Stravaganza: City of Masks - Book Review

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This is the first book in Mary Hoffman's young-adult series, Stravaganza. At the crux of the books is a brotherhood of 'scientists', the Stravaganti, who are able to travel between our world, and a parallel world that is still in the sixteenth century.



[u]City of Masks[/u] follows Lucien's accidental 'stravagation' into Bellezza, the alternative-Venice, when he falls asleep holding onto a notebook from the other world. After a chance encounter that acquaints Lucien with the city's Duchessa, he finds himself entangled in political intrigue. Not only does he have to protect her from the assassination attempts by the powerful and power-hungry di Chimici family, he is also in danger himself as a member of the brotherhood that knows the secrets of stravagation and our technologically advanced world.

Even this is not the most pressing issue for Lucien. During a stravagation, the Stravaganti leave their bodies behind in a sleeping state. But the longer it is left, the more its functions dwindle. So amidst the broiling plots, the greatest danger is to him is if he does not return home in time.

The detailed world of Bellezza is a highlight of the books. Hoffman brings the other world to life by exploring its cityscape, culture, festivals and lifestyles. The reader is introduced to certain peculiar customs as well as the extreme loyalty that Bellezzans have towards their city and their Duchessa. The political environment, too, is well-established early in the book. Even without a good knowledge of the parties and attitudes, the tension between the Bellezzans and the di Chimici family is palpable.



The plot is suitably paced and intricate, despite its relatively short physical length. Hoffman manages to weave numerous subplots into the story and tie the loose ends with a flourish. One issue may be the number of characters and plot strands that the reader is thrust into at the start. It may be abrupt at first, having to keep track of the political players, the family relationships and the characters in both worlds. I personally struggled to recall which secondary characters had what motivations and were attached to which plot strand. However, as the story proceeds and the subplots start to intersect, it becomes clear where every character stands. Apart from the initial confusion, which may be intentional, Hoffman introduces all this information very smoothly and naturally.

Another highlight of [u]City of Masks[/u] is the character of the Duchessa. An intelligent, ruthless woman whose first priority is her city, she has ruled Bellezza for the last twenty-five years and fought against the di Chimici for as long. Despite the importance of her role, the Duchessa is of good humour and full of surprises, and not above becoming bored in her tasks. I found great interest in her complex characterisation and in her seamless transitions between the astute politician and her more adventurous, light-hearted side once she is unburdened with such great responsibilities.

The Stravaganza series is well-plotted, set in a richly imagined parallel world and boasts a cast of interesting characters. Overall, [u]City of Masks[/u] is a refreshing departure from the trends in more recent young adult fiction, without eschewing the characteristics that make young adult fiction appealing.

To find out more, there's the website of the series, and the publisher's of masks&Gid=1 page .

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