I picked this up after it was referenced in the last john Irving and what a joy of magical storytelling. Set in the reign of napoleon it centres on Henri, the great man's personal chicken chef, and villanelle the venetian dtr of a boatman. A story of passion for a charismatic monster, unrequited passion for a woman, + passion between 2 women. With madness, starvation, and stolen hearts (literally) this was a compelling, interesting + magical read.