Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live to be 180 years old? If given the chance to experience such longevity, would your ambitions, goals and pursuits change or would your priorities remain the same? Does a long life necessarily mean it will be richer, happier and more fulfilling?
These questions and more are addressed in the historical novel, ‘Immortal,’ by first-time author Traci L. Slatton as she explores the city of Florence in the 14th and 15th centuries through the eyes and voice of Luca Bastardo, a rare individual who ages at an extremely slow pace.
As the story opens we are made aware of the fact that Luca is reflecting on his unusually long life as he awaits his death. He is not relaying his life experiences to be vain or boastful; instead he is offering them, “to those whose souls long to know the soul of the world. From almost two centuries of living may be learned what matters in life, what is truly valuable upon this earth, and in what music the voice of the Laughing God leaves behind irony and becomes immortal song.”
The tale is not merely a fantastic chronicle of an ageless, near-immortal man. What makes it so endearing is the character of Luca himself, who is not a brilliant philosopher, artist or poet. Although his life is touched by people who could be described as all three, the protagonist is a very ordinary man living in extraordinary circumstances. He longs for love, acceptance and familial relationships. He is at times frustrated, cynical, angry and immature; all human reactions to the situations in which he finds himself.
In Luca, Slatton has created a memorable character who will stay with you long after you have finished reading his story. This is a book which refuses to be put on a shelf and ignored. You will find yourself wanting to return again and again to Luca’s world, marvelling at the friendships he forms and the wisdom he finally achieves.
The above review was contributed by: Mary Simmons: Mary is an avid reader who is currently writing a family saga following three generations of women. She has worked as a reporter and is presently occupied with freelance writing and editing a doctoral thesis. Mary also reviews for other sites. Click Here to read Mary's reviews.
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11-23-2007
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