Ms. Fiorato draws the reader in from Page One. Her books are lessons in history, geography, cultures and anything else you want to throw in. Her extensive education and research pays off in every paragraph. If you've ever traveled to Italy or are just an arm chair traveler, you will enjoy this book. Her books will prompt curious readers to get online and do a bit more research on many subjects. This book won't disappoint!
In Siena, Italy in the 18th century, the Palio, which is a horse race is an important part of the culture. The race is not just a competition among the different Contrade (city wards) in the town, but a significant rivalry. Winning the race is a matter of pride and determines whose star is rising and falling in the community. What happens in this race alters the fate of Pia, who is engaged to be married to a competitor in the race. Her father has pledged her in marriage against her wishes to another Contrade family to gain a political alliance. How will Pia fare with her cruel and unwanted husband? This story has romance and political intrigue as the different factions fight for control of the city.
Pia is a likable heroine and there was enough character development of her and other major characters to be pulled into the story and care what happened to them. I have a few minor complaints about the narrative such as a few difficult situations were taken care of a little too neatly and implausible at the end of the book in order to wrap up the tale.
Although this is more historical romance than historical fiction, I spent time looking up information on the Palio and the Contrade in Siena, Italy which is a good sign that I enjoyed the history and want to know more about it. I liked this glimpse of life in Siena Italy in 1729 and how the Palio exerts its influence on the way of life of its citizens.
Pia is a likable heroine and there was enough character development of her and other major characters to be pulled into the story and care what happened to them. I have a few minor complaints about the narrative such as a few difficult situations were taken care of a little too neatly and implausible at the end of the book in order to wrap up the tale.
Although this is more historical romance than historical fiction, I spent time looking up information on the Palio and the Contrade in Siena, Italy which is a good sign that I enjoyed the history and want to know more about it. I liked this glimpse of life in Siena Italy in 1729 and how the Palio exerts its influence on the way of life of its citizens.
This was such a lovely novel, it pulled me in right away and I really had a hard time putting it down. Somehow I missed the fact that it featured the de Medici family, so that was a very pleasant surprise for me as well!
The author does such a fabulous job of making you genuinely feel the terror Pia is in, going from a relatively calm existence in her fathers home to a terrifying new life as the wife of the heir to the Eagle contrada. I honestly felt anxious as I was reading any interaction that had to do with that family such treacherous people, only concerned with their own upward mobility.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=2847
The author does such a fabulous job of making you genuinely feel the terror Pia is in, going from a relatively calm existence in her fathers home to a terrifying new life as the wife of the heir to the Eagle contrada. I honestly felt anxious as I was reading any interaction that had to do with that family such treacherous people, only concerned with their own upward mobility.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=2847
