Baudolino

1. A basic acquaintance with medieval history—especially the era of Frederick I (Barbarossa) and the legends of the Eastern Christian kingdoms—will make for a smoother reading experience.
2. Pay attention to the variations on legends such as the Holy Grail and Prester John; they are one of the keys to understanding the story's central metaphors.
3. Be patient: the early historical groundwork and character relationships are the solid foundation for the later fantastical journey, so don't give up because the opening seems a little intricate.

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