The Ruby in Her Navel

Set in twelfth-century Norman Sicily, the story follows young Thurstan Beauchamp, a civil servant navigating the complex political landscape under King Roger. Amidst a fragile coexistence of diverse cultures, he is tasked with investigating a conspiracy that challenges his loyalties. As he reconnects with his childhood sweetheart and encounters a captivating dancer, Thurstan's ambitions collide with his personal desires. This narrative explores themes of ambition, politics, and innocence against the rich historical backdrop of medieval Europe, reflecting contemporary issues of cultural conflict.