Sunday, June 20, 2010

Baudolino~ Umberto Eco

A wonderful adventure of a lovable liar.

Year 1204, place Constantinople, person Nicetas Choniates a historian at Eastern Roman Imperial court. The city is being sacked by the pilgrims on their way to the 4th Crusade. Nicetas (Niketas in the book) is saved 'from the fury of the invaders' by a knight, who "appeared as handsome as Saladin, on a bedecked horse, a great Red cross on his chest, sword drawn, shouting "Gods belly!...". That's our hero Baudolino, who later flatly informs Niketas that he had the horse and the knights attire are actually stolen. Perhaps this is the only truth he tells, as after this there is no limit to the wonderful tales of Baudolino.  

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