This novel is dedicated to Stan, Christopher, Michele and Howard; to Rosario and Patrice; to Pamela and Elaine; and to Niccolo. This novel is dedicated by Vittorio to the people of Florence, Italy. 1 WHO I AM, WHY I WRITE, WHAT IS TO E WHEN I was a small boy I had a terrible dream. I dreamt I held in my arms the severed heads of my younger brother I and sister. They were quick still, and mute