Léon l'Africain

Hasan al-Wazzan, born in Granada in the late fifteenth century, flees with his family to Fez after the Christian conquest, and grows up to be a diplomat and traveler. He travels across Africa, Arabia and the Mediterranean, is captured by pirates and presented to Pope Leo X, who baptizes him as Leo Africanus. Maalouf bases the story on the real author of a famous Description of Africa, and he frames it as Leo's account written for his son. The book covers decades of political upheaval around 1500.

Historical fiction fans who like the idea of a life lived between cultures and faiths will find a rich narrative with an intelligent narrator. It's good for anyone interested in the Mediterranean in the Renaissance.

Deep and contemplative; a moderate read.

Best for readers like The Deep Diver. Which reader are you?