The Blackest Time - by Ken Tentarelli (Paperback)

About the Book

Young Gino leaves all that's familiar to become an apothecary apprentice in Florence. But his dream turns to nightmare when relentless rains destroy crops only to be followed by the Black Plague.

Book Synopsis

"Tentarelli's ability to immerse readers in medieval Florence's sights, sounds, and struggles makes this a novel worth diving into." -The Literary Titan

It's Europe in the 1300s, and Gino, a young man living in rural Italy, leaves behind the familiarity of his family's farm to seek a new life as an apprentice in an apothecary shop in Florence.

But Gino's dream quickly becomes a nightmare as relentless rain destroys crops in the countryside, leading to famine and despair in the city. He is grief stricken to lose contact with his family when they are forced to flee their farm.

Just as the rains end, the devastating Black Plague sweeps through Florence. Fear and superstition consume the city, targeting priests, immigrants, and women accused of practicing witchcraft.

Even with his own challenges, Gino offers help to the suffering-a woman left alone in the city, a young girl orphaned by the plague, and people who have lost everything. And just as he's providing hope to others, glimmers of happiness come his way as well, even in a world teetering on the edge.

The Blackest Time is a powerful tale of compassion, love, and the human spirit's ability to endure immense adversity.

Review Quotes

"The complexities and the helplessness of the plague is captured exquisitely in The Blackest Time." -The Independent Book Review

"Tentarelli's ability to immerse readers in medieval Florence's sights, sounds, and struggles makes this a novel worth diving into." -Literary Titan

"The historically rigorous description of the apothecary profession, including the guild that regulates it, is impressively presented by the author, whose research is impeccable."

-Kirkus Reviews

"This is truly an uplifting and edifying narrative of the inherent ability of mankind to rise above all the worst trials and tribulations. I enjoyed this story immensely and highly recommend it." -Readers Favorite 5-star review