This is one of my all-time favorite children's books, even though I didn't discover it until I was an adult. There is something immensely appealing about a story where even a twelve-year-old boy can significantly affect the world around him. Early on, we learn that Marco, his father, Stefan, and their servant Lazarus are Samavian nationals in exile from their beloved country. They travel from country to country, are very poor, and there is some mystery to their lifestyle. Marco and his father are very close. Marco's love for his father is evident in everything he does. Stefan's love for Marco is equally apparent, as is a different sort of protectiveness than is seen in most families. I loved the trust that Stefan showed Marco and the respectful interest he showed in the things that Marco told him.
Marco learned from a very young age how to be quiet about their lives. Though well-traveled, when living in a country, he appears to be from that country. If they return to a city after time away, they live in a new area and do not visit old neighborhoods. Marco has learned to entertain himself and knows the pleasures of free libraries and free days at museums. Once in a while, he makes a friend during their time in a city. Here, Marco has just moved to London and has gone exploring to learn about his new neighborhood and refresh his memories of the city. He stumbles on a group of boys known as "The Squad," led by a disabled boy known as The Rat.
Jem Ratcliffe is the son of a former schoolmaster who has fallen on hard times and taken to drinking. The Rat is fascinated by military and war-related things and has trained his "men" in drilling and maneuvers. His first encounter with Marco begins with him throwing a rock at Marco and ends with an unexpected friendship. Marco and The Rat bond over their love of Samavia, though The Rat only knows about it from what is in the newspapers. The Rat has an amazingly vivid and complex imagination and creates a game that involves two boys who spread the word of a Lost Prince found and a throne to take back.
Meanwhile, Stefan and Lazarus are seen to be involved in something highly secretive. As the news of Samavia becomes more dire, their fears for their homeland grow. There is also a glimmer of hope that a descendant of their Lost Prince could be found and restored to the throne. Stefan is interested in hearing about his son's new friend and is intrigued by The Game they play, even making the occasional suggestion.
When The Rat's father dies, he goes to Marco and Stefan for help. I loved the kindness and compassion that Stefan showed the boy and its effect on him. The Rat's reaction was perhaps a little excessive, but Stefan often had that effect on people. He was stunned when Stefan invited him to join their family. As things go from bad to worse in Samavia, we see an increase in Stefan's secret activities, and that Marco also plays a part. With The Rat's arrival, he, too, is included.
The tension of the book picks up when Stefan turns The Game into the real thing. Still under the guise of make-believe, he gives the boys tasks to learn and carry out, all in the spirit of pretend. Both boys sense that it has moved beyond that and are proved right when Stefan asks them to become the Bearers of the Sign. The powers-that-be believe that two boys can do things that would be suspicious in grown men. Even after reading the book many times, I am always glued to the pages as Marco and The Rat make their way across Europe, delivering their message. From the poor to the powerful, each recipient has their place. I love the descriptions of where they go and what they have to do each time. There are challenges to overcome, and no small amount of danger. The last stop is an emotional one and adds another piece to the reader's puzzle, and while The Rat suspects the truth, Marco is strangely oblivious. Quest completed, they return to London, only to find that Stefan is not there. I loved the building tension as they wait for word from him. I loved the conclusion and Marco's joy at being reunited with Stefan.
Written in 1915, it is easy to see the influences of the time on the story. Class differences are evident. Marco and Stefan are obviously of the upper class despite their impoverished circumstances. Stefan's commanding presence is made much of, as is Marco's demeanor. While The Rat isn't quite on the level they are because his father "used to be a gentleman," he is seen as a bit above his "Squad" members. Current events of the day appear to have influenced the setting, and the names have a definite Slavic influence. There are some hints of mysticism, also a big deal during that time.
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