Marina Fiorato is an expert in writing what I like to think as adult fairy tales. With each tale she weaves, a different city comes to life in a bygone era and living, breathing characters from the past are given life again. Even the horses in the bookHaving thoroughly enjoyed her previous works, I am happy to declare that The Daughter of Siena is no exception.With the famous Sienese Palio as the background and the centre of a conspiracy to overthrow the current ruler, Violante de' Medici, The Daughter of Siena is no slow plodding romance, instead it is more of a galloping tale through the streets of Siena, sweeping us along in its tale of adventure, conspiracy and of course, romance. For a story where people's fates and destinies were so surely carved out in the beginning, it loved how our main characters took proactive steps to break out of the well trodden path of what was to be their destiny. Pia of the Tomolei is a prize for her father, her beauty allowing him to reach for his own ambitions. She is not thought of as his daughter, merely an object to be bartered and sold according to his wishes. She resigns herself to her fate, but when she meets Riccardo Bruni, he awakens in her a strength she never knew she had. Together with Zebra, a young water boy and Unicorn, an untamed beauty of a horse, the motley crew assemble to uncover and stop a plot to overthrow Violante de' Medici. Part Rapunzel, part Cinderella, The Daughter of Siena gives life to even the horses, allowing them to become heroes in their own right. I for one, can't wait to immerse myself in more of Fiorato's tales. Worth reading and not just another love story. It may be the opposite of a love story.The daughter of Siena is Pia Tolomei. Nineteen year old Pia is a sweet girl with a kind disposition. On the day of her birthday she is summoned to see her father, knowing she is about to married off. She did not have a choice as to whom or when she would marry. Pia is shocked to learn her father has given her to a cruel man of the Eagle Contrade, Vicenzo Caprimulgo.Pia is very unhappy with this arranged marriage and wishes for Vicenzo to die in the upcoming Palio race. As she watches the race, her wish comes true when Vicenzo falls from his horse, fatally injured. This doesn’t let Pia off the hook as her father then forces her to marry Vicenzo’s cold albino brother. There is a deal among a few men to fix the next horserace, making sure the Caprimulgo family wins. The end result of the betting and money exchanges being they would control the city. Not secondary to this goal for power is removing Siena 's ruling governor - Violante de Medici. This governor and her de Medici family are not fictional characters.The story was an easy read but had enough twists and mysteries in it to keep my attention. It also had me looking up the real life figures of Violante de Medici, her brother-in-law Gian Gastone de' Medici and details about Il Palio. In the book Violante de Medici changes the laws governing the race and these rules are still in effect today.
What do You think about The Daughter Of Siena (2011)?
This book was written in a "fairy tale" style, and I couldn't past the first 50 pages.
—kels
Eh, it was okay. About 100 pages too long, but the stories tied up nicely in the end.
—Nikkywithay
This was okay, but not nearly as good The Botticelli Secret.
—nick
ya its very interesting story, irealy ejoy it.
—xxvintageexx
Very silly, I'm amazed I bothered to finish.
—brit
