45 pages • 1 hour read
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360
Novel • Fiction
Mediterranean • 16th century
1986
Adult
18+ years
Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf centers on Hasan, a Granada-born Muslim who emigrates with his family to Fez following the Spanish conquest. He later becomes a diplomat traveling to Timbuktu and Cairo, falling in love and facing personal losses. Captured by Spanish privateers, Hasan is taken to Rome, where he becomes John-Leo under Pope Leo X's patronage, navigating a complex life of identity and survival across various cultures.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
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Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf is praised for its rich historical detail and vibrant storytelling, which adeptly brings the Renaissance period and its cultural intersections to life. Reviewers appreciate its complex protagonist and evocative narrative. However, some find the pacing uneven, which may hinder engagement. Overall, it is lauded as a well-researched and immersive read.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction rich in cultural exploration and detailed settings will find Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf captivating. Fans of works like The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco and I, Claudius by Robert Graves, which blend history and narrative, will appreciate Maalouf's intricate storytelling.
15,534 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Muhammad Al-Wazzan
Hasan's father, an affluent weigh-master in Granada. His emotional experiences and relationships heavily influence Hasan's family background.
Warda
Muhammad's true love and the mother of his daughter, Mariam. Captured and brought to Granada, her story intertwines with major family dynamics.
Salma
Hasan's mother and Muhammad's wife, a superstitious woman whose arranged marriage shapes family relations and causes tension with Warda.
Khali (Abu Marwan)
Hasan’s uncle and Salma’s brother, a diplomat who navigates political landscapes. He plays a pivotal role in the family’s emigration to Fez.
Mariam
Hasan’s half-sister and Warda's daughter. Her life is marked by familial decisions and individual struggles, linking her to events in Fez.
Harun
Hasan’s closest childhood friend, known for his knack for obtaining information and a strong sense of justice. His actions significantly impact the storyline.
Astaghfirullah
A religious leader with a strict interpretation of Islam. He influences public opinion and moral perspectives amidst political upheaval.
The Zarwali
A formidable tax collector with ties to power, his controversial actions are pivotal to several conflicts within the story.
Fatima
Hasan's cousin and first wife, involved in an arranged marriage that reflects prevalent societal norms.
Hiba
A slave from Timbuktu, her relationship with Hasan is one of deep affection and personal sacrifice.
Princess Nur
A Circassian woman of ambition and complex motives, who forms a strategic relationship with Hasan during his time in Cairo.
Maddalena (Judith)
Originally from a Jewish family in Granada, her life shifts dramatically after a series of tragic events lead her to Italy and eventual marriage to Hasan.
Julius de Medici/Pope Clement VII
A significant historical figure who impacts Hasan's life through personal and political influence, particularly during his papacy.
360
Novel • Fiction
Mediterranean • 16th century
1986
Adult
18+ years
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