A brilliant novel packed with delights: grand romance, alchemical potions, violins to make you weep, commedia dell'arte theatre, reappearing comets, rambling skeletons and cracks in time. It is 1682 in Cremona, Italy. With his manservant, an insolent dwarf named Omero, Fabrizio Cambiati, a priest, climbs the town clocktower to await the return of a comet that is said to reappear in the skies every 76 years. He has a new invention called a telescope with which to scour the night. As they await the comet, he scopes the town ... Read More
A brilliant novel packed with delights: grand romance, alchemical potions, violins to make you weep, commedia dell'arte theatre, reappearing comets, rambling skeletons and cracks in time. It is 1682 in Cremona, Italy. With his manservant, an insolent dwarf named Omero, Fabrizio Cambiati, a priest, climbs the town clocktower to await the return of a comet that is said to reappear in the skies every 76 years. He has a new invention called a telescope with which to scour the night. As they await the comet, he scopes the town below and sees the commedia dell'arte players setting up in the town square and a Jesuit arriving in a carriage. We later learn that the Jesuit is Michele Archenti, a Devil's Advocate sent from Rome to investigate the candidacy for sainthood of this same Fabrizio Cambiati - 76 years later! The novel then begins again, this time in 1758 when Archenti settles himself in the town to assume his investigations. It is his job to find the flaws in Fabrizio's character. In this attempt, he interviews a number of citizens, including an old duchess who holds a secret about Fabrizio's life that would ruin the reputation of this priest, who was both a hidden alchemist and healer. The play held in the town square connects the two time periods by reflecting the goings-on in the wider world. We meet the players, as well as the duke, his beautiful daughter, a happy madman roaming the countryside with a skeleton on his back, and a hunchback who lives with his mastiff in a labyrinthine palace that is, like imagination itself, continually mutating. With enormous assurance and a wonderful affection for his characters, Mark Frutkin has woven a miraculous tale that explores the ambiguous nature of reality and on every page packs joy into the reading. Read Less
Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $18.99, very good condition, Sold by Russell Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Victoria, BC, CANADA, published 2006 by Vintage Books Canada.
Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $23.99, like new condition, Sold by The Book Scouts rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hamilton, ON, CANADA, published 2006 by Knopf Canada.
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Fine in Near Fine jacket. Size: 8x6x1; We're always buying collectible book collections. Contact us for details. We're happy to provide pictures of any book priced at $10 or more, please just ask! Canadian first edition, first printing. Contains number line 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. Virtually no wear to jacket. Jacket is NOT price clipped. Covers are clean and bright. Edges are sharp. No tears or creases. The book itself is in Near Fine condition. The binding is straight and tight. NO remainder mark.
Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $19.06, fair condition, Sold by Zoom Books Company rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lynden, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Vintage Canada.
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Fair. Book is in acceptable condition and shows signs of wear. Book may also include underlining highlighting. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $22.10, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Knopf Canada.
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Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $28.95, very good condition, Sold by Olmstead Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Port Dover, ON, CANADA, published 2006 by Vintage Canada.
Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $52.88, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Clarita, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Knopf Canada.
Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $78.03, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Knopf Canada.
Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $82.83, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Vintage Canada.
Add this copy of Fabrizio's Return to cart. $59.11, like new condition, Sold by Robin Books rated 1.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Kingston, ON, CANADA, published 2006 by Knopf Canada.
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Fine. Hardcover Fine Writing on the title page, otherwise the book is like new, tight with clean unmarked pages Quality Books Because We Care-Shipped from Canada Usually ships within 1-2 business days If you buy this book from us, we will donate a book to a local school We donate 10, 000+ books to local schools every year If there are any problems, pleases ask us to resolve it amicably before leaving any feedback.
