What do you think?
Rate this book
Giordano Bruno #0.7
A Christmas Requiem
At the heart of the Eternal City, danger hides around every corner…
Rome, 1569. When novice monk Giordano Bruno is told the pope wants to see him, his first thought is that it must be a joke. The second is that it must be a trap.
Young Bruno’s talent for complex memory games has caught the attention of the Lord’s Vicar. Summoned to Rome, the city captures Bruno’s imagination, and he soon slips away from his suspicious, austere host Fra Agostino da Montalcino, drawn instead to more glamorous, sophisticated companions.
But accusations of heresy are only ever a whisper away, and Rome is a city of intrigue, trickery and blood. Bruno soon realises he will be lucky to escape the Eternal City alive.
Rome, 1569. When novice monk Giordano Bruno is told the pope wants to see him, his first thought is that it must be a joke. The second is that it must be a trap.
Young Bruno’s talent for complex memory games has caught the attention of the Lord’s Vicar. Summoned to Rome, the city captures Bruno’s imagination, and he soon slips away from his suspicious, austere host Fra Agostino da Montalcino, drawn instead to more glamorous, sophisticated companions.
But accusations of heresy are only ever a whisper away, and Rome is a city of intrigue, trickery and blood. Bruno soon realises he will be lucky to escape the Eternal City alive.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
173 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Parris
29 books985 followersPseudonym for author Stephanie Merritt
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 15, 2024
4.5 stars
short review for busy readers:
Not very festive, but still a highly enjoyable, heart-pounding adventure for iconoclastic Renaissance monk, Giordano Bruno.
in detail:
Bruno is summoned to Rome for an audience with the Pope, ostensibly to demonstrate his memory technique. Even though he's suspicious of the invitation, he can't begin to fathom how many layers of political manoeuvring have been heaped on his clueless back...and how deadly they might become.
The only Christmassy thing about this one is a holiday banquet, otherwise, it could take place at any other time of the year. That's misleading, considering readers might be attracted to this one simply by the title.
Also, a bit too much time is spent describing the sights of Rome, and the details of clothing and food, for my taste. That doesn't lessen the impressively thorny tangle of the story - Bruno is a tourist after all and it's all new to him - but, at least for me, it sort of read like filler at times.
My ratings for the Bruno novellas:
The Secret Dead 4 stars
The Academy of Secrets 5 stars
A Christmas Requiem 4.5 stars
short review for busy readers:
Not very festive, but still a highly enjoyable, heart-pounding adventure for iconoclastic Renaissance monk, Giordano Bruno.
in detail:
Bruno is summoned to Rome for an audience with the Pope, ostensibly to demonstrate his memory technique. Even though he's suspicious of the invitation, he can't begin to fathom how many layers of political manoeuvring have been heaped on his clueless back...and how deadly they might become.
The only Christmassy thing about this one is a holiday banquet, otherwise, it could take place at any other time of the year. That's misleading, considering readers might be attracted to this one simply by the title.
Also, a bit too much time is spent describing the sights of Rome, and the details of clothing and food, for my taste. That doesn't lessen the impressively thorny tangle of the story - Bruno is a tourist after all and it's all new to him - but, at least for me, it sort of read like filler at times.
My ratings for the Bruno novellas:
The Secret Dead 4 stars
The Academy of Secrets 5 stars
A Christmas Requiem 4.5 stars
December 25, 2024
Nativitas Domini Requiem
A review of the HarperCollins eBook (November 20, 2020).
A Christmas Requiem finds novice monk Giordano Bruno summoned by Pope Pius V to Rome to demonstrate his memory powers which empower him to quote the Psalms both backwards and forwards. However, the whole expedition is a trap which may end up ensnaring him into the hands of the Inquisition. Despite the title, there is nothing very Christmasy about this novella, although it does take place during late December 1569.
A portrait of Pope Pius V. Image sourced from Wikipedia by Bartolomeo Passarotti and workshop - https://art.thewalters.org/detail/23806/portrait-of-pope-pius-v/, Public Domain, Link.
This was yet another terrific prequel to the greater Giordano Bruno story told in the novels which find him having escaped Italy and after years of further adventures finally arriving in England where he becomes an agent of Elizabeth I's spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham.
I have now moved on to a re-read of the 1st full Giordano Bruno novel Heresy (2010) which I first read in my pre-GR / pre-reviewing without the benefit of the backstory which was written later in the prequel novellas.
Trivia and Links
S.J. Parris is the penname used by writer Stephanie Merritt for her historical fiction novels featuring Giordano Bruno.
S.J. Parris's fictional character Giordano Bruno is based on the real-life Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) [Note: Potential spoilers if you click through].
Aside from being available as individual eBooks, the Giordano Bruno prequel trilogy is collected in the anthology The Dead of Winter (2020).
A review of the HarperCollins eBook (November 20, 2020).
A Christmas Requiem finds novice monk Giordano Bruno summoned by Pope Pius V to Rome to demonstrate his memory powers which empower him to quote the Psalms both backwards and forwards. However, the whole expedition is a trap which may end up ensnaring him into the hands of the Inquisition. Despite the title, there is nothing very Christmasy about this novella, although it does take place during late December 1569.
A portrait of Pope Pius V. Image sourced from Wikipedia by Bartolomeo Passarotti and workshop - https://art.thewalters.org/detail/23806/portrait-of-pope-pius-v/, Public Domain, Link.
This was yet another terrific prequel to the greater Giordano Bruno story told in the novels which find him having escaped Italy and after years of further adventures finally arriving in England where he becomes an agent of Elizabeth I's spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham.
I have now moved on to a re-read of the 1st full Giordano Bruno novel Heresy (2010) which I first read in my pre-GR / pre-reviewing without the benefit of the backstory which was written later in the prequel novellas.
Trivia and Links
S.J. Parris is the penname used by writer Stephanie Merritt for her historical fiction novels featuring Giordano Bruno.
S.J. Parris's fictional character Giordano Bruno is based on the real-life Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) [Note: Potential spoilers if you click through].
Aside from being available as individual eBooks, the Giordano Bruno prequel trilogy is collected in the anthology The Dead of Winter (2020).
September 15, 2021
Another novella and a look at the early life of Giordano Bruno.
From the other books in the series we have learnt that Bruno has lived with the fear of being taken by The Inquisition because of his 'different' beliefs. Here we learn a little more of the reason.
The Monastery of San Domenico Maggiorre has received a request for Bruno to visit the Pope ( who is ex head of The Inquisition) in Rome to give him an example of his memory skill.
Is this a trap - of course it is but Bruno cant avoid the Papal request. As well as the Pope , Bruno finds trouble and danger from an unexpected source too.
From the other books in the series we have learnt that Bruno has lived with the fear of being taken by The Inquisition because of his 'different' beliefs. Here we learn a little more of the reason.
The Monastery of San Domenico Maggiorre has received a request for Bruno to visit the Pope ( who is ex head of The Inquisition) in Rome to give him an example of his memory skill.
Is this a trap - of course it is but Bruno cant avoid the Papal request. As well as the Pope , Bruno finds trouble and danger from an unexpected source too.
December 8, 2023
A novella set un Rome at Christmas with little seasonal cheer about it. Indeed like much of the series it is a secular humanist dismissal of Christian faith in general and the late medieval Catholic Church in particular. It lays out some of the background for the Bruno that readers have already encountered after leaving San Domenico, but also raises the spectre of what would ultimately happen to Bruno on his later visit to Rome.
November 30, 2022
This short story introduces us to Parris' hero Giordano Bruno (protagonist of her series of six books), at the tender age of 21, in the year 1569. He is already a monk and is summoned to Rome where he is required to demonstrate his extraordinary memory tricks to the Pope himself. He is able to recite any of the 150 Psalms upon request, in English, Latin or Italian, both forwards or backwards. This has raised eyebrows and hackles amongst the purists who are sniffing out heresy and witchcraft in the name if the Inquisition.
Owing to a lapse of good judgement, Bruno speaks unadvisedly in places where he shouldn't, slips away from his hosts, is dazzled by the city, drinks too much, gets in a brawl and narrowly avoids seduction by a woman who consequently makes his life extremely difficult. It's close to Christmas and he'll be lucky to see Christmas Day or even escape with his life.
Inevitably, and disappointingly short, but Parris knows her stuff and tells this festive tale with verve. Great characters, walking on eggshells during a tense time in history when the Catholic-Protestant conflict was aflame (literally) and the stakes were high. A great read.
Owing to a lapse of good judgement, Bruno speaks unadvisedly in places where he shouldn't, slips away from his hosts, is dazzled by the city, drinks too much, gets in a brawl and narrowly avoids seduction by a woman who consequently makes his life extremely difficult. It's close to Christmas and he'll be lucky to see Christmas Day or even escape with his life.
Inevitably, and disappointingly short, but Parris knows her stuff and tells this festive tale with verve. Great characters, walking on eggshells during a tense time in history when the Catholic-Protestant conflict was aflame (literally) and the stakes were high. A great read.
April 23, 2025
A Christmas Requiem (Giordano Bruno #0.7) by S. J. Parris is a further short instalment introduction into the life & times of Giordano Bruno, an eighteen-year-old who has recently taken his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order.
Set in Naples 1569 Bruno is told the Pope wants to meet him at the Vatican as part of the Christmas celebrations. Bruno's first thought is that it must be a prank and his second is that it must be a trap.
Seemingly, Bruno’s talent for memorising complex passages in multiple languages has caught the Papal attention. Are his memory feats a result of his intellect, or are they the product of witchcraft or some other heretic trickery worthy of examination by the Inquisition? Despite being ordered to keep a low profile by his seniors and to take absolute care by his friends and compatriots, when summoned to Rome, the city captures Bruno’s imagination, and he soon slips away from his suspicious, austere host Frior Agostino da Montalcino, drawn instead to more glamorous, sophisticated companions. Bruno is quickly drawn into multiple predicaments, which have the potential for him to be censured by the clergy, targeted by the Inquisition or worse, could his life be in danger?
This is the 3rd novella introduction which I've read in this series, and it continues not to be too drawn into historical facts and reads as a more modern story which happens to be told in a historical era. Sometimes historical fiction can become dry with an unnecessary desire to be "true to the time" but in this case the author doesn't fall into this trap.
Only ⭐⭐⭐ on this occasion as it felt a little obvious what was going to happen to Bruno. I'll certainly read another in the series, but I must admit to hoping that it doesn't become too formulaic and repetitive.
Set in Naples 1569 Bruno is told the Pope wants to meet him at the Vatican as part of the Christmas celebrations. Bruno's first thought is that it must be a prank and his second is that it must be a trap.
Seemingly, Bruno’s talent for memorising complex passages in multiple languages has caught the Papal attention. Are his memory feats a result of his intellect, or are they the product of witchcraft or some other heretic trickery worthy of examination by the Inquisition? Despite being ordered to keep a low profile by his seniors and to take absolute care by his friends and compatriots, when summoned to Rome, the city captures Bruno’s imagination, and he soon slips away from his suspicious, austere host Frior Agostino da Montalcino, drawn instead to more glamorous, sophisticated companions. Bruno is quickly drawn into multiple predicaments, which have the potential for him to be censured by the clergy, targeted by the Inquisition or worse, could his life be in danger?
This is the 3rd novella introduction which I've read in this series, and it continues not to be too drawn into historical facts and reads as a more modern story which happens to be told in a historical era. Sometimes historical fiction can become dry with an unnecessary desire to be "true to the time" but in this case the author doesn't fall into this trap.
Only ⭐⭐⭐ on this occasion as it felt a little obvious what was going to happen to Bruno. I'll certainly read another in the series, but I must admit to hoping that it doesn't become too formulaic and repetitive.
December 13, 2020
Voor - wat was het? - drie euro een no brainer als je (zoals ik) fan bent van Giordano Bruno (of, beter gezegd, de wereld die S.J. Parris daaromheen fabuleert in het Italië van de 16e eeuw). A Christmas Requiem is een soort van one stop shop in mini-formaat van de bijbehorende serie over Bruno. Er is (bijna) seks, moord, mysterie, rancune, politiek, wetenschap, katholicisme en plotwending. Er zijn sterke karakters (met een mooie historische inbedding), levendige plaatsen (zeker als je er ooit geweest bent werkt dit goed) en sterke dialogen (een van de vele pre's van Parris ten opzichte van haar historische-whodunnit-concurrenten). Plus: het is nog in een kerstsetting ook! Tel uit je winst.
(ik denk niet dat dit boek werkt als je al niet fan bent van de Bruno-serie - red.)
(ik denk niet dat dit boek werkt als je al niet fan bent van de Bruno-serie - red.)
October 15, 2025
My score for this book was around 3.5 stars. It is a very enjoyable read, laid out as a single chapter, and having a single theme of Bruno knowingly trapped in a visit to the Pope, in his 16th century papal guise as godfather to the Camorra-inquisition.
Bruno is warned against idle speech, particularly against temptations that might arise under the influence of alcohol, so you know how this is going to pan out.
The author strengths are in recreating the culture and environment in the mind of the reader; this is one of the main contributions to reader enjoyment.
Personally I thought I was a bit short-changed with this because it is so short and all the open ends are there to continue in the next book! Also, it is not really much to do with Christmas. The season contributes nothing to the plot; and it could be exploited much more than it was.
Bruno is warned against idle speech, particularly against temptations that might arise under the influence of alcohol, so you know how this is going to pan out.
The author strengths are in recreating the culture and environment in the mind of the reader; this is one of the main contributions to reader enjoyment.
Personally I thought I was a bit short-changed with this because it is so short and all the open ends are there to continue in the next book! Also, it is not really much to do with Christmas. The season contributes nothing to the plot; and it could be exploited much more than it was.
November 23, 2021
A shame that this was such a disappointment. For the most part I've enjoyed the Giordano Bruno series. But this was mis-titled (there was really nothing at all to do with Christmas other than the calendar dates on which the story happens to take place) and a misfit compared to the other books in the series. This is set before any of the other books, but published far later, and doesn't have any of the style or engagement of the actual Giordano Bruno historical mystery series. This was frankly a bit boring and not worth the effort.
April 17, 2021
Giordo Bruno as a young monk, he will not change, is shown as a very intelligent, impetuous and somewhat imprudent person, who bids to alter (and improve) knowledge of the universe in the sixteenth century. It is apparent that he can't succeed, but, with his books, he did establish a basis for advance in the future. An exciting and well written postscript, or introduction to the remaining stories of his life as written by this author.
November 28, 2020
Giordano Bruno in Rome
A young Giordano Bruno is commanded to visit the Pope in Rome, to discuss some of his new theories. A novella set during the scourge of the Inquisition , you can feel the atmosphere of terror and suspicion which surrounds the papal presence. An excellent read.
A young Giordano Bruno is commanded to visit the Pope in Rome, to discuss some of his new theories. A novella set during the scourge of the Inquisition , you can feel the atmosphere of terror and suspicion which surrounds the papal presence. An excellent read.
February 4, 2022
I had read all the other novels by S.J. Parris and are awaiting a new one at some point soon? please...
but this little book is a really good one as an introduction to the series as it tells you're about Bruno. I was not sure to count it as part of the 60 books I said I was going to read as it is only 100 pages in kindle! so might have to add another one this month. Good read,
but this little book is a really good one as an introduction to the series as it tells you're about Bruno. I was not sure to count it as part of the 60 books I said I was going to read as it is only 100 pages in kindle! so might have to add another one this month. Good read,
December 6, 2020
Another short but enjoyable excursion with Bruno, this time to meet the Pope at the heart of the Vatican. The trip does not go as expected but at least he gets to see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel which is more than can be said for most visitors to Vatican City these days.
December 30, 2020
This is surprisingly short and slight, more a sketch than fully developed novel. It makes a good job of suggesting how the real Bruno might have been - and there are pregnant hints of his fate - and of the paranoia and plotting of Rome at the time of the Catholic Reformation. But almost too rapid a read.
November 13, 2020
A enjoyed this short novella that gives an insight to Bruno early life
November 19, 2020
I,ve read a few of this series of books and they just get better.
November 22, 2020
Wasn't worth buying
This book is neither gripping nor worth buying. I was very disappointed. Please label short stories more clearly in the store.
This book is neither gripping nor worth buying. I was very disappointed. Please label short stories more clearly in the store.
December 13, 2020
Ok, nothing special
December 15, 2020
Good but no cigar
The story is a snapshot of Bruno’s early life. The relative shortness of the story led it down, that is really it’s only shortcoming
The story is a snapshot of Bruno’s early life. The relative shortness of the story led it down, that is really it’s only shortcoming
December 21, 2020
A brief and entertaining story of Bruno's early life. Great to be in his company again and only wish that this could have been a novel.
December 28, 2020
Quick read featuring a very young Giordano Bruno of Nola while waiting for her 6th book to be released in the New Year
January 7, 2021
Short but gripping.
Another tale of the antics of Giordano Bruno. Well written and a joy to read.
A taste of 16th century Rome and the life and times of the faith.
Another tale of the antics of Giordano Bruno. Well written and a joy to read.
A taste of 16th century Rome and the life and times of the faith.
February 20, 2021
A precursor to the Giordano Bruno series which like the others in this trilogy provide some context.
September 28, 2021
Another great story by S. J. Parris
November 19, 2022
My third time of reading this trilogy, on each occasion I find something different. Humour, which evaded me on previous readings have brought the character Bruno in the novellas really into the fore. His wit is astounding but the humour as a slight of the characters he’s conversing with is wonderful. I’m off to re-read Heresy and the next five books in the series over the winter months. Excellent reading.
December 16, 2022
What a good read! I'll be looking at the others in this series, for sure.
December 24, 2022
Short but neat
I am a fan of Bruno and was keen to read A Christmas Requiem . It gives a good insight into a younger Bruno .. I really enjoyed it
I am a fan of Bruno and was keen to read A Christmas Requiem . It gives a good insight into a younger Bruno .. I really enjoyed it
January 29, 2023
Short stories and a little into background of main character.
July 24, 2023
Enjoyable novella that gives an insight into Bruno's past.
May 2, 2024
The final novella in the Prequel Series for Bruno, where we see some of his experiences as a young man. In this story, he visits Rome and yet again has to escape a difficult situation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews