Mistake [TRADE PAPER ]

A Roman soldier. A Jewish family. A choice that will define a legacy.

The Mistakefollows Marcus, born into privilege in Sardis, Asia Minor, where his unwed parents vie for his affection and loyalty. He inherits a dual legacy  combat genius from his Roman centurion father, Julius, and a fascination with Jewish learning from Miriam, his mother, born of a prosperous merchant family. When Julius is relocated to Caesarea, Judea's Roman Capitol, Marcus' parents marry. He grows up, amidst rising tensions between Romans and Jews and becomes the linchpin holding his family together.

Enter Yehonatan, Miriam's charismatic brother, who takes Marcus on a trade expedition. Exposed to a society of familial warmth and mysticism, Marcus is drawn away from the military world. As Julius' control intensifies, a destructive cycle ensues, threatening the family. Can Marcus preserve his family's unity amidst the turmoil?The Mistakeweaves a compelling tale of a mixed Jewish/Roman family's dynamics, against the backdrop of the Roman world, in a society which is on the cusp of change.

For readers interested in historical fiction, Roman history, Jewish history, and stories about family and identity."Set in Hadrianic Rome, The Mistake explores a boy torn between his Jewish faith and Roman heritage. A compelling reflection on identity, loyalty, and belonging—then and now. A powerful start to The Marcus Chronicles series." —Ali­na Adams,Jewish Book Council

Mara Schiffren was born in NYC and also spent time on the West Coast as a child. In college she competed in fencing and soccer, then moved to Israel to pursue the study of Jewish history and religion. She ultimately obtained a doctorate in the Study of Religion at Harvard University with a focus on Judaism in the classical period. She currently resides in North Salem, NY with her cat and dog, where she writes fiction and nonfiction and coaches l3µ