SATURNALIA LB

Paul Fleischman grew up in Santa Monica, California in a house with a printing press, a grand piano, a shortwave radio, and his father—children’s author Sid Fleischman. Playing recorder in early music consorts led to his books of verbal duets—I Am Phoenix, Joyful Noise (winner of the 1989 Newbery Medal), and Big Talk. His novels built from monologues include Bull Run, a 16-character account of the Civil War's first battle, and Seedfolks—the chronicle of the first year of a Cleveland community garden. His interest in theater inspired his young adult novels Mind's Eye, Seek, and Breakout, all of which revolve around the spoken word. His historical fiction includes Saturnalia and The Borning Room. He's written nonfiction and picture books as well, including Time Train, Weslandia, and Sidewalk Circus.

Alongside the Newbery Medal, he's won a Newbery Honor Book, the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, the PEN West Literary Award, the California Young Reader Medal, and most recently was a finalist for the 2003 National Book Award. He makes his home in the village of Aromas, California.

In this rich and alluring historical novel, Fleischman ( Joyful Noise , Graven Images , Paths of the Pale Horse ) examines the attitudes of Puritan society, while focusing on the White Man's treatment of Indians and servants. At the center of the story is William, a Narraganset Indian who has been taken under the wing of Mr. Currie, a kind-hearted printer. Others in the cast include neighboring Bostonians: a hypocritical tithingman, a self-important wigmaker trailed by his not-so-loyal manservant, and a woodcarver haunted by his past. The action takes place around the time of Saturnalia, the day on which ancient Romans traded places with their slaves. Although few townspeople practice the pagan ritual, on that day many experience ironic twists of fate. With exceptional skill, Fleischman evokes an aura of days gone by through a series of interrelated vignettes. Offering lyrical prose, resonant themes and a tragicomic tone, this story will captivate those who seek a challenging and enlightening read. Ages 12-up.
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