ABOUT THE BOOK

In the last decade of the fifteenth century, Venice was the queen city of Europe. For two hundred years her nobles controlled the trade of the east and their galleys brought the wealth up the Grand Canal and transshipped it along the trade routes of Europe.

From one of those families came the woman Mathye, who married the greatest seaman of them all - Giovanni Caboto. Mathye is her husband's cartographer, and an accomplished musician. A member of the Venice court, she struggles with her love and loyalty to the man who will betray Venice by sailing for the King of England under the name of John Cabot.

The diary and written correspondence of Mathye paint a world filled with art, music, religious life, the social activities of some of Venice's most powerful families, and rumours of intrigue. Mathye writes about her life and travels to England and Jerusalem with passion, courage and sharp humour.

Lillian Bouzane is an award-winning poet who won the Gabriel (International) Award for a suite of ten poems titled In the Time Of Wolves. She is active in the Newfoundland writing community and lives in St. Patrick's, Newfoundland.

 

Here are some readers' thoughts on Lillian Bouzane's In the Hands of the Living God:

"The author claims that Cabot was the first European to reach the North American Continent and not Columbus. If this is the case, history will have to be rewritten. It is the case of course because Columbus landed on the Caribbean Islands. If this book could be shortened it could be a winner, I especially loved the cover."

Margaret Penton.

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"I have read Lillian Bouzane's book, In the Hands of the Living God twice and am looking forward to reading it a third. This book can be enjoyed from so many points of interest: As an insight into the life of the aristocracy of 16th century Venice, as several adventure stories, as a mystery story and as a feminist novel filling in one of the many gaps in herstory. This is a wonderful book, well researched and deserving of national and international recognition."

Shirley Goundrey,
White Rock,
B.C.,
Canada

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"Read Lillian Bouzane's book "In the hands of the Living God". This story of Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland is from the point of view of Cabot's wife,Mathye. The author brings her characters to life and the reader feels a kinship closer than friendship like a confidance because of the personal letters and family stories. I would like to hear that the author is acknowledged for this fine literary work."

Rita Mullaly
31 Read Street
Gander
Newfoundland A1V 1E1
e-mail: rmullaly@thezone.net

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"I have read "In the Hands of the Living God" several times. This book has made history from that era come alive for me. I would like to see it in all high schools around the world. From my point of view, give this book first prize."

Theresa Cooke
8 Exploits Lane
Bishop's Falls
Newfoundland, Canada

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"Just finished reading "IN THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD" and already I am looking forward to reading it a second time. Movie anyone?"

Bonnie Pritchett