I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The writing is evocative, and the story -- a young man's search through 14th century Asia for the elusive lapis lazuli -- should be compelling. But Runcie never seems to dip below the lovely and detailed surface he has created and the tale ultimately has no heart.
I did enjoy this read. It's Venice 1295, an abandoned baby is found in a narrow canal. She calls him Polo. Despite resistance from her husband, Teresa raises the child in their home among the glass makers, His new parents soon realize that Polo is short-sighted--but this gives him a strange and acute eye for distinguishing colour and tone. Polo will learn in his journeys about colour, sight, and distance, death, and beauty, faith and love. I found this book deep but a rewarding read.
