story. I think that might have added to the confusion as mentioned above.

The idea for this book is a good one. Not lacking from adventure and would give younger readers a chance to use their imagination throughout the story. I think this book might be for to young of a read for me to be able to connect with any of the characters. I could see a younger audience liking this for the adventure that this story was. I would suggest this as a book for anyone around 10-14, boys or girls. It’s a read that would give any younger reader an idea of life and times in Rome some 2000+ years ago.
 
FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.