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Stravaganza: City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

Summary

Lucien is in bed seriously ill with cancer. So how can he simultaneously exist in full health in a strange city that looks oddly like Venice - and yet couldn't be more different? Lucien has arrived in Bellezza, ruled by the powerful Duchessa, but it is his method of travel that marks Lucien out. Through an innocent gift of a Venetian notebook, Lucien has become a member of the Stravaganti, travelers in time and place. He has entered a world thick with drama, color, intrigue and danger for which he is ill-prepared.

345 pages, 6th grade and up

Discussion questions

  1. What do you think of Arianna's plan to become a mandolier? Would it have worked? Why or why not?
  2. Why does Lucien become Rodolfo's apprentice? Would you keep making the journey back to Belleza?
  3. How does Lucien's illness affect his decisions?
  4. Is the Duchessa a good person? Do you agree with the way she rules?
  5. Why are the Chimici a threat to Lucien?
  6. What kind of modern conveniences does Lucien have to do without in Bellezza? Which would you miss the most?
  7. How does Arianna feel when she learns the truth about her mother? How would you feel?
  8. What do you think of the Duchessa using a “double” ? Why does she do it? Do you agree with her reasons?
  9. How do Lucien's parents react to his illness?
  10. What are some of the similarities and differences between Bellezza and Venice?
  11. The Bellezans are very superstitious. How does this help the Duchessa? How does it help her rivals the Chimici?
  12. Why do the Bellezans sometimes wear masks? Would you?

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