The Master of Verona is the type of book that is right up my alley. I love historical fiction, especially stories about royalty and political intrigue in Medieval times. So it is no wonder that I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. David Blixt's story tells the tale of Pietro, the son of Dante Alighieri of Inferno fame, Canagrande Della Scala, the ruler of Verona, and even the beginnings of the Montague/Capulet feud. This book is filled with fascinating characters. Along with the many interesting main characters, Pietro, Cangrande, Mastino, and yes, Romeo, I especially enjoyed those of Antonia Alighieri and Katarina Della Scala. Blixt transforms these women into complex, unconventional characters which makes them stand out in the story. The major plot line of this book is fascinating by itself, but it was the many subplots and details included in the book that also caught my attention and helped me to devour this book. The inclusion of the Montague/Capulet families and the beginning of the feud made so famous by Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet, as well as others from Shakespeare's Italian stories is both a bonus and a delight. As are the other subplots included in the book. And I have to say, Blixt's description of life in Italy during the 1300s are beautifully done.
All in all this book is a great one by a wonderful author. I look forward to reading more of his work. I hope they are all as good as this one.
