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The Puppet Master
How much of his story should he tell? Most importantly of all – can he even trust himself to tell it?
1579. Nico Cusmano, an old man in ill health, sits in a reception room in his brother Edo’s Milanese villa. He will tell the story of his life, and that of Edo. Of their rise from the humblest of peasant childhoods in the Aeolian Islands to their triumph as the most famous puppeteers and showmen of the Palermo court of the Viceroy.
But his story is also one of brutal family tragedy and madness. Of jealousies and betrayals, and the looming presence of the Inquisition.
At its heart is the figure of Hadice, a woman loved by both brothers, sitting just feet away from him as he begins to speak.
1579. Nico Cusmano, an old man in ill health, sits in a reception room in his brother Edo’s Milanese villa. He will tell the story of his life, and that of Edo. Of their rise from the humblest of peasant childhoods in the Aeolian Islands to their triumph as the most famous puppeteers and showmen of the Palermo court of the Viceroy.
But his story is also one of brutal family tragedy and madness. Of jealousies and betrayals, and the looming presence of the Inquisition.
At its heart is the figure of Hadice, a woman loved by both brothers, sitting just feet away from him as he begins to speak.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2024
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September 16, 2024
Set against the backdrop of the Aeolian Islands in the 1500s, The Puppet Master is a captivating novel that weaves together themes of family, love, heartbreak, and tragedy, with the unique art of puppeteering at its core. The story follows brothers Edo and Nico, who are raised by their father to create and perform puppet shows across the islands. However, one fateful day changes the course of their lives forever.
As someone with a deep appreciation for Italy, this novel resonated with me. The narrative beautifully captures the brothers’ journey from childhood through adulthood and into their twilight years. Their divergent paths, shaped by pivotal choices, are explored in a thought-provoking and engaging way.
I’d highly recommend this novel to readers who have a passion for Italy, historical settings, or family dynamics in literary fiction. A solid 4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing for the ARC.
As someone with a deep appreciation for Italy, this novel resonated with me. The narrative beautifully captures the brothers’ journey from childhood through adulthood and into their twilight years. Their divergent paths, shaped by pivotal choices, are explored in a thought-provoking and engaging way.
I’d highly recommend this novel to readers who have a passion for Italy, historical settings, or family dynamics in literary fiction. A solid 4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing for the ARC.
Displaying 1 of 1 review