“Warning : Definitely the most heart-wrenching novel I have ever read.
...
Based in an alternate Italy (called "the Palm") torn between two conquering armies, the novel's main narrative tracks the uprising led by Alessan and his band of brothers, while a parallel track cleverly interposes the story of Dianora, concubine to one of the conquerors.
This is one of those stories where as a reader you are literally swept away by the very extremes of human emotion. Revolutionary themes of memory, identity, destiny and freedom are seamlessly interwoven in a breathtaking tapestry; a rarity for this genre.
Kay's portrayal of the greyness of his characters is also masterful. "Who is the bad guy?" This is a question so difficult to answer in "Tigana" that as a reader, you begin to dread every possible ending from about mid-way.
Read it, if you love books. Even if you hate fantasy or historical fiction. Even if you turn into an emotional wreck by the end of it, like me.”
udayan wrote this review Sunday, October 9, 2011.
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