Greetings, Saloners!

It was another super-busy week where all I managed to read was one my daughter left lying around: The Rope Trick by Lloyd Alexander. What a delight it was!

This story is about a girl who travels around the medieval Italian countryside performing sleight of hand magic tricks for the simple folk. Her goal in life is to find the mysterious magician Ferramondo so that he can teach her the famous, fabled Rope Trick. Along the way she picks up a motley crew of assorted companions and has exciting adventures. The book is full of color, romance, quirky characters, and just enough Italian words sprinkled in to give the flavor of Italy without being at all annoying. Here’s an example:

“Come to my pastry shop.” Cocofino motioned for them to lead the wagons to the piazza. “I don’t like being too long away from my pastries. A busy day.”

“Will there be cake?” Daniella asked.

“All you can eat, piccina. Or, if you like, jam tarts, apple puffs…” Cocofino grew animated, smacking his lips and kissing his finger ends. “Apple puffs, yes — so delicious. But they can be difficult. Shy, as you might say. You have to coax them to be flaky. Jam tarts, on the other hand — bold and brash, altogether immodest. I tell them: please, please, a little more restraint.”

Awwww!

Even better than the color, romance, adventure, and quirky characters is the lore. She performs real tricks, like The Miser’s Dream and The Basket of Swords. (What romantic names they are, too.) The fabled Rope Trick is also real. That is, it’s a real fable. Google any of these and you’ll find lots of info, including videos.

I must say, I sure do adore Traveling Show Lit. I mean, who hasn’t wanted to run away with the circus at some point in their life? I especially love the Traveling Show With Excellent Descriptions of Sleight of Hand subgenre, particularly when set in medieval Europe. I can think of a few other titles:

• World of Wonders, by Robertson Davies. Not medieval, but has excellent descriptions of a variety of magic tricks. The travelling show is pretty seedy, though. Not for the faint-hearted.
• The Physician, by Noah Gordon. Medieval, but mainly focuses on juggling. Has other flaws, too, but overall a good read. Bonus: also falls under the Fictional History of Science genre.
• Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. Not medieval, but Depression-era is almost as good. Not so much description of actual magic tricks. Also seedy, and includes scenes of animal cruelty. Still, a good read.
• Circus Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild. Really terrific kids’ book, but not medieval and no magic tricks. Plenty of acrobats and trained poodles, though.

I wish this list was longer. Do you have any recommendations?