Ilario is born hermaphrodite, a true genetic chimera. Found abandoned on the steps of a chapel of the Green Christ, in one of the minor Iberian kingdoms, on a freezing snowy night, Ilario is fostered by Federico, an impoverished Iberian noble, who plans to gift Ilario to the king, hoping to gain favour at court.
At the age of 15, Ilario joins King Roderigo as the King's Freak, but while learning the ways of the court, Ilario has another lesson to study: abandonment and betrayal. For Rosamunda, Ilario's birth mother, has arrived -- and the secret of Ilario's shameful birth must be kept hidden, lest the resulting scandal ruin Rosamunda's husband, Videric, the king's most powerful advisor. When Ilario is freed by the king, he/she is summoned by Rosamunda. And when her attempt to murder her child fails, Rosamunda whispers 'Run'. And Ilario does... across the Mediterranean, to Carthage.
Unexpectedly Excellent
When I first read the blurb I had my doubts, but this book far exceeded my expectations! It is a little confronting, the story opens with a descriptive love making scene between the hermaphrodite Ilario and a man who he just met. But once you get over the initial shock it s a beautifully told story of an ex-slave man-woman who just wants to paint but can t escape the past. The characters are wonderfully written and the plot is never predictable. A long book that s defiantly worth the read. I d recommend it to anyone with a bit of time on their hands and an open mind.
Charlotte, 11/12/2008
