The Castrati, one of 18th century Italy’s great historical oddities, consisted of male singers castrated at a very young age for the preservation of their melodious voices.
“Cry to Heaven” follows pampered Marc Antonio (Tonio) Treschi as he travels from his family’s palatial estate (soured by a baleful secret) to Italy’s operas as a member of the famed Castrati. It’s more or less a novel addressing sexuality, and the boundaries of masculinity/femininity. Most of the narration revolves around Tonio’s anguish, and the changes that take place in him after he looses his manhood.

The reason I initially picked this book up was because of the originality of the subject matter; I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve always been a big fan of books centered on anything taboo, and psychological anguish. Everything Tonio experiences plays out vividly in the reader’s mind. Furthermore, one of the plot’s main themes involves sexuality, another fascinating topic.

Anne Rice has written many other novels, amongst her most famous is "Interview with the Vampire," which I have yet to read.

Anyone who’s up for a good read, or really likes Opera/18th century Italy would adore this novel. I’d say it would probably be of particular importance to those of us in the bi/gay/lesbian community, just because it focuses so heavily upon sexuality and gender-identity.

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Created May 25, 2006 at 10:35pm • Submit your own review...