Louis Sachar has written his first novel for adults with The Magician of Tiger Castle (#1,361) and I, for one, hope he continues to entertain his expanded readership. I've seen this book lumped into both science fiction and fantasy categories, but to me, it was more magical realism. However you decide to characterize it, though, it is a charming picaresque tale set in 1523.
Anatole is the official magician for a small Italian city state where the wedding of the century is shortly to take place. The King and Queen want their daughter to be docilely presented at the altar to unite their kingdom with the even more powerful Oxatanian kingdom next door. Tullia, their daughter, is not going to go willingly; she is in love with Pito, a poor scribe working at the court. What can be done to change her mind? Both parents and Tullia appeal to Anatole to help them out of a sticky situation. Anatole, a kind soul, is caught between a rock and a hard place, but his strongest sympathy is with Tullia. He intends, however, to go along with the king's wishes until the bridegroom is revealed. The stakes become personal for Anatole...
The story is rooted in the events happening across Europe in that time period, but just enough so that what is affecting the characters pushes the plot along. In a seemingly impossible situation, can love conquer all? You'll definitely be rooting for Anatole!
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