The Book of Starlings

1268. Suddenly, an Italian town is covered by huge flocks of starlings, making it completely impossible to move through the streets. What should people do? Like the heroes of the famous «Decameron», who took shelter in a villa hoping to ride out the plague, two monks and a young icon painter remain in the monastery, entertaining each other with stories and anecdotes (simply spinning yarns). They discuss the birds that have darkened the sky for many days: is this an omen, and if so, is it good or bad? From omens, they move to dreams and other signs; from predictions to tragedy and other performances arranged for human pleasure and benefit; from performances to history and stories that are educational, sad, and amusing.

«The Book of Starlings» is a witty tale in which Umberto Eco meets Hitchcock. Roman Shmarakov is a writer, translator of Latin, and finalist for the «Big Book» and «Natsbest» awards.