Gianni is only twelve and thus the most insignificant member of a Florentine merchant family in Medici times; but his life already seems clearly mapped out. In the early days of Italian Renaissance, however, the future is anything but certain. The loss of his fiancee is just one of the things that do not go according to plan. Gianni's path leads him through the beginnings of the art of printing, the workshops of sculptors and artists, up to the politics of Lorenzo the Magnificent. All the while, he is haunted by the same mystery: what truly happened to his young bride who disappeared without a trace during carnival?

The Masks of Florence is historical fiction, set during the times of the older Medici line, Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli.

Reviews of the German original by Amazon customers:

"Wonderful story of a boy who, on his way to adulthood, searches for his own identity, eventually finds it, colorfully and vividly written. Wonderful insights into the confused and deeply sympathetic nature of young Leonardo, vivid description of life in Florence at the time of the Renaissance, empathetic accompaniment of a boy in search of the meaning of life, the functioning of the world and the search for their own value and self. Despite the many names, one never loses track. Absolutely recommended, my favorite book of the year!!!"

"Power and politics in the time of the young Leonardo da Vinci and the Medicis Very nice to read. Very well researched - sometimes too many names - but all explained in the appendix. Reminds of "The Puppeteers" by Tanja Kinkel in time frame and style. Very worth reading."