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The Towers of Tuscany

The Towers of Tuscany

Author(s): Carol M Cram

Location(s): San Gimignano, Siena, Tuscany

Genre(s): Fiction, Historical

Era(s): 1338-1348

Location

Content

Sofia is trained in secret as a painter in her father’s workshop during a time when women did not paint openly. She loves her work, but her restless spirit leads her to betray her extraordinary gifts to marry a man who comes to despise her for not producing a son.

After Sofia’s father is crushed by his own fresco during an attack motivated by a vendetta, Sofia realizes she must escape her loveless marriage. She flees to Siena, where, disguised as a boy, she paints again. When her work attracts the notice of a nobleman who discovers the woman under the dirty smock, Sofia is faced with a choice that nearly destroys her.

Meticulously researched settings and compelling characters are united with a strong heroine in this rich portrait of medieval Italy.

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Book Reviews

Lead Review

A riot of colour in medieval Tuscany. Beautiful paintings, and beautiful locations. A woman working as a painter was unthinkable…

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