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4.5
The Maiden of Florence
By Katherine MezzacappaPublisher Description
Florence, 1584. Rumours are spreading about the virility of a prince marrying into the powerful Medici family. Orphan Giulia is chosen to put an end to the gossip. In return she will gain her freedom, and start a new life with a dowry and her own husband. Cloistered since childhood and an innocent in a world ruled by men, Giulia reluctantly agrees, only to be drawn under the control of the Medicis’ lecherous minister.
Years later, married and with a growing family, Giulia hopes she has finally escaped the legacy of her past. But when a threat arrives from a sinister figure from her youth, she must finally take control of events – and become the author of her own story.
Based on true events and reminiscent of The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell, The Maiden of Florence gives a charismatic voice to a woman cast aside by history.
Years later, married and with a growing family, Giulia hopes she has finally escaped the legacy of her past. But when a threat arrives from a sinister figure from her youth, she must finally take control of events – and become the author of her own story.
Based on true events and reminiscent of The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell, The Maiden of Florence gives a charismatic voice to a woman cast aside by history.
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities3 Reviews
4.5
Genevieve
Created 5 months agoShare
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“at first I wasn't too sure about this book, and up to around 30% of the way through I found it quite hard to read due to the tough subject matter. but once I got past all of that I found myself becoming more and more intrigued by the story- and I'll never say no to medieval Italy!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.”
ink.readsalot
Created 7 months agoShare
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“The Maiden of Florence by Katherine Mezzacappa is an absolutely stunning work of literature set in an era that I knew little about but am now absolutely invested
The first thing to note is that Katherine Mezzacappa writes beautifully, her writing style is authentic and her research clearly extensive. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and I was really glad to get my teeth into a new historical genre. This is in no way a quick read and that makes it even better, so very fulfilling!
I will certainly be re-reading and looking for more frrom Katherine Mezzacappa!
Thank you to Netgalley, Fairlight Books and the Author for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own”
MAEGHAN HAGUE
Created 7 months agoShare
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“Wow wow wow, this was incredible! I learned so much in this book, without it being overwhelming or too complicated. The time of the Medici's has always been so interesting to me, so to see things from this angle was refreshing. I did have to do a bit of a wiki spiral to get all of my ducks in a row, but I was really glad of it. I'm a sucker for historical fiction that isn't about the First or Second World Wars so this was just amazing.
My only qualm is whether Giulia was a real person or not? I know the other key players were, as little as I could find on them but for Giulia I'm not sure. For her to have been an unrecongized orphan, it unlikely that she was Giulia de' Medici (the illegitimate but recognized daughter or Alessandro de' Medici). Plus the timelines in this book don't align with her (b. 1535, d. 1588).
The author did an amazing job in terms of the writing. I felt all the feelings when reading Giulia's passages, and was so happy when we were given those of Giuliano! I honestly have so much praise for this book, it totally got me out of my reading slump and was just so interesting!! I'll absolutely grab a print copy once published (also helps that the cover is stunning!), and I look forward to any other books the author may bring out.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for this ARC!”
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