Set in the time of tremendous religious and political upheaval caused by the Reformation in Europe, Q begins with Luther nailing his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg cathedral -- a historical flash point which would completely disrupt European society.
The novel traces the adventures and conflicts of two central characters as they travel across Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. One is an Anabaptist, a member of the most radical Protestant sect. These are the anarchists of the Reformation who revolted against Catholicism and the emerging Reformation church. The other is a Catholic spy and informer. The meticulous handwriting, no smudges, tiny. Names, places, dates, reflections.
The notebook of the final fevered days. The yellowed and decrepit letters, the dust of decades. The coin of the kingdom of the mad dangles on my chest to remind me of the eternal oscillation of human fortunes. The book, perhaps the only remaining copy, has never been opened. The names are the names of the dead. My names, and those who have travelled those twisting paths. I promised you not to forget. I want to recall everything, right from the beginning, the details, chance, the flow of events.
Before distance obscures my backward glance, muffling the hubbub of voices, of weapons, armies, laughter, shouts. And at the same time only distance allows us to go back to a likely beginning. At the age of twenty-three. The biggest ecclesiastical principality in Germany awaits the appointment of a new bishop. If he wins the appointment, Albert will get his hands on a third of the whole German territory. He makes his offer: 14, ducats for the archbishopric, plus 10, for the papal dispensation that allows him to hold all these offices.
The deal is negotiated via the Fugger bank of Augsburg, which anticipates the sum required. Once the operation is concluded Albert owes the Fuggers 30, ducats. The bankers decree the mode of payment. Albert must promote the sale of the indulgences for Pope Leo X in his territory.
