Jamila Gavin’s excellent historical novel The Blood Stone, has been recast for a younger readership in Danger by Moonlight. It is rooted in the true story of a Venetian jeweller, Geronimo Veronese, who visited the Moghul court of Shah Jehan in the 17th century and is believed to have inspired the Shah to create the Taj Mahal. In Gavin’s story, Veronese is captured by Afghan bandits and the son he never met must travel to pay his ransom with the family’s most precious jewel. There is enough excitement on the perilous journey, alongside big questions about trust and betrayal, to keep seven- to 10-year-olds hooked.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
