Download City of Masks (Stravaganza, #1) by Mary Hoffman in PDF EPUB Format
STRAVAGANZA City of Masks: A Book Review
Have you ever wished you could travel to another world? A world where magic is real, where history is different, where beauty and danger coexist? If so, you might want to check out STRAVAGANZA City of Masks by Mary Hoffman. This is the first book in a series of six novels that explore the adventures of a group of young people who can stravagate - that is, travel between two parallel worlds: our modern-day world and a fantasy version of Renaissance Italy called Talia.
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Introduction
In this section, I will introduce you to the book by answering three questions: What is STRAVAGANZA City of Masks? Who is Mary Hoffman? And why should you read this book?
What is STRAVAGANZA City of Masks?
STRAVAGANZA City of Masks is a fantasy novel for young adults published in 2002. It tells the story of Lucien Mulholland, a 16-year-old boy from London who is diagnosed with a brain tumor. He receives a mysterious gift from his father: an old notebook with a silver cover. When he falls asleep holding the notebook, he finds himself transported to another world: Talia, a country that resembles Italy in the 16th century. There, he meets Arianna Gasparini, a girl who lives in Bellezza, a city that is modeled after Venice. She introduces him to the Stravaganti, a secret society of people who can travel between worlds using talismans like Lucien's notebook. Lucien soon discovers that he has a special role to play in Talia's history, as he gets involved in a political intrigue involving the Duchessa of Bellezza and the powerful Di Chimici family.
Who is Mary Hoffman?
Mary Hoffman is an English author who has written over 100 books for children and young adults. She was born in 1945 and studied at Cambridge University. She started her writing career as a freelance journalist and critic, before publishing her first novel in 1975. She is best known for her historical and fantasy fiction, such as the Amazing Grace series, the David series, and the Stravaganza series. She has also written non-fiction books on topics such as feminism, mythology, and religion. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and three daughters.
Why should you read this book?
You should read this book if you are looking for a thrilling and imaginative story that combines fantasy, history, and mystery. You will enjoy exploring Talia's rich and diverse culture, learning about its art, architecture, politics, religion, and fashion. You will also relate to the characters' struggles and emotions, as they deal with issues such as identity, freedom, love, loyalty, betrayal, and courage. You will be hooked by the plot's twists and turns, as well as by the suspense and danger that lurk behind every corner. You will also be intrigued by the concept of stravagation and the rules and secrets that govern it. And finally, you will be inspired by the message of the book, which is that everyone has the power to change their destiny and make a difference in the world.
Plot Summary
In this section, I will give you a brief summary of the plot of the book, focusing on the main characters, the setting, the conflict, and the resolution.
The main characters
The protagonist of the book is Lucien Mulholland, a 16-year-old boy from London who is suffering from a brain tumor. He is shy, quiet, and artistic. He loves drawing and reading, especially about history and mythology. He feels lonely and misunderstood by his family and friends, who don't know how to cope with his illness. He finds solace in his stravagations to Talia, where he adopts the name Luciano Crinamorte (meaning "death of a lock of hair" in Italian, referring to his chemotherapy-induced hair loss). He becomes friends with Arianna Gasparini, a 15-year-old girl from Bellezza who dreams of becoming a mandolier (a gondolier) like her father. She is brave, rebellious, and independent. She hates the restrictions imposed on her by her society, which expects women to be submissive and obedient. She disguises herself as a boy to pursue her passion for rowing and to join the Stravaganti. She develops a romantic interest in Lucien, whom she calls "Lucia" as a nickname.
The other main characters are the Stravaganti, a secret society of people who can travel between worlds using talismans. They are led by Rodolfo Rossi, a doctor and scientist who lives in Padavia (based on Padua). He is Lucien's mentor and guide in Talia. He is wise, kind, and curious. He is also the lover of the Duchessa of Bellezza, Silvia Bellini, who is the ruler of the city. She is beautiful, elegant, and charismatic. She is also cunning, ambitious, and ruthless. She has many enemies, especially among the Di Chimici family, who want to overthrow her and take control of Bellezza. The other Stravaganti are: William Dethridge, an elderly Englishman who lives in Oxford and is the first stravagator; Enrico Poggi, a printer and bookseller who lives in Giglia (based on Florence); Paolo Montalbano, a glassmaker who lives in Remora (based on Siena); and Guido Parola, a student who lives in Classe (based on Ravenna).
The setting: Talia and Bellezza
The book is set in two parallel worlds: our modern-day world and Talia, a fantasy version of Renaissance Italy. Talia is divided into 12 city-states, each with its own culture, history, and politics. The city-states are: Bellezza (Venice), Padavia (Padua), Giglia (Florence), Remora (Siena), Classe (Ravenna), Fortezza (Lucca), Volana (Bologna), Romula (Rome), Burlesca (Naples), Moresco (Sicily), Torrone (Turin), and Spada (Milan). Talia is also home to some magical creatures, such as winged horses called taloxa, talking statues called echo stones, and mermaids called nixies.
The main setting of the book is Bellezza, a city that is built on islands in a lagoon. It is famous for its canals, bridges, palaces, churches, and masks. It is ruled by the Duchessa Silvia Bellini, who is elected for life by the Council of Twelve. The Duchessa has absolute power over the city, but she also has many enemies who want to overthrow her or assassinate her. The most dangerous of them are the Di Chimici family, who rule most of Talia with an iron fist. They are greedy, cruel, and corrupt. They have a long-standing feud with Bellezza over trade and territory. They also despise the Stravaganti, whom they consider heretics and rebels.
The conflict: The Duchessa and the Di Chimici
The resolution: The Stravaganti and the Carnival
The climax of the book occurs during the Carnival of Bellezza, a festive and colorful celebration that lasts for a week. During this time, the Duchessa reveals her face to the public for the first time in her life. She also announces her intention to marry Rodolfo Rossi, the leader of the Stravaganti. This provokes the wrath of the Di Chimici, who plot to assassinate her during the wedding ceremony. They also plan to kidnap Lucien and Arianna, who have become close allies of the Duchessa.
However, their scheme is foiled by the Stravaganti, who use their talismans and their wits to outsmart and defeat them. Lucien plays a crucial role in saving the Duchessa's life, as he uses his notebook to stravagate between worlds and warn her of the impending danger. He also helps Arianna escape from her captors and reunite with her father. In the end, the Duchessa and Rodolfo get married, and Bellezza remains free and independent. Lucien and Arianna confess their love for each other, and Lucien decides to stay in Talia with her. He also learns that his tumor has disappeared, thanks to his stravagations. He is happy and hopeful for his future in his new world.
Analysis
In this section, I will analyze the book by discussing its themes, style, strengths, and weaknesses.
The themes: Identity, freedom, and love
One of the main themes of the book is identity. The book explores how the characters define themselves and how they cope with change. Lucien struggles with his identity as a cancer patient and a stravagator. He feels alienated from his old life and his old self. He finds a new sense of belonging and purpose in Talia, where he can be someone else. He also discovers his true potential and destiny as a stravagator. Arianna struggles with her identity as a girl and a mandolier. She rebels against the gender norms and expectations of her society. She wants to be free to pursue her passion and her dreams. She also finds her true self and happiness in Lucien, who accepts her for who she is.
Another theme of the book is freedom. The book explores how the characters fight for their freedom and how they value it. The Duchessa fights for Bellezza's freedom from the Di Chimici's oppression. She risks her life and her reputation to defend her city and her people. She also values her personal freedom to choose her own husband and her own destiny. The Stravaganti fight for their freedom to travel between worlds and to use their gifts for good. They face many dangers and challenges from their enemies and from their own rules. They also value their freedom to express their individuality and creativity through their talismans.
A third theme of the book is love. The book explores how the characters experience love and how it affects them. Lucien and Arianna experience love as a powerful force that transcends worlds and barriers. They overcome their differences and their difficulties to be together. They also inspire each other to grow and to change for the better. Rodolfo and Silvia experience love as a source of strength and support. They complement each other's skills and personalities. They also protect each other from harm and from loneliness.
The style: Fantasy, history, and mystery
The book is written in a style that combines fantasy, history, and mystery. The book uses fantasy elements such as parallel worlds, magic, and mythical creatures to create a sense of wonder and adventure. The book also uses historical elements such as real places, events, and figures to create a sense of realism and authenticity. The book also uses mystery elements such as secrets, clues, and puzzles to create a sense of suspense and intrigue.
and feelings of multiple characters. This helps the reader to understand their motivations and emotions. The book also uses descriptive language and imagery to create a vivid picture of the settings and the scenes. The book also uses dialogue and humor to create a lively and engaging tone.
The strengths: Imagination, diversity, and suspense
One of the strengths of the book is its imagination. The book creates a fascinating and original world that captivates the reader's attention and curiosity. The book also introduces a unique and intriguing concept of stravagation and its rules and secrets. The book also invents some creative and memorable talismans and creatures that add to the magic and charm of the story.
Another strength of the book is its diversity. The book features a diverse and dynamic cast of characters that represent different genders, ages, backgrounds, and personalities. The book also portrays a diverse and rich culture of Talia that reflects its historical and geographical influences. The book also explores a diverse and complex range of themes and issues that are relevant and relatable to the reader.
A third strength of the book is its suspense. The book keeps the reader hooked and interested by creating a fast-paced and action-packed plot that is full of twists and turns. The book also builds up tension and excitement by creating a high-stakes and dangerous conflict that threatens the lives and happiness of the characters. The book also surprises and satisfies the reader by creating a satisfying and unexpected resolution that resolves the conflict and rewards the characters.
The weaknesses: Complexity, confusion, and coincidence
One of the weaknesses of the book is its complexity. The book introduces too many characters, places, names, terms, and details that can be confusing and overwhelming for the reader. The book also switches between multiple perspectives, timelines, and worlds that can be hard to follow and keep track of. The book also assumes too much prior knowledge and familiarity from the reader about Italian history and culture that can be alienating and frustrating for some readers.
Another weakness of the book is its confusion. The book leaves some questions unanswered and some plot holes unresolved that can be unsatisfying and disappointing for the reader. The book also creates some inconsistencies and contradictions in its logic and rules that can be illogical and implausible for the reader. The book also relies too much on exposition and explanation rather than showing and demonstrating through actions and events.
A third weakness of the book is its coincidence. The book uses too many coincidences and conveniences to move the plot forward and to solve the problems that can be unrealistic and unconvincing for the reader. The book also makes some characters act out of character or make irrational decisions to serve the plot that can be unnatural and unbelievable for the reader. The book also gives some characters too much luck or power to overcome their challenges that can be unfair and unbalanced for the reader.
Conclusion
and the Di Chimici family, who want to overthrow her and take control of Bellezza. He also discovers his destiny and his love in Talia.
The book is written in a style that combines fantasy, history, and mystery. It explores themes such as identity, freedom, and love. It features a diverse and dynamic cast of characters and a rich and diverse culture of Talia. It also creates a fast-paced and action-packed plot that is full of twists and turns.
The book also has some weaknesses, such as its complexity, confusion, and coincidence. It introduces too many characters, places, names, terms, and details that can be confusing and overwhelming for the reader. It also leaves some questions unanswered and some plot holes unresolved that can be unsatisfying and disappointing for the reader. It also uses too many coincidences and conveniences to move the plot forward and to solve the problems that can be unrealistic and unconvincing for the reader.
Overall, I think this book is a great read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, history, and mystery. It is a thrilling and imaginative story that will transport you to another world and make you feel like a stravagator yourself. I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure, romance, and magic.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book:
What is the meaning of the title STRAVAGANZA City of Masks?
The title STRAVAGANZA City of Masks refers to two things: the stravagation, which is the ability to travel between worlds using talismans; and the city of Bellezza, which is known for its masks and its Carnival. The title suggests that the book is about a city that hides its secrets behind masks and a group of people who can reveal them by stravagating.
Who are the Di Chimici family and why are they the enemies of the Duchessa and the Stravaganti?
The Di Chimici family are a powerful and wealthy family who rule most of Talia with an iron fist. They are based on the historical Medici family of Florence. They are the enemies of the Duchessa and the Stravaganti because they want to conquer Bellezza and eliminate its independence and freedom. They also despise the Stravaganti because they consider them heretics and rebels who defy their authority and their religion.
What are some of the talismans used by the Stravaganti and what do they represent?
Some of the talismans used by the Stravaganti are: Lucien's notebook, which represents his love for drawing and reading; Arianna's mandola (a type of lute), which represents her passion for music and rowing; Rodolfo's perfume bottle, which represents his skill as a doctor and a scientist; Enrico's printing press, which represents his profession as a printer and a bookseller; Paolo's glass dagger, which represents his craft as a glassmaker; Guido's mosaic tile, which represents his study as a student; William's astrolabe (a device for measuring celestial positions), which represents his knowledge as an astronomer.
What are some of the differences between Talia and our world?
Some of the differences between Talia and our world are: Talia has 12 city-states instead of one unified country; Talia has some magical creatures such as taloxa, echo stones, and nixies; Talia has a different calendar system based on zodiac signs; Talia has a different religion based on saints instead of gods; Talia has a different history that diverges from ours around the 13th century.
What are some of the similarities between Talia and our world?
, and music to ours; Talia has similar languages, customs, and values to ours; Talia has similar problems and challenges to ours, such as war, poverty, disease, and corruption.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about STRAVAGANZA City of Masks by Mary Hoffman. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with me. Thank you for your time and attention. 71b2f0854b