{"title":"Carlene Carson","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"map-of-a-hungry-heart-marco-polos-world-by-carlene-carson-9798218495169","title":"Map of a Hungry Heart, Marco Polo's World","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn Venice, a legend whispers through the ages: mysterious, haunting Chinese melodies flood the Million courtyard where Marco Polo's palazzo once stood. A recent excavation revealed the remains of a thirteenth-century Chinese woman, dressed in royal attire.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoney, power, or love-what do you truly desire?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor Marco Polo, the answer shaped his destiny.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesperation consumes Marco as he languishes in a Genoa prison, captured after Venice's defeat at the Battle of Curzola in 1298. Hoping for a quick release, he dictates his remarkable journeys to Rustichello de Pisa, but at night, introspection shatters his peace. He sees himself in the mirror of his father's choices-paths he intended never to follow yet did nonetheless.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNow, as Marco sits behind bars, he reflects not on riches or war but on Li, the Song princess left isolated in Venice. In a land foreign to her, she bears the weight of suspicion and discrimination, her only companions the loyal servant Guo Yu and the hope held in Marco's promise to return.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMap of a Hungry Heart, Marco Polo's World\u003c\/strong\u003e transports readers to the marvels of thirteenth-century Asia through vivid, descriptive writing. It traces Marco Polo's adventures as it unravels the legend of his forbidden love and the ambitions that defined his epic life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarlene crafts her narrative through multiple perspectives: Marco Polo, whose journeys illuminate the vibrant world of thirteenth-century Asia; Li, the Song princess who invigorates both Venice and Kublai Khan's court; Kim Chin-hae, a Goryeo general whose perspective reveals the struggles of his subjugated homeland; and Lis, his Miao shaman wife, gifted with dream-walking powers. Their interwoven stories explore adventure, warfare, discovery, forbidden love, and enduring friendships-showcasing the human compass as a symbol of self-determination.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarlene's riveting historical fiction brims with adventure, lesser-known histories, and mystical elements, unearthing a love story buried deep by time. Her work leaves readers spellbound, holding them in the grip of an unforgettable tale.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47934131994860,"sku":"9798218495169","price":66.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9798218495169-map-of-a-hungry-heart-marco-polo-s-world.jpg?v=1783898340"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/carlene-carson.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}