Alchemy's Daughter
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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781936181179 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Lake Street Press |
| Publication date: | 05/14/2015 |
| Pages: | 346 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.90(d) |
| Age Range: | 14 - 17 Years |
Customer Reviews
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Alchemy's Daughter
4.4 out of 5
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9 reviews.
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Alchemy's Daughter by Mary A. Osborne
Set in the 14th century Italy, this book follows the life of Santina Pietra from 1344 to 1348. The daughter of Iacopmo Pietra, she is mesmerized by Calandrino Donati, a young scholar who helps his father with his alchemy experiments.
Santina is haunted by the death of her mother, Madonna Adelieta, who died giving birth to Pietro, her youngest sibling. Iacobo trusted Maestro Traverseri -- the physician -- over the midwife Trotula. Learning that her mother had learned midwifery from Trotula, Santina joins the midwife and moves out of her house to become an able healer. Santina becomes obsessed with Cesarean Sections, because she correctly deduces that the procedure could have saved both her mother and her young brother.
After performing one against Trotula's wishes, she saves the lover of a prominent merchant who accuses them of witchcraft. In a world where science was distrusted, Santina must choose between marrying a prominent merchant, Tadeo Da Certaldo, her love for the scholar Calandrino, and her passion for midwifery.
Narrated beautifully from the third person point of view, the writer takes you back to the Middle -Ages: science, religion, superstitions, Bubonic plague, intrigue, and women's rights. It's an easy, lovely read.
I loved the book and recommend it highly!
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Alchemy's Daughter by Mary A. Osborne
Set in the 14th century Italy, this book follows the life of Santina Pietra from 1344 to 1348. The daughter of Iacopmo Pietra, she is mesmerized by Calandrino Donati, a young scholar who helps his father with his alchemy experiments.
Santina is haunted by the death of her mother, Madonna Adelieta, who died giving birth to Pietro, her youngest sibling. Iacobo trusted Maestro Traverseri -- the physician -- over the midwife Trotula. Learning that her mother had learned midwifery from Trotula, Santina joins the midwife and moves out of her house to become an able healer. Santina becomes obsessed with Cesarean Sections, because she correctly deduces that the procedure could have saved both her mother and her young brother.
After performing one against Trotula's wishes, she saves the lover of a prominent merchant who accuses them of witchcraft. In a world where science was distrusted, Santina must choose between marrying a prominent merchant, Tadeo Da Certaldo, her love for the scholar Calandrino, and her passion for midwifery.
Narrated beautifully from the third person point of view, the writer takes you back to the Middle -Ages: science, religion, superstitions, Bubonic plague, intrigue, and women's rights. It's an easy, lovely read.
I loved the book and recommend it highly!
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Alchemy's Daughter by Mary A. Osborne
Set in the 14th century Italy, this book follows the life of Santina Pietra from 1344 to 1348. The daughter of Iacopmo Pietra, she is mesmerized by Calandrino Donati, a young scholar who helps his father with his alchemy experiments.
Santina is haunted by the death of her mother, Madonna Adelieta, who died giving birth to Pietro, her youngest sibling. Iacobo trusted Maestro Traverseri -- the physician -- over the midwife Trotula. Learning that her mother had learned midwifery from Trotula, Santina joins the midwife and moves out of her house to become an able healer. Santina becomes obsessed with Cesarean Sections, because she correctly deduces that the procedure could have saved both her mother and her young brother.
After performing one against Trotula's wishes, she saves the lover of a prominent merchant who accuses them of witchcraft. In a world where science was distrusted, Santina must choose between marrying a prominent merchant, Tadeo Da Certaldo, her love for the scholar Calandrino, and her passion for midwifery.
Narrated beautifully from the third person point of view, the writer takes you back to the Middle -Ages: science, religion, superstitions, Bubonic plague, intrigue, and women's rights. It's an easy, lovely read.
I loved the book and recommend it highly!
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Seventeen-year-old, Santina Pietra, is a strong-minded young women growing up in San Gimignano, Italy during the 14th century. Determined to discover her life’s calling she spends her days seeking knowledge from books, working in her father’s shop, and taking lessons from Calandrino, a scholar, respected friend of her father, and the love of her life. As she delves deeper into her studies her life seemingly becomes more complicated and eventually Calandrino leaves to further his own studies at a distant university. Santina is left feeling abandoned with so many unanswered questions.
Soon after the loss of her love, and the death of her mother looming in the past, Santina visits the village midwife, Trotula, seeking a connection from the women who cared for her mother. It is through this interaction that Santina declares herself an apprentice to Trotula, studying the magically fulfilling works of midwifery. But the village believes that Trotula is a witch keeping Santina only under a spell. Santina stands firm at the side of Trotula, though, believing she has found her calling, until the birth of an unwanted child leaves the two in grave danger.
Set in medieval San Gimignano, Italy, Alchemy’s Daughter, is an extremely intelligent and vigorously researched story. Although raised in the 14th century, the character of Santina is modern, relatable, and ultimately fearless. She is a role model for the female generation.
This novel takes readers on an unexpected adventure, which is truly one of the most magical parts of this story. I dare any book lover to read this story in more than a day for it simply isn’t possible. As an intern to the story’s author I feel a sense of pride now when I talk about this book. I am honoured to have the opportunity to support a book that I sincerely adored reading.
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Osborne definitely takes the YA genre on a one of a kind historical tour with this one and really shows the difference between teens today and those in the middle ages. By combining mysticism with historical accuracy she creates a unique feel for the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the accuracy and research that went behind the tale. The way that the author carefully skirted the line between what was acceptable during the time period and what had to be hidden was fantastic. The mix of subject matter along with the intertwining storylines was captivating.
Osborne has created YA appropriate characters that will appear to readers of all ages. The angst of the main character really shone through. Her need to prove herself while at the same time being what she was supposed to be was a complex counterpoint within the main character herself. I enjoyed seeing the mix of character types that we encountered throughout.
This well written novel kept me on my toes from the first page to the last. Osborne has created a novel that not only takes you back in time, but will also stand the test of time.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
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Mary A. Osborne in her new book, “Alchemy’s Daughter” Book Two in the Alchemy series published by Lake Street Press introduces us to Santina Pietra.
From the back cover: Santina Pietra is seventeen and in medieval San Gimignano, daughters of merchants are expected to marry. But Santina cares only for Calandrino, a brilliant young scholar who is preoccupied with his ancient alchemical texts.
Soon Santina meets Trotula, the village midwife, who might or might not be a strega, or witch. Trotula challenges her to forget Calandrino and become the woman she is meant to be. Some say she is a victim of the midwife’s spell, but Santina is determined to follow in Trotula’s footsteps even as calamities strike.
The setting is 14th century Italy, yet in Santina contemporary readers will discover a strong-minded young woman whose search for meaning echoes their own.
Alchemy. Can you imagine a time when what would be “modern” medicine then would be considered witchcraft? This is a historical novel. This is a coming of age novel. There is a lot going on with the development of medicine, herbal medicinal cures as well as the Black Plague. There are sections that are quite exciting. There is even a romance. This is an exploration of a time that is long gone but is still fascinating. Ms. Osborne has given us lots of characters to keep us interested and to show us what people thought back then and how difficult it was to present new ideas. I found this fascinating.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Italy Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Alchemy's Daughter takes place in 14th century San Gimignano, Italy. Santina Pietra is the 17 year old daughter of Iacopo Pietra a merchant.
During the times of this story, girls were expected to marry and have families. They were not supposed to have dreams. Santina is in love with Calandrino, and when he leaves her life she decides she will not marry and will have dreams. While she is still grieving for the loss of her love she decides to go to Trotula, the villages midwife and possibly a witch. Trotula begins teaching Santina to be her apprentice.
Nothing seems to be easy inn Santina's life, when she feels she is finally settled trouble abounds anew. This books will take you the through ups and many downs of Santina's life.
There are maps in this book, a timeline of medieval historical events, Glossary of Italian words, and a bibliography. Mary Osbourne has done a great job of gathering actual history, not only of Italy but of the beginning of medicine.
This is a 2nd book, the first book being Nonna's Book of Mysteries, I have not read that book, but I have learned that Alchemy's Daughter is the prequel to it. I will be finding and reading Nonna's Book of Mysteries.
Alchemy's Daughter is Winner of Literary Classics 2014 Award. It is recommended ages 14 to Adult
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This is the first book I have read by this author and after reading it now I am going to go back and read her other book. I really enjoyed this book and could not seem to put it down. I love to read books set in Italy as it gives me a chance to travel to another place without leaving home and this had an added bonus of being a historical fiction book which are one of my favorite types to read. The characters seem to just jump off the pages at you. The author did a good job with all her details with the historical aspect, character development and scene descriptions. There is a little something in this book for everyone - history, romance and adventure. This would be a good book for young adults as well.
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This is a first time author for me. I am so glad I got to read this fabulous book.
I could not put this book down the characters are so well written it is like they come to life. You will keep turning the pages to find out what happens with them. The messages in the book will appeal to women and girls. The characters search for their callings in life, facing all odds and obstacles to pursue those callings. The lives of woman back in the 1300’s Italy is really fascinating. It was great to see Santina do something despite what her father thinks.
There is something for everyone here: romance, history, adventure and philosophy. You will not want to put this book down.
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