Dante's Daughter written by Kimberly Heuston is a
historical fiction novel set in 1400s
Italy. This book
explores the possible life of Dante Allegeri's (famed poet who wrote the Divine Comedy) daughter. Some
travels in the story mirror the journey Dante took in the Divine Comedy--and the author
describes the same areas and background Dante must have tread. That is
interesting to me since I recently re-read The
Inferno (part I of the DC). I also like hearing the history surrounding
the wars/feuds of Florence in the
context of a story where I can relate to the events in an understandable
narrative.
So, the character of Dante's daughter, Antonia, is compelling and strong and
interesting. Her life is crazy due to her father's obsession of poetry and his
knack for not getting along with very many people, including his wife! Antonia
is taken to live with an aunt when the family is exiled from Florence (the whole
family split up), and there she learns to love drawing and painting. Later she
accompanies her father on a dangerous trip to live in a University town so her
father can study there. Finally the family gets back together and she thinks
she will have the wish of a stable, happy home. However, more sadness befalls
the family. The story follows the life of Antonia into her marriage. The book
makes me wonder about what her life may have been like, but the author's note
only states that not much is known. I enjoyed this book, and I think anyone who
likes historic fiction will enjoy it, too.
http://www.kimberleyheuston.com/Books.html
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