Rosalind Burgundy's most recent novel

Song of the Flutist

The Flutist guides you into the Etruscan cosmos…

“We require more copper. Only you can find those veins.” Prince-priest Zilath raised his voice, tightening his grip on the ivory throne.
“One moon’s time is all I ask,” Vel Porenna confidently protested. He lowered his eyes respectfully to the man of higher rank, although they were of equal age, height and girth.
“You’re needed to thwart Cisra,” Zilath sulked, swinging the jewel-encrusted medallion around his neck. “Take a quarter moon.”
“Cisra can’t match us. Our resources flow,” Vel replied evenly, stroking the point of his razored beard. “Besides, what is wealth with no family to share it? My mother and father would be proud of my nobility. This visit is to honor parents and ancestors. My sojourn will be short, and I again shall serve you well.”
“Go if you must. Make sure you’re back in a half moon. Don’t fail me.” Zilath stomped out, his threat hanging in the air.

Thus begins Song of the Flutist, author Rosalind Burgundy’s epic homage to life’s complications in a sophisticated, now extinct world of Italy 2600 years ago. Vel isn’t the only storyteller. Wise Anneia the Healer risks her life to cure the sick with herbs and poultices. Wanton beauty, obsessive Noblewoman Arith, connives to win fame and fortune. Noble child Venu’s fate is sealed when he is caught aboard a merchant ship that sails to Eastern Mediterranean ports. Neglected homemaker, wife and mother, Noblewoman Risa’s destiny is guided by a haruspex, a tomb painter and The Flutist.

Reader S. Davidson, PhD., Chair of West Palm Beach, Florida Library Book Writers’ Groups for 25 years, says:
“Upon completing this book, the third of Rosalind Burgundy’s Etruscan trio, you will have your own opinion of the Flutist’s message, his song. Here is what I heard: characters who demanded access to you so they could tell their stories, live their lives, and leave their histories for all generations. These are not the usual fragile beings in a fictional world; they are strong, sinewy people—men, women, fathers, daughters, wives and lovers who are aware of their influence not only to their contemporary world but also to the future. Their words and actions seem to be dictating to the author what they want her to record. Burgundy did her research and something much more valuable. She listened to their story, to their song. So that is how a forgotten civilization comes alive in all its rich layers. It’s as if there is no narrator, no ‘middleman.’ The denizens of ancient Etruria speak for themselves. You can’t get closer to the truth than that.”

View details at: www.etruscan-italy.com
Order through: amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com
Publication: November 2010
Trade Paperback: 352 pages; 978-1-4502-5660-5
Hardback: 352 pages; 978-1-4502-5662-9