A Jay of Italy

"A Jay of Italy" by Bernard Capes is a historical fiction set in 1476 Italy, following the journey of young nobleman Messer Carlo Lanti and his beloved Beatrice through Milan, accompanied by their group. The story looks at themes of love, ambition, and moral problems. The reader meets Carlo and Beatrice at a roadside inn, where their different personalities set the stage for their relationship. They encounter Bernardino, a young mystic with a powerful message, who fascinates them both with his wisdom and humble nature. The story gives hints of wider social tensions and the personal battles of its characters, caught in the middle of flirting, envy, and the challenges of living up to their own beliefs, mixing adventure with a look at the characters' minds, all set against a real historical backdrop.