A Tale of Paris and Paris: Echoes of Troy by Edmond Thornfield is set in fifteenth-century Cortona, where Lorenzo di Ranieri returns from Florence to a city under ecclesiastical scrutiny. Quiet warnings reach him that the Inquisition is preparing accusations meant to divide households and strip the town of power. Lorenzo uses his position in the militia to operate behind the scenes while maintaining the 
important appearance of civic order. His private alliance with Vittorio dei Varani deepens his commitment to discretion, as rumors spread through the convent corridors and council chambers. As the arrests begin and fear seeps into daily life, Lorenzo must decide how far he will go to preserve Cortona’s autonomy; the consequences extend beyond law, faith, and reputation, reshaping loyalty itself.
Edmond Thornfield’s A Tale of Paris and Paris: Echoes of Troy is an excellent look into the private lives of the people under fifteenth-century urban governance, during a period of immense ecclesiastical dominance. The novel is written in a style that reflects the time, elegant even if occasionally a little heavy, but it reflects a material culture that is crystal clear. Lorenzo di Ranieri is a man ahead of his time, whose choices shift from cautious intervention to total personal risk as he shelters the accused and addresses clerical abuse. The cost of this is grave, particularly in light of his deep connection to Vittorio dei Varani. Thornfield’s settings are cinematic, from a hunting cabin to a convent dungeon, and even the scenery and public executions, for which the Inquisition is notorious. Overall, this is a brilliant love story anchored in turbulence, perfect for readers who adore textured historical fiction. Very highly recommended.
Publisher : Ethorn Publishing
Publication date : September 3, 2025
Language : English
Print length : 408 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-6501580296
