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There are currently 42 member reviews
for The Daughter of Siena
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Diana C. (Phoenixville, PA)
The Daughter of Siena
The Daughter of Siena is a surprizing read once the reader is fully invested into the story. If you keep to the 100 page rule and stay with it while the author builds the initial setting, the story becomes intriguing. This book should be of particular interest to those who have traveled in Italy and visited Siena as it is centered around the famous horse races of the area. The setting also brings to mind the time and place of the Pillars of the Earth. Daughter of Siena might be a positive choice for a younger book club. Overall - a good read.
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Mary B. (St Paul, MN)
Daughter of Siena
With the historical background and details of life in Siena in the 1700's, I enjoyed this book very much. Story line of event that still takes place makes it even more interesting. Plot involves several characters with parallel story lines that make you want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen. I look forward to reading more books by Marina Fiorato.
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Carmen S. (Elkins, Arkansas)
A Wonderful Surprise
Although I don't normally read historical fiction, I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it. Wonderful story, with great characters. Rich in history without being boring.
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Nancy A. (Woodstock, Georgia)
Satisfying Historical Romance for Summer Reading
The Daughter of Siena is a great summer read, which, I think, will appeal especially to women, teens and young adults. It includes forbidden romance, medieval pageantry, historical detail, political intrigue, literary references and a strong sense of place in a fascinating story of the agonies endured by two women in 1723 Italy. Ideally, reading this story during the hot weather, vacation and horse-racing season will transport the reader to the setting of Siena's running of the Palio in July and August, where it still takes place to this day.
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Jerry P. (Santa Rosa, CA)
The Daughter of Sienna
I enjoy historical fiction especially if it is well-researched as this novel. Since I am interested in this period of history and was captivated by the plot, I finished the book in a few days. Ms Fiorato is a good writer and her lyrical description of Sienna and the surrounding countryside was very enticing. ( I'll definitely visit Sienna the next time I travel to Italy). The main issue I had with the book was the characters lacked any complexity (e.g., were either good or evil).
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Eileen B. (East Moriches, NY)
A Good Historical Novel
Although I enjoyed the book, I found the switching between characters voice was distracting and there were times that I felt that the characters were not developed fully. The author’s description of the Palio, the town and the life during that time period was informative, interesting and well researched. There were twists and turns that made it interesting. If you like historical novels with some romance than you will enjoy this book.
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Jeanne W. (Columbia, MD)
Good Summer Reading
Thank goodness for coincidences! If not for them, this book would never have worked. Aside from the plot contrivances, this book was enjoyable and well written. My favorite characters were the Governess Violante and the city of Siena itself. The brutality of Pia's father and the Caprimulgo family seemed a little far-fetched or maybe was just not fleshed out enough to seem viable. Fiorato's writing makes me want to spend more time in Italy.
