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readinginmagnolia 's review for:
The Stone Witch of Florence
by Anna Rasche
This story is told in third person and dual timelines. In the former timeline we are introduced to main character Ginevra, a ten-year-old girl living in 1330 Genoa apprenticed to the local healer learning about her magical abilities quietly to avoid notice by the powerful religious leaders who would prosecute for witchcraft. Ginevra dreamed of being a doctor, an impossible feat at the time for a woman and is later sent to a convent in Florence to continue her healing education. The latter timeline finds Ginevra back home in 1348 where she has been exiled from Florence for her healing practices. A thief has been stealing religious relics from the churches of Florence, leaving plague in their wake. Ginevra is promised a pardon in return for finding the thief and returning the relics.
As a geologist, I’m always fascinated by stories that involve rocks and I loved reading about the various gemstones and their purported healing properties. I really enjoyed Ginevra’s journey to finding the thief and the revelations of her youth and how she came to be exiled. As she investigates the missing relics, Ginevra attempts to heal many people of the Plague along the way, some hopeful and some suspicious of her practices. She touches many lives with kindness, making new friends and even turning old enemies into friends. The story shines with the light of hope amid devastating loss.
Recommended to historical mystery fans who enjoy witchy healing stories.
Thank you to Netgalley, The Hive, and Park Row Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
As a geologist, I’m always fascinated by stories that involve rocks and I loved reading about the various gemstones and their purported healing properties. I really enjoyed Ginevra’s journey to finding the thief and the revelations of her youth and how she came to be exiled. As she investigates the missing relics, Ginevra attempts to heal many people of the Plague along the way, some hopeful and some suspicious of her practices. She touches many lives with kindness, making new friends and even turning old enemies into friends. The story shines with the light of hope amid devastating loss.
Recommended to historical mystery fans who enjoy witchy healing stories.
Thank you to Netgalley, The Hive, and Park Row Books for a copy provided for an honest review.