City of Masks by Mary Hoffman Date of Publication: 2002 ISBN: 0439650194 Number of Pages: 340

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: High
GENRES: Fantasy, Adventure
THEMES: Appearance versus Reality, Good versus Evil, Coming of Age, Sacrifice and Redemption, Loyalty, Friendship, Family, Life versus Death

SUMMARY:
Lucien is an English boy in modern-day London, suffering from cancer and dealing with chemotherapy. In an attempt to interest him in something, Lucien’s dad starts telling him stories about Venice, and brings him a book that appears to be from there. As he falls asleep with the book in his hand, however, Lucien finds himself in a mysterious, Venice-like place called Bellezza, back in the 1600’s.

Arianna is a young girl defiantly trying to make her fortune and change her fate in the town of Bellezza on the day that Lucien “arrives.” When they meet, her fortunes do change, but not in the way she intended.

Lucien’s arrival sets in motion a long chain of events. First, both he and Arianna come under the notice of the ruler of Bellezza, the Duchessa, as well as some less savory characters. Lucien then discovers he is a Stravagante, a time-traveler, and begins his training in the arts of alchemy and medieval “science” with the wise Senator Rudolpho, who happens to be the longtime paramour of the Duchessa. He and Arianna continue their friendship, and she becomes his tour guide and confidante. When Lucien accidentally foils the first of two treasonous plots to kill the beautiful and powerful Duchessa, his purpose in coming to Bellezza appears to be explained. Still, the forces of political evil are determined, and both Lucien and Arianna become pawns in their plot. As the Duchessa uses her wiles to defeat her foes, a number of secrets are revealed. To complicate matters, Lucien’s cancer returns with a vengeance back in England, and he finds himself torn between his two identities and the people he loves. Arianna, too, learns her identity is not what she has always believed it to be, and that she must also make some hard choices. As they set their fates and their futures in motion, the two learn that wearing masks in sometimes necessary in order for life to go on the way it should…

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...

• liked The Thief Lord and/or stories about Venice
• likes tales with plot twists and revelations of family intrigue
• enjoys a strong female character who defies tradition
• likes stories in the real past, or fantastical past
• likes political intrigue
• has personal connections with chemotherapy and terminal illnesses, or is interested in them

WHAT ELSE?
The apparent death of the male protagonist from a brain tumour may upset some students, though his continued life in Bellezza should make them feel better, as should his “visits” with his parents in London. His future and experiences will make for some great conversations in literature circles, as will the actions of the Duchessa and Arianna.

This is the first of a trilogy, with the second book, City of Stars, available now, and the third book, City of Flowers, due later in 2005. There is also an audio version of this first book available for purchase.

RELATED LINKS:
Author's Website
The Official Stravaganza Website
Author's biography
Review by Kids