Lent by Jo Walton đź“š
Jo Walton is a wonderful writer, in all senses of “wonder,” and this story exhibits many of her skills. It shares a deep connection to the city of Florence with Or What You Will, and also references the Platonic philosophy embodied in The Just City and its sequels, including the early humanist Pico della Mirandola as a character. But it is mainly a reflection on the confluence of faith and philosophy in the Italian Renaissance, and the protagonist is another historical figure, the monk Girolamo Savonarola, who tries to guide the city away from the corruption of the Church and towards a more equitable and faith-based society.
But this is not just an historical novel, it is set in a fantasy universe where demons are real and Hell is an actual place, and Girolamo has to deal with matters of faith, opposing the Pope, but also matters of politics and kings to keep Florence self-governing, and matters of deep metaphysics, including the important question: can a demon ever be forgiven after the Fall, and return through good works and faith to the love of God? The mechanism for this reflection is metempsychosis, where the story doubles back on itself to repeat Girolamo’s life, not always in the same way; and as the book goes on the variant lives telescope together, each new narrative building on the last.
Girolamo himself is an interesting person, at times kind and considerate of others, sometimes prideful and overly devoted to the trappings of faith, a sin he frequently acknowledges to himself and others. I found it somewhat challenging to accept a world in which God works in such mysterious ways, and puts so many people through so much suffering; but there are also moments of peace and serenity amidst the pain. And although the stories are not directly linked I suggest reading this one before Or What You Will.
Recommended.