This took place in 1681 when some observed Saturnalia, where masters and servants changed places for 24 hours once a year. This was frowned upon by the Puritans. (of course it was!) This was the tale of William, a rescued Narraganset from the latest slaughter. He worked as an apprentice and the book focuses on him trying to find his brother. This was a YA book. What I found interesting was the tithingman, a church official, who entered Puritan homes and quizzed the children on the Bible. If they did not do well, they were hit or switched in front of the parents! Not much substance to the book, but I think younger readers might like it. 121 pages ( )

I liked the structure of Saturnalia, with the story being passed from character to character as their lives touched. The actual story, though, was a little too quick and shallow for me. Probably because I'm way older than when I first read it! ( )

Short Summary:
William is both an apprentice for a printer and a servant who is in a tribe and searching for his lost brother- two things that don't work well together in his world. He faces his double roles when the celebration of Saturnalia happens, when the masters and slaves switch roles.

Personal Reflection:
I don't want to say I hated this book, but I am not a fan. I felt that the illustrations were nice when they were there, but the book was extremely complex and even blew over my head a couple of times. The plot was fairly complex, and I guess I didn't feel that true times of the slaves/servants were accurately portrayed. i am glad I read it though, because I could see how it would appeal to a kid.

William is an apprentice and a servant who is mistreated by those above his social position. He risks his position by pursuing a connection to his family from whom he was separated.

The book would be useful in a discussion about slaves and servants. ( )