a great read, well plotted with a superb sense of place and time .. Have now booked a holiday in Florence! I am a big fan of Maggie O’Farrel and although not as well written as her novels, it was very much in the same style. Will definitely recomend to fellow lovers of historical fictions.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

new author to me but the setting just blew me away
I was engrossed from the beginning

A wonderful, evocative read

Thank you to Fairlight Books, Netgalley, and Katherine Mezzacappa for gifting me a digital ARC of The Maiden of Florence in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Maiden of Florence is a powerful retelling of historical events to bring to life the raw plights of women caught up in the power struggles and whims of rich men, the state, and the church in 16th-century Italy. It is an emotional and compassionate read told in the first person POV, despite dark themes of abuse, manipulation, and control of women. Some scenes leave you cold inside, especially when you see how Giulia is treated through harrowing ordeals.

The writing was well-researched, pulling you into the history behind the story of Giulia and the powerful Medici family, who pulled the strings of her fate and offered her a way to escape her life at a convent at a price in exchange for a dowry and husband. The plot's pacing was a little out of balance, with the story stretching out over the years – sometimes breakneck, allowing you to gobble down chapters. Turning slow and a little frustrating as the plot gets lost in telling what's going on rather than showing it until the next action point is reached.

Katherine Mezzacappa weaves a compelling and soulful representation of her female protagonist. Her journey brings her from a vulnerable girl who has no voice and few options through a horrifying ordeal that drags her into the depths of despair to finding love and compassion and allowing her to heal. Becoming resilient and strong after overcoming adversity and the horrors of the abuse, she suffered with support and care from a good man. I enjoyed the relationship that Giulia and her husband, Giuliano Sperati, developed despite their forced match. They are perfect for one another. Giuliano's kindness and tenderness were so sweet in moving heaven and earth to keep Giulia safe and happy.

Reading The Maiden of Florence was not easy – there is a traumatic story beneath the gorgeous cover. I liked Katherine's straightforward, raw storytelling that was powerful and haunting as it described some of the terrible scenes of this story based on actual historical events as she explored how women coped and overcame the plight of women being viewed as possessions of men and the trauma enforced upon their lives.

Actual Rating 2.5

Giulia is an orphan being raised by the church near Florence in 1584. She’s used to doing as she’s told, so when she’s offered a chance to have a small fortune and a husband after performing a small task for the greater good of Florence, she agrees. Little does she know that her task will be proving the prince’s virility, and that he won’t be the only man hoping to use her.

What I did like about this one was mostly in relation to the historical details. There were quotes from primary sources at the beginning of each chapter, which was fantastic, especially with how relevant they all were. There were also other historical details incorporated in meaningful ways throughout the text, which added to the depth and richness of the setting. I was also quite pleased with the introduction of the second POV and found that character’s voice more compelling and interesting than the primary narrator.

The first 30% of the book or so was very sexual – not in a spicey way, but in an abusive way. While the author states that the details included were almost verbatim based on the actual documented treatment of the girl in question, I think it excessive to include so much of it. It did get across the horridness/absurdity of the situation, but it slowed down the plot, was repetitive, and detracted from the book overall. This book is also very dialogue heavy, but not in a way that makes the characters feel alive. And when there aren’t long blocks of dialogue, the exposition is generally more of the protagonist reminiscing. This isn’t set up in a way that makes it easy to connect to the characters and left most aspects of the book feeling flat.

If you’re interested in 16th century Florence and slower historical fiction, you may enjoy this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

As a lover of books set in Italy, I was immediately drawn into Katherine Mezzacappa's The Maiden of Florence. This beautifully written historical novel offers a captivating and poignant portrayal of Giulia, an orphan thrust into a world of power and intrigue within the Medici family. Mezzacappa’s meticulous research and evocative prose bring 16th-century Florence to life, immersing readers in the vibrant yet perilous life of its protagonist. Giulia's journey from a cloistered orphan to a woman determined to reclaim her narrative is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The blend of real historical events with compelling fiction makes The Maiden of Florence a standout novel that I couldn't put down. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys richly detailed historical fiction and the allure of Renaissance Italy.

I really enjoy historical fiction and I love reading about people who are written about less. I enjoyed the writing style and would recommend it!

I love it!

The Maiden of Florence is about the story of a young orphan from the Pieta orphanage.
This novel is perfect for readers of historical fiction genre. The author clearly showed us a new perspective and that there is certainly more to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this interesting historical fiction book, readers travel to sixteenth and seventeenth century Italy, where orphaned Giulia is selected to prove that a powerful young Italian prince is an appropriate husband for a daughter of the Medici clan. Promised a husband and a dowry, Giulia does so and falls in love with the prince, but she must move on and live her life away from him in Venice. Decades later and widowed with grown children, Giulia must reconnect with the prince to protect her oldest child from a threat recently resurfaced from her childhood. Experiencing Italian culture in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, readers get a grasp of what life looked like for the working class and for women at this time, not the nobility, which is a nice change of pace. Drawing on real historical events and figures, Mezzacappa has brought the dynamic social world and vibrant culture of early modern Italy to life. With her expressive and complex characters, Mezzacappa has populated this setting with some unique and diverse characters, both major and minor. With a fantastic plot, vibrant settings, and compelling characters, Mezzacappa presents a new insight into early modern Italian life through Giulia’s story and this novel.

"The Maiden of Florence" by Katherine Mezzacappa was captivated by this fictionalised account of Giulia, an orphan living in Florence in 1584. The story follows Giulia as she is chosen to put an end to rumours surrounding the virility of a prince marrying into the powerful Medici family. What unfolds is a tale of resilience, survival, and reclaiming one's narrative in a world where women are often marginalized and mistreated.
The novel is told primarily from Giulia's perspective, with occasional chapters from Giuliano's point of view, providing a unique dual narrative that adds depth and complexity to the story. Giulia's chapters are raw, honest, and at times heartbreaking, shedding light on the harsh reality of being a woman in Medici Florence. Mezzacappa's writing style reads like a memoir, drawing the reader into Giulia's world and her struggles to navigate a society ruled by men.
One aspect of the book that particularly struck me was the author's note revealing that a significant portion of the story was based on actual historical documents, adding a layer of authenticity and poignancy to Giulia's journey. Despite the challenges and abuse she faces, Giulia's story is one of hope, resilience, and ultimately, empowerment.
Mezzacappa expertly creates a vivid atmosphere that immerses the reader in 16th-century Italy, with looming darkness and moments of fate adding tension and intrigue to the narrative. Giulia emerges as a strong and compelling character, a fighter and survivor who refuses to be defined by her past traumas.
While the book does contain explicit scenes that highlight the objectification and mistreatment of women during that period, it serves to underscore the harsh realities faced by Giulia and others like her. The explicitness did not detract from the story but instead added depth and nuance to Giulia's experiences.
Overall, "The Maiden of Florence" is a gripping and evocative historical fiction novel that offers a poignant glimpse into the life of a woman striving to overcome adversity and find her place in a world where she is underestimated and undervalued. I was hooked from the start and found myself engrossed in Giulia's journey of survival, resilience, and ultimately, self-discovery. If you enjoy historical fiction that delves into the complexities of gender dynamics and societal norms, I recommend reading this book.

The Maiden of Florence
by Katherine Mezzacappa
Pub Date: Apr 18 2024

Florence, 1584. Rumours are spreading about the virility of a prince marrying into the powerful Medici family. Orphan Giulia is chosen to put an end to the gossip. In return she will gain her freedom, and start a new life with a dowry and her own husband. Cloistered since childhood and an innocent in a world ruled by men, Giulia reluctantly agrees, only to be drawn under the control of the Medicis’ lecherous minister.

Years later, married and with a growing family, Giulia hopes she has finally escaped the legacy of her past. But when a threat arrives from a sinister figure from her youth, she must finally take control of events – and become the author of her own story.

Based on true events and reminiscent of The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell, The Maiden of Florence gives a charismatic voice to a woman cast aside by history.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I felt this historical novel was certainly not an easy read, but it was an engaging one. At the beginning, there was something that struck me as unsettling, perhaps even distasteful, but all the same, the narrator had my attention.

As I read on, I found that the narration had a very no-nonsense, raw sort of quality about it, and yet, I couldn’t deny that it was beautiful, and moved me in a way that I didn't expect. I felt the imagery throughout, though perhaps not to everyone's taste, was beautiful and powerful.

I think I engaged with this book in a slightly different way than usual. At times, I had an odd feeling of detachment, or noticed myself reading with a kind of dispassionate interest, like an observer, or onlooker, witnessing the events. At the same time, the story stirred in me feelings of compassion and sorrow.

I think if you're not usually a reader of historical fiction, this could be a challenging read. For me, it was quite an intense read, but still beautifully written.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

"The Maiden of Florence" is a historical novel based on the grotesque but real story of Giulia, an orphan girl selected by elite men to be part of a potency test for the next Grand Duke of Mantua, Prince Vincenzo Gonzaga. Because of intimacy issues in his first marriage, his second potential marriage hinged on him proving his ability to impregnate a woman--and so the elites conspired to find a virgin girl with whom the Prince could lay and presumably demonstrate his ability to have sex. For being forcibly prostituted by men in power, this poor girl is promised a husband of modest means.

What's good: This is a story I hadn't heard and from a perspective less told. Giulia's thought processes feel appropriate for her era, age, and general position. (Her piety is a running theme here--both surprising to a modern eye, given what she'd endured, and yet quite understandable given her position.) There is a spectrum of villainy here; the book certainly invites a conversation about what complicity means.

What's iffier: The book is written with a heavy emphasis on oratory--the first part is from Giulia's point of view, the second from her husband's memoir, etc. Even within those sections, characters break out into long bits of exposition. While this makes sense for the book's framework (and is a nod to the literary style of many classics), it can wear on one at times.

With gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book.

This historical fiction book is set in Italy (Florence, Venice and Mantua) in the late 16th century.

Giulia Albizza, an orphan, is chosen to test the virility of Prince Vincenzo Gonzaga of Mantua before the powerful Florentine de’ Medici family will approve his marriage into the family. In return for her virginity, Giulia is promised a dowry and a husband. The de Medici’s minister, Belisario Vinta, picks Giulia from the orphanage and after her meeting with the prince in Venice, finds her a husband, Giuliano Sperati.

Most of the book is narrated in first person by Giulia. She is almost 50 years of age when she decides to write her story in the form of a letter to her mother whom she never knew. She writes about her grim life in the orphanage, events leading up to her encounter with the prince, and her life after what was called the Congress of Venice. There are also some chapters which are readings from Giuliano’s ricordanze.

The novel emphasizes how women in Renaissance Italy are the pawns of men. Daughters are the property of their fathers. If they are unwed, “surplus to the demand for young brides,” they are placed in convents; if they marry, they become the property of their husbands. A woman is to protect her virginity above all else, yet such considerations are ignored when the interests of powerful men are involved. Giulia states, “What happened to me was no less than an affair of state. A mortal sin condoned by cardinals.” When she is chosen by Vinta, she really has no choice. Her life in the orphanage is truly miserable: she is nameless, existing “only because of the bounty of others,” and is unloved. There will be no reprieve from that life because she is expected to become a nun. And obviously she is in no position to refuse the wishes of the Grand Duke. After she fulfills the role for which she has been chosen, she is still at Vinta’s mercy; he, “a great dark bird of prey,” remains a dominant, controlling presence for her entire life. Despite her lack of agency, Giulia’s reputation is tarnished. And servants like Deodata and Isabella are really sex slaves.

Men are allowed to behave in ways that condemn a woman. Men, especially powerful men, are allowed to have mistresses and illegitimate children; such behaviour is condoned, much less punished. A rape is described but the victim knows that she will never speak of it because she would never be believed. In fact, she would be blamed: “My face and form caused him to sin.” One gentlewoman who has an unapproved relationship with someone seen as inappropriate causes a great scandal and is harshly punished.

The book is okay, but I didn’t find myself mesmerized. I found it slow and it just felt flat; it is interesting but didn’t arouse an emotional response. The first part, which is apparently quite accurate in historical terms, appealed to me more than the second part which is less grounded in known facts.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Katherine Mezzacappa for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Maiden of Florence coming out April 18, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love Italy and I’m always wanting to learn more about Italy and the people. I didn’t realize it was based on true events. I think it was very informative and historically accurate. I would’ve loved to see a little more emotion and dialogue. I think there’s a lot of description and it reads more like historical nonfiction or a reenactment documentary. I don’t mind nonfiction, but it was a little dry and I was hoping for more of an action packed story set in Italy. I would definitely check out other books by this author.

The year is 1584 in Florence and a test is about to take place, but it is different from your typical test. It involves a Prince whose wife can only give him daughters and an attractive orphan girl who will be given a dowry and a husband when the task is done. The stories of these young women have been lost to the past, but the story of orphan Giulia is now coming to light. Katherine Mezzacappa tells the tale of the orphan who took back her life from the most powerful men in Italy in her novel, “The Maiden of Florence.”

I want to thank Fairlight Books and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this novel. I saw the cover on social media and thought it was stunning, but then I read the description and realized that it was deceptively beautiful. This is a haunting tale of a horrific situation in the life of an orphan and how she overcame it to find hope.

Our story begins with Giulia Albizzi, a former orphan, writing about the ordeal she had to overcome as a young girl over thirty years ago. When she was young, Giulia grew up in the orphanages Innocenti and Pieta. One day, while she was staying at the Pieta, a group of men, including a man named Vinta, and a woman showed up and asked to take Giulia away. She was later told that she was going to be used in a sort of test for Prince Vincenzo Gonzaga, who was destined to become the next Grand Duke of Mantua, but there was a catch. Since Prince Vincenzo’s previous bride had only had living daughters before he married into the Medici family, the Prince must prove that he could perform the marital act, hence why he needs the beautiful virgin, Giulia. In exchange, Giulia would be given a substantial dowry and a husband who would be willing to turn the other cheek when it came to her past.

The test, the examination, and the interrogation are brutal to read, but Giulia is soon released from her duties and is allowed to marry a man that Vinta chooses for her. Her husband, Giuliano Sperati, is a musician for the Grand Duke. Though the relationship has a rocky start, there is love between Giulia and Giuliano. While they start to make a new life and a family, Giulia’s past comes back to haunt her and threatens to destroy everything.

This was a sensational novel, full of heart and heartbreak. By giving the victim a voice and allowing the royals to take a step back, Mezzacappa sheds light on a dark secret in Renaissance Italy. This may have been my first novel by Katherine Mezzacappa, but it will not be my last. To me, this is a brilliantly written, raw, and compelling story. If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially those who have an interest in 16th-century Italy, “The Maiden of Florence” by Katherine Mezzacappa is an absolute must-read.

The Maiden of Florence tells the part true story of Giulia, plucked from an orphanage in Florence to be used as an experiment to prove the virility of a prince marrying into the Medici family, and her subsequent life.

Katherine Mezzacappa writes beautifully, her writing style feels real and her research extensive. I am a fan of historical fiction and I was really glad to get lost in thankfully a bygone time with this book.
I will certainly be re-reading and looking for more from Katherine Mezzacappa.

Thank you for the copy.

This book was not what I expected, but I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a very powerful, sombre and thematic novel that explores the abuse of power against women and the ongoing trauma of being someone else’s pawn.

Giulia was a character who grew into her own, through finding love to becoming a mother, after a terrifying and horrifying ordeal at a young age. She starts the novel vulnerable and manipulated and with no voice, but becomes a character who is able to rebuild her life and find her place.

The history was riveting; from Florence to Venice to Mantua. Mezzacappa takes the reader back in time to an authentic 16th century Italy, where power and money ruled all. It was interesting to read the author’s words and that the traumatic events at the start of the novel did happen and were the inspiration for the story. It provided clarity into why Mezacappa wrote this novel.

This was not a light read, and at times made me uncomfortable and angry. But this novel was written to address these issues and raise discussion. And I’m glad it did.

The Maiden of Florence felt different, original and an important read.

I like reading this book a lot! The Maiden of Florence is a well-researched and beautifully written book. It described Florence and Venice in the Medici era so impeccably! For a saga, the book is very fast-paced and I couldn't put the book down!

Thanks to Netgalley and Fairlight Books for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.

A really good historical novel, based on the true story of a Giulia, an orphan taken from an orphanage to prove the virility of Vincenzo Gonzago, Katherine Mezzacappa gives a voice to Giulia. The story is told by both Giulia and the husband she marries after the event, Giulia tells it a letter to the mother she never knew.

A fascinating story, well researched but also enhanced by the authors writing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read The Maiden of Florence.

Reading through this I really wasn’t sure if I was enjoying it or not. I flew through it and it was easy to read but it almost felt like I was just reading cause it was in front of my face? I don’t know.

I did really enjoy the story, all the historical elements! So much of it was absolutely horrifying, especially in part one where Giulia is constantly being inspected (and yes I mean that in the very literal sense cause a prince is going come in and prove he can have sex with someone and so she definitely needs to be a virgin - I mean what the hell?!). It was really tough to read that, and having read the historical note at the end, while not much is known about what in particular occurred, the fact that this actually happened! I can’t even

What didn’t work for me was that it was written in this entire diary / journal / letter format. I’d have been fine with keeping the first person tense, but I felt very removed from how engrossed I was with the story every time Giulia, our narrator, addressed the reader - in this case her mother who she doesn’t know. I think is the main reason why I wasn’t sure I liked it. However, I loved the ending and definitely after having read about some of the real history around these events it made me look back on some parts a little differently.

I think this will be a bit of a polarising read!