How Long to Read The Winds of Avignon

How Long Does it Take to Read The Winds of Avignon?

It takes the average reader 5 hours and 46 minutes to read The Winds of Avignon by Mary Alexandra Watt

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Set in fourteenth century France and Italy, against the backdrop of Albigensian Crusade, the Templar trials, and the Black Death, The Winds of Avignon is a sensuous and often violent tale of dreams pitted against desire, the struggle between survival and sacrifice and the never-ending conflict between ambition and integrity. Based on historical events, this is the story of Italian poet Francesco Petrarca's troubled friendship with the Roman revolutionary Cola di Rienzo, and the disastrous consequences of Cola's infatuation with Francesco's muse, Laura. Synopsis: When his best friend, Cola di Rienzo, proposes revolution in fourteenth century Rome, the poet Francesco Petrarca must choose between loyalty to his powerful patron, the Roman Cardinal Giovanni Colonna, and his lifelong dream of an Eternal City free from tyranny. Francesco's choice is further complicated by the revelation that supporting Cola's rebellion not only threatens his own social status but also means risking the life of his muse and object of his unrequited love, Laure de Sade (whom he calls "Laura"). When Francesco learns, however, that Cola has betrayed their friendship by sleeping with Laure, the poet's fury leads him down a path of destruction that has disastrous consequences for Cola, Laura, the Colonna family and, most significantly, for Francesco's tortured soul. Historical Context:In the early fourteenth century, civil unrest in Rome compels the papacy to transfer to the safety of Avignon in the south of France. In the absence of a central authority, Rome is plunged into full blown civil war as the great baronial families, most notably, the Orsini and the Colonna, fight each other for control of the Eternal City. When neither the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VII, nor Pope Clement VI are able to resolve the conflict, the city continues its slide into even deeper decay. The Principal Characters:Cola di Rienzo: Roman notary and illegitimate son of Emperor Henry VII. Appalled by the decadence and violence of fourteenth century Rome, Cola formulates a plan for reform. Opposed by the Roman baronial families who see him as a threat to their power, Cola goes to Avignon to seek papal support for his plans. When Pope Clement refuses Cola's request, the notary finds support for his revolution amongst the Cathars, a heretical sect, long hunted by the papacy.Francesco Petrarca:An Italian émigré raised in Avignon, Francesco eventually becomes a famous lyric poet. Like Cola, Francesco laments Rome's state of decay and yearns for its resurgence. He meets Cola when the notary comes to Avignon seeking the Pope's support for his program of reform. They become great friends and rivals in love.Cardinal Giovanni Colonna: Cardinal and advisor to Pope Clement in Avignon, Giovanni is also Francesco's patron. As a member of the powerful Colonna family, Giovanni opposes Cola's reforms and will use whatever means necessary to destroy him.Laure de Sade: Called "Laura" by Francesco, she is both his muse and the object of his unrequited love. When Laure, a Cathar, meets Cola in Avignon, they secretly become lovers. Giovanni learns of the affair from his spies and reveals it to Francesco in an effort to have the poet publicly denounce Cola. Francesco, in his rage, not only denounces Cola, but also reveals the affair to Laure's abusive husband, Hugues de Sade.

How long is The Winds of Avignon?

The Winds of Avignon by Mary Alexandra Watt is 337 pages long, and a total of 86,609 words.

This makes it 114% the length of the average book. It also has 106% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Winds of Avignon Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 7 hours and 53 minutes to read The Winds of Avignon aloud.

What Reading Level is The Winds of Avignon?

The Winds of Avignon is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy The Winds of Avignon?

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