Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (2008), 352 pages
Description
While sick in bed with cancer, Lucien begins making journeys to a place in a parallel world that resembles Venice, Italy, and he becomes caught up in the political intrigues surrounding the Duchessa who rules the city.
User reviews
LibraryThing member mybookshelf
Lucien suffers from cancer, and is tired all the time. When he is unable to speak, his father buys him a fancy notebook in which to record his thoughts. When Lucien falls asleep holding the notebook, he finds himself transported to the city of Belezza. He is suddenly well, with proper hair, and
This is a story full of courtly conspiracy: spies, bribery, assassins, and secret marriage. This is all set against the backdrop of the community of Belezza, where the citizens are represented as being somewhat reckless, and always in the mood to party and/or to show off. Lucien is initially only too delighted to find himself in the thick of things, and although he has always intended to return to his own world, there are some things he learns that he has little control over.
As well as travelling through space to get to Belezza, it becomes apparent that Lucien has travelled through time, or at least that time operates at a different rate there. Although not the first Stravagante to visit from our world, Lucien finds that, while centuries have elapsed between visitors for his world, Belezza is still in the sixteenth century. This means he must adapt to life without motorised transport, and has fun trying to explain modern concepts such as Internet and pizza to the incredulous Belezzans.
While most of the story is set in Belezza, in the nation of Talia parallel to our world’s Italy, there are also many scenes in our own recognisable world. Lucien lives with his parents in London, where he undergoes Chemotherapy and is visited by his friend from school. The notebook that begins his Stravagation appears to have come from Venice, and he develops a passionate interest in that city when he realises its similarities to Belezza.
Another significant character in this story is Arianna, a young Lagooner about to come of age. Although she loves the city passionately, Arianna is determined to rebel against some of its more pointless customs, particularly those related to specific genders. And while most citizens of Belezza worship the elegant Duchessa who presides over their city, Arianna is convinced that all the restrictions she faces are the Duchessa’s fault.
Arianna is the first person Lucien meets upon his arrival in Belezza, and they become afternoon companions and confidantes. Like her “Luciano”, Arianna discovers she, too, has a more significant destiny to fulfil in Belezza than she had originally anticipated.
Although this book contains many familiar elements, the story still manages (for the most part) to avoid predictability, spinning a magical tale of another life. This is the only children’s fiction inspired by Italy that I can recall reading, and it is always refreshing to read stories from a variety of settings. I would recommend this story to readers of either gender who like a book to make them go “wow”.
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accidentally becomes involved in the city’s political intrigues. In Belezza Lucien also becomes the apprentice of Rodolfo, master firework-maker and “Stravagante” – a traveller between parallel worlds.This is a story full of courtly conspiracy: spies, bribery, assassins, and secret marriage. This is all set against the backdrop of the community of Belezza, where the citizens are represented as being somewhat reckless, and always in the mood to party and/or to show off. Lucien is initially only too delighted to find himself in the thick of things, and although he has always intended to return to his own world, there are some things he learns that he has little control over.
As well as travelling through space to get to Belezza, it becomes apparent that Lucien has travelled through time, or at least that time operates at a different rate there. Although not the first Stravagante to visit from our world, Lucien finds that, while centuries have elapsed between visitors for his world, Belezza is still in the sixteenth century. This means he must adapt to life without motorised transport, and has fun trying to explain modern concepts such as Internet and pizza to the incredulous Belezzans.
While most of the story is set in Belezza, in the nation of Talia parallel to our world’s Italy, there are also many scenes in our own recognisable world. Lucien lives with his parents in London, where he undergoes Chemotherapy and is visited by his friend from school. The notebook that begins his Stravagation appears to have come from Venice, and he develops a passionate interest in that city when he realises its similarities to Belezza.
Another significant character in this story is Arianna, a young Lagooner about to come of age. Although she loves the city passionately, Arianna is determined to rebel against some of its more pointless customs, particularly those related to specific genders. And while most citizens of Belezza worship the elegant Duchessa who presides over their city, Arianna is convinced that all the restrictions she faces are the Duchessa’s fault.
Arianna is the first person Lucien meets upon his arrival in Belezza, and they become afternoon companions and confidantes. Like her “Luciano”, Arianna discovers she, too, has a more significant destiny to fulfil in Belezza than she had originally anticipated.
Although this book contains many familiar elements, the story still manages (for the most part) to avoid predictability, spinning a magical tale of another life. This is the only children’s fiction inspired by Italy that I can recall reading, and it is always refreshing to read stories from a variety of settings. I would recommend this story to readers of either gender who like a book to make them go “wow”.
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LibraryThing member keristars
While City of Masks might not be a particularly revolutionary work, or the best thing ever, or anything, I find that it is a thoroughly enjoyable read, with a lot that appeals about it. While it is technically a YA novel, I feel that it doesn't really stick to the YA tropes, though the central
The basic premise of the novel and the rest of the Stravaganza series is that William Dethridge, while attempting alchemy in the 16th century, discovered a way to travel to an alternate universe Venice, called Bellezza. This alternate universe is very similar to our own, but with a few specific divergences - the most prominent in City of Masks are the shift of major Italian personages: the Doge of Venice is here traditionally a Duchess, the de Medici family are known as the de Chemicis. But, also, there are other things, like Christianity being less prominent, science involving actual magic, and silver being valued more than gold.
People who can travel from one world to the other (through the use of talismans brought from the destination world) are known as Stravagantes, and Lucian becomes one when his father finds a marbled notebook at a construction site and brings it home to him. Lucian has cancer and is bedridden; the notebook is meant not only as a pretty present, but as a way for Lucian to communicate, because he is too weak to speak at first. One day he falls asleep while holding the notebook after being read to from a book about Venice, and when he awakens, he is in Bellezza.
City of Masks follows several plot threads: what is happening to Lucian in modern-day London; the intrigues of the de Chemici family against the Duchessa; the adventures of Arianna, the first girl Lucian meets in Bellezza; and how Lucian settles into Bellezza as Luciano. The primary thread that ties everything together, from the Duchessa to her lover the head senator and scholar Rodolfo to Arianna and her family &c is the one involving the de Chemicis, who want to take control of Bellezza, preferably by killing the Duchessa.
Along with the intrigue and adventure in the story (and the fantasy elements), there is a touch of romance, but not so much to feel out of place or overwhelming, like with Shannon Hale's novel Enna Burning. In fact, one of the things I like about City of Masks is that the plot feels very balanced and everything happens in a very satisfying way, without being too obvious early on or too bluntly done or whatever. It's very enjoyable and I've read it several times since I first discovered it without growing tired of it.
My only concern about recommending this book freely is that Lucian is dying of cancer in his "real" life, and that might be difficult for some people. On the other hand, the ending is totally happy and satisfying, so it might be worth reading for that. I tend to forget about the dying of cancer part when I recommend the book to others, but having just finished another reread, that bit is fresh in my mind right now.
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character is a teenager, and thus I like to recommend it to people that don't generally care for YA novels.The basic premise of the novel and the rest of the Stravaganza series is that William Dethridge, while attempting alchemy in the 16th century, discovered a way to travel to an alternate universe Venice, called Bellezza. This alternate universe is very similar to our own, but with a few specific divergences - the most prominent in City of Masks are the shift of major Italian personages: the Doge of Venice is here traditionally a Duchess, the de Medici family are known as the de Chemicis. But, also, there are other things, like Christianity being less prominent, science involving actual magic, and silver being valued more than gold.
People who can travel from one world to the other (through the use of talismans brought from the destination world) are known as Stravagantes, and Lucian becomes one when his father finds a marbled notebook at a construction site and brings it home to him. Lucian has cancer and is bedridden; the notebook is meant not only as a pretty present, but as a way for Lucian to communicate, because he is too weak to speak at first. One day he falls asleep while holding the notebook after being read to from a book about Venice, and when he awakens, he is in Bellezza.
City of Masks follows several plot threads: what is happening to Lucian in modern-day London; the intrigues of the de Chemici family against the Duchessa; the adventures of Arianna, the first girl Lucian meets in Bellezza; and how Lucian settles into Bellezza as Luciano. The primary thread that ties everything together, from the Duchessa to her lover the head senator and scholar Rodolfo to Arianna and her family &c is the one involving the de Chemicis, who want to take control of Bellezza, preferably by killing the Duchessa.
Along with the intrigue and adventure in the story (and the fantasy elements), there is a touch of romance, but not so much to feel out of place or overwhelming, like with Shannon Hale's novel Enna Burning. In fact, one of the things I like about City of Masks is that the plot feels very balanced and everything happens in a very satisfying way, without being too obvious early on or too bluntly done or whatever. It's very enjoyable and I've read it several times since I first discovered it without growing tired of it.
My only concern about recommending this book freely is that Lucian is dying of cancer in his "real" life, and that might be difficult for some people. On the other hand, the ending is totally happy and satisfying, so it might be worth reading for that. I tend to forget about the dying of cancer part when I recommend the book to others, but having just finished another reread, that bit is fresh in my mind right now.
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LibraryThing member QueenAlyss
Great story, I loved it!! A kid with cancer goes to this other world of magic and adventure, truly one of a kind!
LibraryThing member sara_k
I bought City of Masks when I was at a wedding held in a bookstore. Isn't that a great idea?
City of Masks is first in a series by Mary Hoffman.
Lucien is suffering from cancer and the chemotherapy cure. He comes into possession of a beautiful Venetian notebook which transports him, in his sleep,
These are intriguing characters and the similarities between this universe and the other are very interesting. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
City of Masks is first in a series by Mary Hoffman.
Lucien is suffering from cancer and the chemotherapy cure. He comes into possession of a beautiful Venetian notebook which transports him, in his sleep,
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into an alternate universe AND into the past. Lucien's body remains at home but he seems to be in a deep sleep or coma until he returns. In Bellezza Luciano becomes involved with intrigue and political scheming and he learns about a roup of (presumably all) men who travel to different times and universes using talisman's like Lucien's notebook. In fact the notebook was a talisman seeded into his world in order to draw other time travellers. Some of the plot twists are telegraphed though the motivation for them are gradually revealed and some come as complete surprises. Mary Hoffman does not take the easy path of having Lucien cured of his cancer. With another main character she does not gloss over the problems caused by finding out that your mother never told your father about your existence and then she abandoned you (to a good home). Another tricky bit of thinking comes when it is revealed that not only the "evil" characters take life lightly.These are intriguing characters and the similarities between this universe and the other are very interesting. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
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LibraryThing member stelle
A world brought to life by Mary Hoffman. So familiar yet so different. You never know where this book will take you.
LibraryThing member meki
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!! THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!! READ IT, IT'S REALLY GOOD!!!!
LibraryThing member jsresource
An exciting fantasy romance set it a parallel world of Italy. Beautifully written and very addicting! 10+
LibraryThing member RoseEllen
Eminently readable YA alternate history fantasy novel. I enjoyed it and plan to read other books by the same author.
LibraryThing member nm.fall08.c.payton
this book is a riveting tale about a young man who is able to travel between two times/dimensions via a book that his father found in a house near his highschool. Lucian is a sick boy in his world going through recovery from cemotherapy for cancer. But as he starts to travel he realizes that there
I like this book because its suspensful and very interesting. It's able to keep my attention when i read it.
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is complication that go along with it. the only way he can get to the other world is being falling asleep with this book in his hands. But, his body stays in his world just as much as it exsists in the other one.I like this book because its suspensful and very interesting. It's able to keep my attention when i read it.
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LibraryThing member phoebesmum
Mildly entertaining juvenile; central character being a dying child rather casts a pall.
LibraryThing member wiremonkey
Mary Hoffman's Stravaganza: City of Masks has a little bit of everything for everyone. The hero, a London Boy named Lucien who is combatting the side effects of chemotherapy, is given a leatherbound notebook from Venice his father found in an old attic one day. He inadvertently falls asleep with it
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in his hand and his transported to Venice of the 16th century. But oddly enough, this is not the 16th century of his world, but of a parallel dimension. And even odder than that, he seems to be healthy and whole in this other dimension. Hoffman has successfully woven a gripping adventure tale, a fantastical/historical portrait of the romantic city of Venice and a moving story of a boy and his family dealing with cancer all into one fast paced, original children's novel. I Show Less
LibraryThing member Kewpie83
As a series, Stravaganza is heartfelt, fun, engaging, and fantastic. City of Masks is a great introduction novel to the Stravaganza series. Perfect for girls and boys who like mixing their fantasy with a bit of real life!
LibraryThing member TheoClarke
A hero who is terminally ill is an unusual premise for teen literature and it added a layer of unpredictability to this story of a life spent alternately in contemporary London and in the early modern equivalent of Venice from an alternate universe. The intrigue of the period is captured
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convincingly and the parallel world accommodates a fine disregard for inconvenient historical details. Good as the writing is, however, the very best thing about this book is its ingenious cover with the pierced dustjacket forming a mask for the eyes printed on the boards. Show Less
LibraryThing member serenasungclarke
It's not THE best book I've ever read, but it's probably my top ten.
Lucien is a boy with cancer. One night, he finds that if he holds a small book when he sleeps, he is whisked away to another world, quite similar yet very different than a 1600s version of Venice, called Belleza. He is intrigued by
The way Mary Hoffman writes this book kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. She also has bits in there for everyone: adventure, mystery, fantasy, and romance.
Lucien is a boy with cancer. One night, he finds that if he holds a small book when he sleeps, he is whisked away to another world, quite similar yet very different than a 1600s version of Venice, called Belleza. He is intrigued by
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this new place, and finds friends there. But, in Belleza the di Chimici extended family wants to gain the power of Stravagation, which is how Lucien gets to Belleza, and are soon on his heels....The way Mary Hoffman writes this book kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. She also has bits in there for everyone: adventure, mystery, fantasy, and romance.
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LibraryThing member sellsworth
This book is a very exciting fantasy romance set in the parallel world of Italy. It is beautifully written and Mary Hoffman did an amazing job of keeping us hooked cover to cover. Very suspenseful. I also enjoyed reading about the relationship between characters.
LibraryThing member pamelawalker
Lucien is dying of cancer. His father gives him a notebook which becomes a talisman for Lucien to transport back in time to Venice in the 16th Century. In Venice at this time things are not going well the Duchessa knows her life is in danger. All girls over 16 must wear a mask so it is easy for the
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Duchess to foil plans. Excelllent read Show Less
LibraryThing member timothyl33
An enjoyable read for everyone.
LibraryThing member bookczuk
Two friends recently read this book (with slightly different degrees of like-age) and since I'm always on the lookout for books for the grandgirls, thought I'd check it out. Plus, one of the worlds it was set in is an alternate version of Venice, a favorite place of mine.
Nice premise involving
It was a quick read, once I stopped trying to translate all the changed names in my head. The di Medici clan is pretty much crafty in any world. Wonder if the Borgia will appear in other books?
Tags: antasy, kids-of-most-ages, part-start-of-a-series, read, read-on-recommendation
Nice premise involving
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slipping between two similar worlds, with enough detail and difference between the two to add some spice. Early on, though, I had to take a little break as the similarities-with-different-names bit got me irritated (ie gondola and mandola). But then I grew used to it. The story lines involve a boy with cancer in our world, but who is able to travel to Bellezza, a Venice-like city, where he finds there is mystery and intrigue afoot, and of course, lands in the middle of it. It was a quick read, once I stopped trying to translate all the changed names in my head. The di Medici clan is pretty much crafty in any world. Wonder if the Borgia will appear in other books?
Tags: antasy, kids-of-most-ages, part-start-of-a-series, read, read-on-recommendation
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LibraryThing member LaPhenix
A run of the mill plot mediocre writing nice setting ≠ great book. Definitely want to visit Venice now. Definitely do not want to read the sequel.
LibraryThing member Floratina
READ IN DUTCH
I read this book about seven years ago, and when I was younger it was one of my favorites. I liked the setting, the story, everything about it. I read this first book almost as an accident as I only found out about it, when I saw it sitting in one of my friends bags while she was
I read this book about seven years ago, and when I was younger it was one of my favorites. I liked the setting, the story, everything about it. I read this first book almost as an accident as I only found out about it, when I saw it sitting in one of my friends bags while she was
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taking it home again after another friend had borrowed it. I asked if I could read it as well, and just about 24 hours later I had already finished and couldn't help myself starting the second book already. I really enjoyed it, and needless to say: I also wished I could travel to Renaissance Italy at Night... Show Less
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
Nope. Instead of focusing on the characters, or the magic, or even the world-building, Hoffman tries to insert drama by adding political intrigue. But we hardly know which side to root for, because all the ppl with power are jerks with secrets. So even if you like intrigue more than I do, I
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don't think that is what would make you like this book. Otoh, I don't know what does make some ppl like it. I read the glowing reviews, and even though I did get to p. 154 without getting totally angry at the time I was wasting, I just don't understand the appeal. Also, I don't think any of the covers are right for it, but especially not the ones that show the close-up of a model's face. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Quite a good read about a young boy with cancer who finds escape through a book to another world and a mirror of Venice, Bellezza. When he becomes embroiled in the politics of that city and the Duchessa he finds that he's integral to the saving of the city.
Interesting and full of personalities and
Interesting and full of personalities and
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adventure. Show Less
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
This was a really enjoyable book with a wonderful combination of time travel, history and fantasy. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Awards
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2005)
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing (Nominee — 2003)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — High School — 2006)
Peter Pan Award (2004)
South Carolina Book Awards (Nominee — Junior Book Award — 2006)
Locus Recommended Reading (Young Adult Novel — 2002)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2002
Physical description
352 p.; 5.08 inches
ISBN
0747595690 / 9780747595694