In The Lantern, an intriguing tale that effortlessly spans time and place, award-winning author Joanne Lewis presents a mystery of Italian architectural history that follows two women’s quests to break free from their past, address the struggles of the present, and find a new future. Along the way, Lewis explores how hardship can either destroy a person or clarify their purpose in life. She also considers how realigning their focus on what really matters helps people to persevere through the difficulties they face. Throughout the story, the author weaves messages of acceptance of others, despite their faults and differences. But perhaps the most powerful message of all is summarized by one character who says, “Make your choices well, my son, for they will be with you the rest of your life.”
Lewis’s two protagonists are Filippa George, in present-day Miami, who must solve an ancient architectural mystery about the legend of a Renaissance girl who entered an architec-tural contest; and Dolce Gaddi, who was alivein 1400s Italy, the very girl Filippa is research-ing. The story jumps seamlessly between their stories. If Filippa uncovers evidence of Dolce’s existence, she’ll win a million-dollar prize and save a sick little boy’s life. Moreover, searching for the truth might prove to be the key to over- coming her own demons of abuse and addiction, for Dolce, readers learn, was caught in a web of abuse, too, and also must save another’s life. Both women must find in themselves whatever it takes to create new and meaningful futures.
The book’s writing is strong, with well-crafted, multi-faceted protagonists, who, while clearly imperfect, strive to be something more. Filippa and Dolce’s struggles feel real. And the story features a compelling, page-turning plot and a clean, enjoyable writing style. The settings enthrall the imagination, as does the mystery itself.
ForeWord Reviews,, The Lantern: A Renaissance Mystery