Ashes and Stone by Allyson Shaw is a creative non-fiction account of women accused of witchcraft throughout Scottish history, particularly in the 16th through 18th centuries. Shaw details her personal journey traveling around Scotland to visit the forgotten, often neglected monuments to the those who lost their lives to witchcraft craze. Reading Ashes and Stone… Continue reading Review: Ashes and Stones by Allyson Shaw
The Maiden of Florence, based on true events, follows orphan Giulia Albizzi who is pulled from the Pieta and taken into the care of the Medici Grand Duke for a larger scheme. Having been raised in the Pieta, Giulia is naive of the world and of men. Growing up an orphan with fleeting friendships in… Continue reading Review: The Maiden of Florence by Katherine Mezzacappa
What They Said ABout Luisa by Erika Rummel imagines a backstory for a real 16th century woman named Luisa Abrego, an enslaved woman of "Moorish" heritage in Seville who had been set free upon her master's death. Upon manumission, he also allegedly gave her a sum on which to live. Luisa then journeyed to Zacatecas,… Continue reading Review: What They Said About Luisa by Erika Rummel
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is an enchanting tale set in 16th century Spain. Luzia Cotado is a scullion of secret Jewish heritage. Protecting her true lineage in a country ruled by the Inquisition requires Luzia to keep a low profile. Although well-read, intelligent, and witty, Luzia must play the part of the illiterate, dull… Continue reading Review: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O' Farrell tells the tale of the brief, tenuous life of Lucrezia de' Medici, Duchess of Ferrara, who mysteriously died at the age of 16. After the sudden death of her betrothed older sister, Lucrezia is pushed into the role of replacement bride for Alfonso de' Este, Duke of Ferrera,… Continue reading Review: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’ Farrell
The Locksmith's Daughter follows a young woman named Mallory Bright who, after a scandalous incident*, must make a new path for herself by spying for none other than Queen Elizabeth's Spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. Not only does Mallory employ her lockpicking skills (learned from her locksmith father,) but also learns new tools of the… Continue reading Review: The Locksmith’s Daughter by Karen Brooks
Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne by David Starkey focuses on Elizabeth Tudor's childhood and rise to power, rather than the majority of Elizabeth biographies that focus on her entire life or just her reign. I knew a bit about Elizabeth's upbringing before reading this book, but Starkey filled in the gaps and offered interesting information… Continue reading Review: Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne by David Starkey
Home 