Luca Bastardo is a mystery, even to himself. He can't truly remember anything of his life before the age of nine and he surviving on the streets. The streets on which he found odd jobs were the streets in Florence, Italy and the year was 1330. If this seems strange, it is nothing in comparison with the rest of Luca's story. Luca has a beauty that catches the eye of a harsh man, Silvano, who runs a notorious brothel. Silvano takes Luca off the street and forces him accept customers or he will be beaten. In time, Luca earns the privilege to walk about on his own and meets the painter Giotto. They enjoy a friendship in which Giotto helps Luca hope for a better future, but it will be a strange future as Luca isn't aging normally. The years are passing, but Luca's physical appearance barely changes.

This slow aging makes it clear that whoever Luca's parents were, they were special. It also makes it possible for Luca to meet more historically important figures, like Leonardo da Vinci, and witness historically important events, like the Black Death. There is a magical mysticism to the path that Luca takes. It is unexplainable, unbelievable, and at times it is uncomfortable, to read what happens to Luca, his famous compatriots, and other supporting characters.

An historical fiction novel -with paranormal undertones- this book has plenty of drama but may not appeal to everyone. Notable names are correctly placed into context but the main character's existence demands the acceptance of an alternative realty. So if you are looking for something truly differernt, then this is one for you to try. Interesting points are made about religion, embracing the world as it is -and as you hope it could be, and loving our fellow man -no matter what our differences might be.