The Book of Human Skin
Midday, May 13, 1784: An earthquake in Peru tears up the white streets of Arequipa. As the dust settles, a young girl arrives at the devastated convent of Santa Catalina. At the same moment, oceans away in Venice, an infant tears his way out of his mother’s womb. The great Palazzo Espagnol, built on Peruvian silver and New World drugs, has an heir by the name of Minguillo Fasan. Twelve years later, Venice is in Napoleon’s sights and Minguillo is listening to the birth-cries of his new sister, Marcella, a delicate, soft-skinned threat to his inheritance. Meanwhile, at Santa Catalina, the scarred young girl has become Sor Loreta, whose craving for sainthood is taking a decidedly sinister turn. …
MICHELLE LOVRIC has written three novels for adults and is active in the literary world, running writing workshops and writing reviews and travel features. The author divides her time between Venice and London. This is her second book for young people.
