Paging Through Pompeii

A review of the historical fiction novel Curses and Smoke by Vicky Alvear Shecter.

First of all, I read this book in two days, so that right there is a pretty good indicator how how much I enjoyed it!

Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres (second only to fantasy), and before reading this book, it'd been a while since I read a book in that genre. It's been even longer since I read a historical fiction book that captured my attention and heart like this one did.

Curses and Smoke is compelling love story, that somewhat reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. This novel tells the tale of Lucia, the daughter of a man who owns one of Pompeii's gladiator schools, and a slave of her household: Tag. Lucia, who is betrothed to a much older man, seeks the friendship of Tag while she is struggling with the fact that her father is essentially selling her into a different kind of slavery: a loveless marriage to an older man.

Along the way, Lucia and Tag find that their childhood friendship has blossomed into something more. But can their love for each other overcome the rigid social standings of Ancient Rome? You'll just have to read it to find out!

Not only are the characters and their relationships incredibly intriguing and compelling, from Lucia and Tag's forbidden friendship, to Lucia's strained relationship with her father, and Tag's near-friendship with Roman patrician Quintius, but these are also characters that leap off the page. Together they weave a web of intrigue, romance, and heartfelt honesty underneath the brooding shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

The historical fact woven into this story is done in a very beautiful way. One thing I really liked about my copy of this book (the Scholastic Books edition) was that it had an excerpt from the author (who is a historian) about how she conducted the research for her book, and why she chose to add, and leave out, certain elements.

All in all, this book was a really great read! It took up time during a road-trip, and sent me from the boring landscape of southern Nevada into the rich city of Pompeii before the explosion of Mount Vesuvius. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages who enjoy a good romance, mixed in with intrigue and historical fact. Be prepared for quite the plot twist, as well!

Curses and Smoke by Vicky Alvear Shecter - 5 out of 5 stars