caralawless's review against another edition
3.0
I had read Napoli's work before, in middle and high school, and remember loving her books. I suppose I'm too old now to really enjoy it as I did back then. While fascinating and historical, it didn't really latch onto me the way her other books did. I suppose its a matter of age and maturity.
mollyxmiller's review against another edition
5.0
This was probably one of the most pivotal books I read in my adolescence. The main character has a tough choice to make and of course its beautifully written and makes me want to visit the city that helped birth the Renaissance!
ouchi_ee's review
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
4.0
I enjoyed this a lot, a strong female character is always good to see. Got lost in the setting- very descriptive and pretty.
junkathan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
bookslesstravelled's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. It took me twice to read it all the way though, but I was so glad I did. A beautiful story and one I could relate too. The start is slow, but it gets much better as it goes on.
potatq's review against another edition
4.0
The first novel I ever read after my Geronimo Stilton phase.
katyla's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting tale of the plight of women and their place in Venetian society in 1592. I admired the young heroine for her daring and adventurous spirit, and her refusal to give up and accept the life that was almost demanded of her. The book is well written and brings Venice to life, you almost smell the foul smells of waste and feel the lively/slightly dangerous atmosphere.
libkatem's review against another edition
2.0
A lyrical historical novel set, naturally, in Venice. I love her strong female characters.
dreamofbookspines's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
2.5
Couldn't get into it; Donata seems bland and making decisions without thinking about any of the consequences. Even kids have an understanding of what the results of an action might be. I appreciate that Napoli did historical research for it, so the details are pretty rich. Unfortunately, the narrative is disjointed.
mary_juleyre's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5