Crucifixus is a compelling historical novel that vividly presents the emotional and physical toll of gender trauma in the 17th century. It was a time when women were silenced and forced to be subservient to men and when men caused suffering through their declared superiority and hidden insecurities. Because women were not allowed to sing in Church, boys were sacrificed for their voices, becoming castratos for the Glory of God and the gratification of His flock.
Crucifixus chronicles the tragic journey of Paulo, a seven-year-old boy chosen by Church officials to become a castrato for the choir. Torn from his family and forced into a world of brutal discipline, Paulo finds solace in music, achieving fleeting fame in private operas. Yet, the cost of his voice is steep, leaving him to battle both physical pain and emotional desolation.
Paulo's solitude is softened by a tender and sincere bond with Contessa Vittoria, a noblewoman who offers him comfort and curiosity. But when the impossible dreams of marriage crumble, and his body begins turning against him, he turns to opium, spiralling into despair.
Paulo's story intertwines with that of his family?his brother Antonio, who is angered by the fragility of women and abhors castratos; his brother Luca, who encounters the toxic power of patrons; his sister Francesca, who envies his chance to sing; and their mother, who sent Paulo away in the hope of a better future. Their choices reverberate through society, leaving a lasting impact.
Through richly evocative prose, Crucifixus offers a moving portrayal of the devastating impact of societal expectations founded upon fear. It examines the ripple effects of gendered suffering, exploring the struggles of a family torn apart by choices made in the name of faith and survival.
Crucifixus is one of many untold stories of the nearly half a million boys who were forever altered to serve the Church's music program between the 16th and 18th centuries. In the end, the question remains: Can forgiveness ever heal the wounds of the past?
