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[malabar]

From the author of the young adult books Wolf Brother and Spirit Walker.

I first encountered Paver's writing in her young adult books and was surprised to see that she has also written several for the mainstream market.
This one traces two love affairs, one in ancient Rome, the other in present-day England and France.

In the last days of Republican Rome, Cassius the soldier and poet fell in love with Tacita Cornelia, a patrician girl of 16. They were unable to marry, and as Cassius was sent back to the front in Gaul, Tacita dumped him to wed an old, rich suitor favoured by her father. She never explained why.

In 1988, Antonia Hunt is leading an archaeological dig in southwestern France. She's been fascinated by the poetry of Cassius since she was a child, especially his mysterious muse, whom he calls Lycaris. It looks like she might be about to solve the mystery when Patrick McMullan, her boyfriend Myles's classmate, discovers an important artifact. But everything goes horribly wrong, and the precious item is lost.

Twelve years later, the now-discredited Antonia returns to the site in an attempt to find the lost artifact, or, failing that, some meaning in her life. Strangely, everyone she knew in 1988 seems to still be around. Will history repeat itself? If so, which bits?

I found Paver's writing equally irresistable in this book as in her kids' books. Even the more or less predictable plot didn't detract from my enjoyment. Fun, light, a quick read.