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booksalacarte's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
It was really hard to get into the book, feeling as if I knew how it ended.
There is a lot of timeline jumping, starting in 1561, then looking back. It was a good take and created a little more suspense that was necessary for a fictional take on a historical figure.
Looking into the fantastical mind of a young girl growing up in the life she did was very interesting. To see her unsettled nature, suspicion and premonition of her own life. She is battling for her own survival and it’s hard to read and not be moved.
I also found reading about a child bride a challenge. Especially knowing that it was normal for the time. I couldn’t stop thinking about how she was a child, having to act as a wife and the duplicity of those around her.
The depictions of the Italian courts and culture was very nice.
I appreciated the creative liberties taken. I thought it was well done!
There is a lot of timeline jumping, starting in 1561, then looking back. It was a good take and created a little more suspense that was necessary for a fictional take on a historical figure.
Looking into the fantastical mind of a young girl growing up in the life she did was very interesting. To see her unsettled nature, suspicion and premonition of her own life. She is battling for her own survival and it’s hard to read and not be moved.
I also found reading about a child bride a challenge. Especially knowing that it was normal for the time. I couldn’t stop thinking about how she was a child, having to act as a wife and the duplicity of those around her.
The depictions of the Italian courts and culture was very nice.
I appreciated the creative liberties taken. I thought it was well done!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Vomit, Sexism, Death, Animal cruelty, Violence, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Religious bigotry and Animal death
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