The Dolphins of Laurentum

by Caroline Lawrence

Book Overview

It's October AD 79. The arrival of a ragged man at the Geminus household sets in motion a series of events which take Flavia and her three friends to an opulent villa by the sea at Laurentum, a few... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1842550241
• ISBN13: 9781842550243
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Orion Children's Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

A Beautiful and Intriguing Book

The Dolphins of Laurentum finds Flavia and her father in a tight spot. Marcus Flavius Geminus' ship has sunk and he is the sole survivor having lost his cargo in which he put all of his money. Stumbling into his house, half-dead, Marcus is tended by Doctor Mordecai; but scarcely has the healing begun when two bankers demand full payment on a loan made to Marcus. As a result, it looks like Geminus family will loose their house in Ostia. But is someone manipulating the bankers? And why the sudden need for funds? Enter Pliny the Younger who takes the pressure off the imminent eviction by offering Marcus, the four children, Aristo and Miriam the villa of his uncle at Laurentum until things can be sorted out. Add to the mix an appearance by the slave dealer Verminaclius, a sunken ship with treasure inside and Pliny the Younger falling in love with Miriam and you have a remarkable addition to the Roman Mysteries series. Once again, Caroline Lawrence demonstrates she is a marvelous story-teller and her remarkable ability to bring ancient Rome to life. As the Roman Mysteries series continues the story develops in some interesting and unexpected directions that keep the reading enthralled.

Charming, Compelling, and a Very Entertaining Read

Here in the fifth book of the Roman Mysteries Sereis, which take place shortly after the events of the fourth book, The Assassins of Rome. Once again we join the steadfast group of Flavia, Nubia, Jonathan, and Lupus as they find themselves back home in Ostia. As with the previous books, this volume is set in the first century, 79 A.D, shortly after the eruption of Vesuvius. As we start out here, the group (along with Uncle Gaius (Flavia's Uncle who is staying with them since the destruction of his farm in The Secrets of Vesuvius), Aristo (their tutor), Miriam (Jonathan's Older Sister), Mordecai (Jonathan's Father, a physician) and all the dogs) are once again, home in Ostia getting back to their "normal" daily life...or so they think! Very shortly Flavia's father returns after many months away...and he is in very bad shape. Once again disaster looms for Flavia and her closest friends and family...since her father's ship was lost at sea, this creditors are threatening to sell the house (and all their possessions to repay the debt)...in no condition to deal with this, Falvia, her father (and the rest of the gang) are shipped off to Pliny's (the younger) seaside home, leaving Mordaci and Uncle Gaius to tend to the legal issue of the debt. Once ensconced at the seaside, our intrepid group learns of a treasure sunk just off the coast...a treasure that they become determined to recover...for each in the group has a special desire that this treasure can fulfill. Will the group recover the treasure? Will they all get their heart's desire? Will they save Falvia's home in Ostia? You'll have to read to find out! As with all the previous books in The Roman Mysteries series, Caroline Lawerence gives the reader an excellent glimpse into the daily life of the Roman people (of this era) and deals with wide ranging issues from Roman Law, the treatment of slaves, the division of the class system, the results of a natural disaster on the economy and the people, and the very depth of human nature. As with the previous books, The Assassins of Rome it manages to address a lot of series issues, give a solid look at life in the given time period, and still be entertaining and fun to read! This fifth book in the series returns to the focus of the group of four, though the story is clearly that of Lupus as we learn more about his past and how he came to be who he is now. As in the previous books, the adults play only a brief role at the beginning and end of the story. Overall, this was a highly enjoyable mystery/thriller/adventure book for young readers that is heavy on the details of Roman daily life and is highly descriptive with likable and believable characters (for the most part). I give it four stars and would recommend it in a heartbeat! We are certainly looking forward to continuing through the remaining books in the series (12 in all).

Really Really Interesting...

Why does Lupus have no tongue? Why did he almost kill Venelicius? What are spongesticks used for? Those questions are aswered in the 4th book of the Roman Mysteries!!! I really liked this book! It is funny, has dolphins in it, answers questions, has good characters, and is a little predictable. I like books that when you guess - you are right =0) (written by a 9yr old girl)

A wonderful story about a young girl's life in Rome.

Flavia Gemina, hasn't heard of her father for four months. He is a sea captain and the last time she saw him was when he headed west on his spice ship. So Flavia is rather shocked when a mute and old-looking man ends up on her doorstep, happening to be her father. Moments of shock pass, and Flavia learns that she is about to lose everything that she owns. Running away with her three friends, Flavia finds herself on a beach, where treasure seemingly lies. This was a memorable and interesting new and good book to this fantastic series.

Great

This is a great book, with treasure and a couple of new cahracters that did not appear in the first few of the series. Read it now!!!