The Nonexistent Knight

The Nonexistent Knight is an allegorical fantasy novel by Italo Calvino, first published in Italian 1959 and in English translation in 1962.

This story takes place in France, during the time of Charlemagne. Among the emperor’s army there is a knight who does not exist. That’s right – Agiluf, the best warrior in Charlemagne’s army, is nothing but an empty white suit of armour filled with a very strong will.
The Nonexistent Knight follows his adventures and misadventures through medieval France, Scotland, England and Morocco. Along the way he meets the Knights of the Holy Grail, a determined female warrior, a loony squire, and a young man seeking to avenge his father’s death, among others.
This tale is narrated by a nun whose connection with the events in question is only revealed in the very last chapter. While telling the story, she shares with the reader her musings on writing and on her secluded life.

The Nonexistent Knight is full of absurd moments that almost read like Monty Python and the Holy Grail. A fun, engaging and fast read.
I liked precisely because the three previous reasons.

All three of Italo Calvino’s historical fantasies are books I very much recommend.