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Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Possibly my favourite book for children This is not just for children, however, since Sutcliff never patronises her readership. It is an epic story, covering its hero's life from an idealistic young Roman officer, to a mature veteran, contemplating his adult son's future in post-Roman Britain. As usual with Sutcliff's 'outsider' heroes, Aquila does not have an easy time! Sutcliff's heroes do not win glorious victories; instead they show a deeper heroism in what they endure, and they mature under adversity.
After the first few chapters,... more info
A Great Read I have to say I did not realise this was meant to be a children's book! The trilogy (of which this is the first book) is a cracking read, incredibly well-written and wonderfully researched. I have been inspired to read more of her work as it is thoroughly enjoyable and a fabulous example of the true story-teller's craft.
Fighting in a lost cause The Lantern Bearers follows the story of a British Auxiliary Decurion, Aquila, serving with the last of the Roman Eagles in Britain. Beleaguered closer to home by invading barbarians, the last of Rome's worries is Britain, one of the further-flung provinces and one which is becoming increasingly difficult to hold against the combined attacks of the Picts and the Saxons. Rome withdraws its troops from Britain, including Aquila's own cohort, which includes many native-born like himself. As the last of the... more info
Definatley a modern classic in children books. I'm a bit old to be really be reading this book, but I still really enjoyed it. Apart from the amazingly life-like characters there is some historic truth in Sutcliffs tales and it does show what people may have felt when taken over by an entirely foriegn group of people. It shows a society still steeped in the idea of honour and duty that surpasses any personnal problems, and in particular one mans struggle not only against an invading people but also against the person he has become. It sounds very deep... more info
