Available from the author at: http://thecenturionsgift.blogspot.com/

The author of this book writes that it is “aimed at children from 10 upwards and is designed to present a fast-paced page-turner to help today’s youngsters turn towards more wholesome literature.” She adds, “I also wanted it to be historically accurate but not bogged down with detail.” Having read the book I can vouch both for its exciting plot and its historical veracity. I would add that the author herself is 16 and currently following a classical curriculum at a Dominican convent school in France. She is thinking of studying medicine at university and sales of this first novel are intended to help pay the cost of her studies.

The story begins in 1st century Rome during Nero’s persecution of the Christians. Marcus and Aquilus, both young Roman nobles and Christians, are forced to flee when their parents are arrested and their ancient villa is burnt down. They join forces with Cecilia, a runaway hostage, and decide to head for Jerusalem – source of the “gift” itself: a beautiful necklace, handed on to their family by a relative who happened to be the “Good Centurion, well respected and loved by the Jews...because he was kind and generous to the people.” He it was who pronounced those immortal words to Christ, “Lord, I am not worthy that Thou should enter under my roof...”

Their journey involves many adventures, including a shipwreck and joining a camel train across the desert. The author shows a good grasp of the casual violence and spy network that underpinned the Roman Empire and her handling of faith issues is delicate and unforced. For instance, after meeting a blind merchant, Marcus remarks to his brother: “It must be very hard to do business like that, never seeing anything...” “Aquilus paused before answering. “Everyone has some difficulty they have to overcome. But God always gives us the strength to overcome it, if we ask Him. He’ll never test us beyond our strength.” The treatment of the growing romance between Aquilus and Cecilia is also sensitive and yet realistic. The author includes a glossary at the end, explaining words such as “trinclinium”, “lacerna” and “hypocaust”, for those not familiar with Roman terms and usages.

She began writing after winning a short story competition in a Catholic newspaper, explaining: “The characters stayed with me and I found that I wanted to learn more about them and to know what they would do. So I gradually developed plot point, taking advantage of any spare time I had during my studies, and I learnt to appreciate how hard it is to write and how much work, research and patience goes into writing anything.” This fine achievement is the result.

© 2009 Francis Phillips

Theotokos Catholic Books - Book Reviews Section - www.theotokos.org.uk