A death told in the first person
Franchezzo begins with his own death. He can still love, remember and regret, yet he can no longer make himself understood to the woman he loves. Much of the journey that follows turns on that frustration. Places take their character from the conduct of their inhabitants, and the traveller gradually learns what help he can give to others.
How the name reached print
Farnese’s signed introduction offers a second voice. The transcriber reported seeing Franchezzo and hearing from people who recognised him. The book preserves this claim alongside the narrator’s memories of an earthly life. His relationships and travels can be traced through the story, while his civil identity and life dates remain uncertain.
