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Turmoil and strife in the Middle East is not new to our time. This part of the world has long seen marching armies, charismatic leaders, and the detritus of battle including refugees. One of the primary reasons is because this is the birthplace and holy site for three of the worldıs largest religions. These factors came together near the end of the twelfth century in the Third Crusade when the chivalric knights of Europe marched against Saladin who had conquered the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem. The only area left in Christian hands was the city of Tyre which was ruled by Conrad of Montferrat. Theophilius, jester extraordinaire whom we first met in Thirteenth Night, was involved in the events toward the end of this crusade. Many years later (1204) he told his wife Claudia why the sign of the inn where the Guildhall once stood (the Scarlet Dwarf) was so important to him. In 1191 he first met Scarlet, Dwarf and Jester to Isabella Queen of Jerusalem and wife to Conrad of Montferrat. Together they tried to help Conrad and effect a truce between Saladin and Richard that would allow Conrad to become King of Tyre. The situation was very complicated and fluid and included the murder of a woman, one of the refugees, and eventually the murder of Conrad himself, supposedly by Assassins, but Theophilius doubted that very much. This is a fascinating and complex story of a intricate and labyrinthine section of the world and era of history. The concept is unique and I think most intriguing. It posits a Guild of Jesters, headquartered in a secret area but assigned all over the European and Middle Eastern world. Jesters hear gossip and rumors, they often are ignored during strategy sessions, and they can insinuate suggestions without danger. They are in an ideal spot to influence events and that is what they do according to a master plan drawn up by the leaders of the Guild. If you exclude this concept (which is of course historically not accurate . . .we do not think), the history involved in this story is accurate, engrossing, and gripping. We see the complexity of events but find them fairly easy to sort out. We meet historic characters such as Conrad and Isabella and see authentic portrayals of them. The jesters may or may not have influenced events, but events certainly happened as this book describes. The characters of Theophilius, Scarlet, and the young corps of apprentices that Scarlet has assembled among the refugees are authentic and human. We get to know these people well and find that they have strengths and weaknesses, that they have emotions and sometimes act unwisely, but that they are good men and women and are committed to acting for the benefit of humanity. The story flows and little will pull the reader out of it. It is helpful if you know a little about the Third Crusade before you get too deeply into it. A map of key locations would have been helpful and I always like a cast of characters in the beginning of the book. There is an authorıs note explaining some of the interpretations he chose and giving information about what happened to historic individuals after the end of our story. Here you will find an absorbing, complex, and intriguing look at the series of events toward the end of the Third Crusade through the eyes of the fictional Theophilius. You will enjoy him as narrator, his deprecatory attitude, his love for his work and the other jesters, and his somewhat cynical eye on the mighty and the great. This is most enjoyable reading.
Reviewed by Sally A. Fellows, March 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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