Caroline Snedeker’s The Forgotten Daughter is a historical novel set in 2nd century B.C. Rome. It explores themes of identity, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of Roman society. As a Newberry Honor book, it holds a place of recognition in children's literature, though it is a story that requires some consideration before handing it to a young reader.
The novel begins with Roman centurion Laevinius, who conquers a part of Sparta and takes a shipload of Greek slaves. Among them is the intelligent and courageous Chloe, whose bravery at sea earns Laevinius’s admiration and love. He marries her and takes her to his country estate outside of Rome, where they have a son who tragically dies. When Chloe becomes pregnant again, Laevinius is called away for an extended period of time. When he returns, he is told that she and their child have died. In reality, their daughter, young Chloe, survives but is raised as a slave, enduring harsh treatment under a cruel overseer. Chloe’s only comfort is a kindly slave woman who loved her mother and teaches her about her Greek heritage.
The first half of the book is fairly bleak. The Roman history is included in interesting ways, but the story is filled with challenging themes and hardship. Young Chloe's suffering, including instances of severe beatings, makes for difficult reading. However, as the novel progresses, the tone shifts, and we see fascinating glimpses into life on a Roman country estate. The story also includes a considerable amount of discussion about the worship of Roman and Greek gods, adding historical interest to the historical setting.
As Chloe matures into a young woman, multiple storylines emerge regarding her future, including two potential marriages. Ultimately, the novel takes a dramatic turn when Chloe is reunited with her father. Up to this point, readers have been led to despise Laevinius for abandoning his daughter, only to be presented with new information that alters our perception of him and reshapes the story overall.
While The Forgotten Daughter is an engaging and well-researched historical novel, it does explore some mature themes, including the use of slaves as mistresses, the brutal treatment of slaves, and the Roman cultural acceptance of suicide. These themes are handled with sensitivity, but they may make the book more suitable for older young readers rather than younger children. It is a book worth reading but one that requires thoughtful consideration before being recommended to a young audience.