|
A Golden Web tells the inspiring story of Alessandra Giliani, a 14th Century Italian girl reputed to be the first female anatomist. Alessandra, like many young girls of her time, is expected to obey her elders, act a certain way, and submit to an advantageous marriage arranged by her family. Unlike her contemporaries, she has a keen intellect, curious mind, and fiery spirit. She recognizes the gift inherent in her intelligence and yearns to do more with her life than is expected of her.
Although Alessandra is surrounded by a doting father and loving siblings, her stepmother arranges to send her away to a convent for a year prior to her marriage. Alessandra manages to escape the convent and sets out on a daring adventure—pursuing her dream to become a scholar of medicine. Her path is filled with intrigue and danger, for during her time a woman who dares too much is often persecuted as a witch.
Barbara Quick has woven a wonderfully engaging imagining of Alessandra's life and times. The characters are rich and the settings beautifully detailed. I found myself immersed in Alessandra's world, eagerly anticipating how her story would unfold. Quick has created a lovely story that will inspire young and old women alike to pursue their dreams unapologetically.
Barbara Quick is the author of Vivaldi's Virgins and Northern Edge, winner of the Discover prize. A Golden Web is first book for teen readers. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit her website.
Authors/Publicists: For promotion purposes, you may quote excerpts of up to 200 words from our reviews, with a link to the page on which the review is posted. ©Copyright to the review is held by the writer (posted date above). If you wish to reprint the full review, you may do so ONLY with her written permission, and with a link to http://www.storycirclebookreviews.org. Contact our Book Review Editor (bookreviews at storycirclebookreviews.org) with your request and she will forward it to the appropriate person.
StoryCircleBookReviews.org has received a copy of this book for review from the author, publisher, or publicist.
| 
