Prologue and Part 1: Chapters 1-2 Summary

Thirteenth century Florence, Tuscany is a tumultuous time period. The Medici state has been one of art and luxury, but when Lorenzo de Medici dies and his heir fails to take control of the government, a new revolutionary leader emerges, creating a time of great fear and sacrifice for the citizens of Florence. This is the setting for this novel.

In the prologue, an elderly nun has died at Santa Vitella's Convent in Loro Ciufenna. It is tradition for the nun's body to be disrobed, washed, and redressed in new garments. However, Sister Lucrezia has asked that her body be buried in the clothes she wore upon her death. An outbreak of plague has begun in the nearby village and the Mother Superior has been pressured to go against Sister Lucrezia's wishes to ensure the...