"A fascinating glimpse into a slice of history relating to the Medici family in 1584, this work of fiction is based on true events and highlights the difficulties faced by women.
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An absolutely glorious exploration of the past. The story weaves its way through history, behind the glitteringly powerful threads cast by the Medici family, and into the life of Giulia, a young woman used and abused for her innocence, youth, and beauty. I absolutely love how author Katherine Mezzacappa has created such an intimate story. She doesn’t shy away from the darkness of the time, she handles it with sensitivity and compassion. The love and tenderness that appears within this tale is heartwarming and a much needed beam of light. I felt as though I was sitting beside Giulia as she disclosed her past. The sense of time is a constant, it is easy to imagine and settle into the place, the customs and beliefs. Provocative and thought-provoking, there is a convincing blend of fact and fiction. I didn’t doubt, I believed, and so this is a LoveReading Star Book. A rewarding read, The Maiden of Florence highlights the strength and the power of kindness, empathy, and consideration.
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 keep her life - and start a new one 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, The Maiden of Florence gives a charismatic voice to a woman cast aside by history.
Katherine Mezzacappa is an Irish author currently living in Carrara, northern Tuscany. She holds a BA in History of Art from UEA, an MLitt in English Literature from Durham and a Masters in Creative Writing from Canterbury Christ Church University. Her debut novel (writing as Katie Hutton), The Gypsy Bride, made the last fifteen in the Historical Novel Society’s 2018 new novel competition. Her short fiction has been short- and longlisted in numerous competitions, and she has been awarded residencies at Cill Rialaig Artists village by the Irish Writers Centre in 2019 and at Hald Hovedgaard by the Danish Centre for Writers and Translators in 2022. Her novel The Maiden of Florence is publishing with Fairlight Books in April 2024.
