Introduction

A sweeping novel of Renaissance Italy, THE MASTER OF VERONA follows Pietro Alaghieri, eldest son of the poet Dante, as he's caught up by the charisma and genius of Verona's ruler, Cangrande della Scala. Pietro risks battles, duels, and murder to impress his new lord. At the heart of the story is an infernal plot against Cangrande's bastard heir, and the rivalry of two friends over the affections of a girl - a rivalry will sever a friendship, divide a city, and spark a feud that will someday produce the star-cross'd lovers.

Based on the plays of William Shakespeare, the poetry of Dante, and the history of Italy, THE MASTER OF VERONA is a novel of brutal warfare, lost friendship, and dire conspiracy, combining to create an epic journey into the birth of the Renaissance that recalls the best of Bernard Cornwell and Dorothy Dunnett.

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Excerpt

Prologue
Padua
16 September, 1314

Ciolo’s nerves jangled in time with his spurs as he looked about. During the whole ride they hadn’t seen a soul. Not on the road, not in the fields. No one at all.
“What does it mean?” asked Girolamo.
“I don’t know,” said Ciolo.
“Is Padua under siege?”
“I don’t know. Let’s keep going.”
“How will we get in?”
“Keep riding.”
“But…”
“Think of golden florins.”
“I’ve never been to Florence!”
“Shut up!” hissed Ciolo.
Empty fields gave way to empty suburbs. Some of the spaced-out hovels and shacks of the laborers were burnt out, but more were intact, even new. Ciolo saw fresh-cut timber struts and new bricks – marks of an old siege, not a new one. If there was a present siege the hovels would all be still-smoking hulks and by now he should have heard the sounds of hundreds of men muttering and cheering and singing, the stamp of impatient horses, the crack and whine of the siege machines, the smell of fire and filth. Ciolo’s nose twitched. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

What was unique about setting the novel in early 14th century Italy? Did it enhance or take away from the story?

What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? Which themes, if any, could be called “Shakespearean”?

Do you think the author has a “message” he wishes the reader to carry away? In what ways do the events in the book reveal evidence of the author's world view?

Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?

Who, or what, is The Greyhound? Who originated the prophecy?

How does Pietro change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger his changes?

Which female character is the most modern in spirit? Which the least?

Who is young Cesco “destined” to become? And which Shakespeare character will he turn into?

What Shakespeare characters make appearances in the novel? From which plays? Did you find them entertaining, or distracting?

The famous feud between the Montecchi and Capulletti families begins over a woman. Could it have been avoided? Who, if anyone, is most at fault?

Astrology and numerology are referenced several times, by several characters. Do you believe in these things? Did the book change your understanding of them?

Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?

Weblinks

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