I have to admit I picked up Virginia Cox’ The Subtlest Soul out
of curiosity
(and perhaps a little envy).
We had both been shortlisted for the HNS
2014 Indie Award for Best Historical Fiction. So, I wondered, what made Dr. Cox’
book stand out for the judges among the many great submissions (all of which
are worth reading).
Now I know.
While other reviewers here already told some
of the plot, I am going to talk about the language: Delicious – and subtle, as the word was used during the
Renaissance, the age that produced Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante and ah, let’s
not forget the Borgias and Machiavelli.
Subtle then meant to be clever, insinuating, shrewd,
artful, tricky and, last but not least, devious. That perfectly fits the handsome
young narrator (hence, the title). Of low birth, he compensates by being a bit vain
and “subtly” squirms his way into the graces of the powerful but murderous
elite. While some of his actions stem from revenge against the murderer of his
family, it appears he becomes accustomed to favors bestowed upon him – even though
his duplicity leads him into more treachery and great danger.
But it is the language used for young Matteo de
Fermo to tell his story. His words burble along like a tranquil brook. Then, before
you know it, you are in the midst of the most horrendous battles, ghastly
murders, and lusty whoring. Young Matteo talks about it all seemingly devoid of
remorse over his actions. The “subtlety” of Ms. Cox’ language made me chuckle quite
a few times – how very Machiavellian!
No wonder, “The Subtlest Soul” was the winner. Deservedly,
the book also received the hard-to-come-by B.R.A.G. Medallion.
Congratulations
to Dr. Virginia Cox for an outstanding novel.
