About the book
In the late 13th century, a young Basque monk, Itzal, is sent on a seemingly meaningless mission--to gather the melodies of troubadour songs. His qualifications? His ability to navigate the many languages of Provence, his crude knowledge of transcribing music, and his guitarra Latina.
Along his journey, he acquires a band of unlikely companions: a dim-witted monk, a converted Moor, a maimed jongleur, a restless young woman, and a renegade German monk. Clever but unworldly, Itzal must navigate the fractured world of a land newly conquered--its wounded populace, barbaric invaders, and corrupt church superiors. Above all, he must avoid attracting the attention of the nobles, the Church, and, most dangerously, the newly established Office of the Inquisition, infamous for its prison for Albigensian heretics in Carcassonne.
Danger lurks everywhere--from the Church, local authorities, and outlaws scattered across the land's ruined beauty. Along the way, Itzal and his companions hear tales of La Lobita, the great outlaw and woman warrior resisting northern invaders. As their journey takes them to the mountains, a region untouched by fifty years of warfare, they find that the greatest danger of all awaits.
A Book of Lost Songs is a picaresque tale of long-lost roads, infused with echoes of troubadour poetry. Laced with humor and tragedy, it chronicles one man's growth and disillusionment as he confronts brutal acts committed in the name of his church. Itzal finds and loses love, loses and regains faith, and strives to uncover the meaning behind his seemingly futile mission.
Editions of A Book of Lost Songs
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781592115044
Read an Excerpt
In the late 13th century, a young Basque monk, Itzal, is sent on a seemingly meaningless mission--to gather the melodies of troubadour songs. His qualifications? His ability to navigate the many languages of Provence, his crude knowledge of transcribing music, and his guitarra Latina.
Along his journey, he acquires a band of unlikely companions: a dim-witted monk, a converted Moor, a maimed jongleur, a restless young woman, and a renegade German monk. Clever but unworldly, Itzal must navigate the fractured world of a land newly conquered--its wounded populace, barbaric invaders, and corrupt church superiors. Above all, he must avoid attracting the attention of the nobles, the Church, and, most dangerously, the newly established Office of the Inquisition, infamous for its prison for Albigensian heretics in Carcassonne.
Danger lurks everywhere--from the Church, local authorities, and outlaws scattered across the land's ruined beauty. Along the way, Itzal and his companions hear tales of La Lobita, the great outlaw and woman warrior resisting northern invaders. As their journey takes them to the mountains, a region untouched by fifty years of warfare, they find that the greatest danger of all awaits.
A Book of Lost Songs is a picaresque tale of long-lost roads, infused with echoes of troubadour poetry. Laced with humor and tragedy, it chronicles one man's growth and disillusionment as he confronts brutal acts committed in the name of his church. Itzal finds and loses love, loses and regains faith, and strives to uncover the meaning behind his seemingly futile mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Book of Lost Songs about?
In the late 13th century, a young Basque monk, Itzal, is sent on a seemingly meaningless mission--to gather the melodies of troubadour songs. His qualifications? His ability to navigate the many languages of Provence, his crude knowledge of transcribing music, and his guitarra Latina.
Along his journey, he acquires a band of unlikely companions: a dim-witted monk, a converted Moor, a maimed jongleur, a restless young woman, and a renegade German monk. Clever but unworldly, Itzal must navigate the fractured world of a land newly conquered--its wounded populace, barbaric invaders, and corrupt church superiors. Above all, he must avoid attracting the attention of the nobles, the Church, and, most dangerously, the newly established Office of the Inquisition, infamous for its prison for Albigensian heretics in Carcassonne.
Danger lurks everywhere--from the Church, local authorities, and outlaws scattered across the land's ruined beauty. Along the way, Itzal and his companions hear tales of La Lobita, the great outlaw and woman warrior resisting northern invaders. As their journey takes them to the mountains, a region untouched by fifty years of warfare, they find that the greatest danger of all awaits.
A Book of Lost Songs is a picaresque tale of long-lost roads, infused with echoes of troubadour poetry. Laced with humor and tragedy, it chronicles one man's growth and disillusionment as he confronts brutal acts committed in the name of his church. Itzal finds and loses love, loses and regains faith, and strives to uncover the meaning behind his seemingly futile mission.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Book of Lost Songs?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general
Where can I read a sample of A Book of Lost Songs?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781592115044
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Book of Lost Songs?
Mark J. Mitchell
Who is the Publisher of the book A Book of Lost Songs?
Histria Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A Book of Lost Songs is available as paperback(ISBN 9781592115044)
Where can I buy A Book of Lost Songs online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy A Book of Lost Songs?