Mercury Hearts

"Mercury Hearts" — a novel about love and knowledge, choice and temptation, about a young scholar entering into a game with something stronger than himself. In a world where magic is living its last days, and science is just gaining strength, an unfolding story full of secrets, seductions, and risky decisions.

Venice at the end of the 17th century. Young scholar Valentino di cometo is in love with Sofia, the daughter of wealthy collector Ignazio del Ialda, whom many consider a sorcerer. In hopes of saving his beloved from marriage to another and proving to del Ialda that he is worthy of his daughter's hand, Valentino makes a deal with a mysterious Turkish traveler who holds the secret to the elixir of eternal youth. However, along this path, Valentino faces complex and dangerous trials that could change his life forever.

From the author: 
"Mercury Hearts" — infused with the spirit of Shakespeare, a very baroque and adventurous novel that is not devoid of wonders. Mysterious sages, enigmatic elixirs, old alchemists, and sorcerer-artists... I wanted to write a mischievous and lively tale for adults in a historical setting. It seems to have turned out quite well! But there will also be subtexts, otherwise it would be too boring. This novel — is a metaphor for the Gnostic myth about wisdom-Sophia.

Who this book is for:
For fans of contemporary prose with elements of magical realism.
For those who want to read a story about a young scholar, a traveler with a vow of silence, and a girl whose heart is bound by charms.