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There is a legend that the Taj Mahal
was designed by an Italian architect. Jamila Gavin has taken that
theory and woven a story around it.
Seventeenth century Venice. Filippo Veroneo is the youngest son
of a jeweller, Geronomino Veroneo. But Filippo cannot remember
his father because he left Venice before Filippo was born to go
to Hindustan to realise a life-long dream of seeing the land of
diamonds, rubies and emeralds.
Nearly everyone believes that Geronimo is dead. But his wife refuses
to accept that. Then one day she is visited by a stranger from
the east. He tells her that Geronomino is still alive, but a prisoner
of an Afghan warlord. But he could be ransomed with the Ocean
of the Moon. This is a wonderful diamond which had been brought
back from Hindustan by Geronimo's father who had helped his son
to cut it and polish it and place it in a setting.
It is arranged that Filippo should take the Ocean of the Moon
back to Hindustan. His elder brother Carlo cannot go because he
must stay behind and run the business and look after his mother
and young sisters. So Filippo sets off on the long journey with
the stranger from the east. But can he be trusted? And does Filippo
find his father?
To keep it safe an operation is performed on Filippo and the precious
diamond is embedded in his skull -- with startling results. Filippo
finds that it acts as a kind of third eye and he can see things
a great distance away. For example he can see his family back
in Venice and he can see his father in his prison cell.
Then follows a description of the journey with all its hardships
and perils. Once arrrived in Hindustan they find themselves surrounded
by luxury and opulence but the dangers are even greater. No longer
the perils of a storm at sea or a desert sandstorm. Instead the
evils of political intrigue and assassination. The ruler of Hindustan
is all powerful and has gained his throne by killing all those
who have a claim to it.
As well as a fast moving story this book really brings the seventeenth
century to life. The early part has authentic pictures of Venice.
It also brings home very forcibly to the reader the position of
women at that time. Filippo's eldest sister Elizabetta, was married
against her will to Signor Pagliarin. Because Geronimo was presumed
dead, her husband is made guardian of the family -- although none
of them want that. Then his business fails and he wants the diamond
to re-establish his fortunes. To force Filippo's mother to give
it to him he imprisons Elisabetta in the cellar giving the excuse
that her mind is deranged and claiming that she might even be
a witch.
Then there are magnificent descriptions of the heat of the desert
and a sandstorm. Once in Hindustan the royal palace really comes
to life with all its wealth, its courtyards and roof-top terraces.
But beneath all this splendour is the undercurrent of cruelty.
And women are still very much the underlings.
The title of the book comes from the fact that diamonds were known
as blood stones because of all the trouble and bloodshed they
caused.
Now to get back to the original legend on which the book is based.
There was actually an Italian goldsmith called Geronomino Veroneo
who came to India and who lived for a time in Agra. But it is
doubtful that Geronomino could have designed the Taj Mahal as
he is not known to have any other skills except that of working
gold. In any case it is highly unlikely that an Italian craftsman
could have designed a huge example of Indo-Persian architecture.
But Jamila Gavin gets round this. Geronomino did not actually
design the Taj Mahal but he did provide the inspiration for it
with his wonderful setting for the Ocean of the Moon.
The Blood Stone may be long but it is eminently readable
and should be within the capabilities of many twelve-year-olds.
An unusual story, gripping and exciting and, at the same time,
evocative and atmospheric.
12 to adult
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