I read this poorly for the first half (in small chunks) and then in one or two grand sweeps during the second half and this affected my feelings towards the book. If I had read it in greater chunks then I think I would have given it a higher rating. The writing is very well done and the characters are all well drawn, it's pacey (esp. the second half) and it's clear that Westall knows his history. The place, artefacts and people certainly felt like 'real' people. A few words may be questionable when read in class but careful planning would avoid these issues.