"Lawyer and journalist Matteo Teresi discovers the existence of a secret sect whose members include priests and politicians. The sect's seedy purpose is to initiate devout virgins into the rites of married life. Preying on their victims naivety, they commit ignominious acts while promising the young women divine grace. In 1901 the scandal breaks nationwide. But far from being hailed as a hero, Teresi is accused of disrupting the social order. A passionately...

In Venice, Italy, in the 1890s, a stray cat draws attention to a coffee shop in which he inspired composer Guiseppi Verdi, and as the feline's fame grows, the shop's owner entertains royalty, the Pope, and many others. Includes historical notes about the real Nini and his visisitors.