The forbidden Love of the Castrato [Die verbotene Liebe des Kastraten]

ISBN (printed book): 978-3-910347-52-6

ISBN (EPUB): 978-3-910347-53-3

Short text

In 17th century Rome, a boy of extraordinary beauty is born who, as a young man, stands out for his crystal-clear voice. At a festive mass in St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Urban VIII notices his beautiful voice and sends him to Naples for vocal training. At his first public appearance in Florence, he meets the powerful Cardinal Stefano Albizzi, who succumbs to his beauty and begins a love affair with him.

In this dramatic and seemingly tragic story, the author Günther Peer succeeds in recounting the suffering of the papal choirboys with much tension and self-reflection.

Keywords: historical novel, love story, bishop, priest, castrato, history of religion, early modern times, Italy, tragedy, Rome, Pope Urban, Naples, choirboys, love affair, Vatican, Florence, Pope, suicide, Antonio Barberini, Marc'Antonio Pasqualini, drama, historical drama, poisoning, pedophilia, Catholic Church.

About the author

The Tyrolean writer Günther Peer is known far beyond the region for his extensive literary work. His third historical novel was published under the title "The Forbidden Love of the Castrato". He is an expert on church history and regularly deals with topics such as the papacy, religious life, celibacy and belief in God in his literary work.

His depictions are characterized by detailed descriptions, as he personally acted as master of ceremonies and lived as a monk with temporary vows in a Benedictine abbey.

Further links

Reader information (prayers, Bible verses, etc. from the novel)

E-book information

Author page of Günther Peer

Interview with the author