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Author Donna Jo Napoli cleverly weaves a message about the power of women in Daughter of Venice. She does this using a setting of time and place that shows how a determined young woman overcomes obstacles in a strict social period of history. The novel is set amongst the canals of Venice, Italy, in 1592.
Main characters are a Christian family that includes Donata, her twin Laura, her mother and her father. Noe, a Jewish man, also has a critical role.
Donata is a noble fourteen-year-old Venetian who wishes to see a world outside her palazzo. She also wants to have an adventure away from the monotony and seclusion of her manor before being shipped off to a convent or a marriage into another royal family. Donata also has an active mind that she longs to enrich. So, she disguises herself as a boy with the help of her sister, and goes into the true heart of Venice. There, she discovers the knowledge she seeks about life, as well as a forbidden romance with Noe, who does not know her secret. But will Donata be able to keep her masquerade from her parents long enough to right all the wrongs her secrets have caused and gain a life as a respected individual?
Throughout Daughter of Venice, author Donna Jo Napoli tries to convince the reader that women in general have, throughout history, been much more than ornaments, wives, or nuns, and have contributed much through their intelligence. The writer?s tone is admiring towards, and truthful about, these strong women. The major theme of the book is that a person can create the life he or she truly desires, just as the character Donata does.
An important quote for me was when Donata said, ?I look through my tears at this wonderful man who has helped me in so many ways. I love him.? This is important to the story because acknowledging her feelings towards Noe lead to many complications with Donata?s family. Another important quote was, ?I have no doubt you will prove yourself useful in many things.? This is said by Donata?s father when he realizes she is more than a traditional woman. When he says this, a whole new world opens up for Donata. I liked that the author included many historical facts pertaining to the time period and the romance. However, I wanted more romance, and disliked the fact that a relationship did not work out between Donata and Noe. The plot also gets depressing, boring, and complicated in some parts. All in all, this book is not memorable, and like so many others, does not have lasting value. However, the writer did accomplish her purpose of describing a powerful woman in a different time period. I cannot strongly recommend this book to other readers. For those who like historical romance novels, I would instead recommend books such as A Bride Most Begrudging by Deanne Gist.
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Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli
Ak_l, April 25, 2007
Author Donna Jo Napoli cleverly weaves a message about the power of women in Daughter of Venice. She does this using a setting of time and place that shows how a determined young woman overcomes obstacles in a strict social period of history. The novel is set amongst the canals of Venice, Italy, in 1592.Main characters are a Christian family that includes Donata, her twin Laura, her mother and her father. Noe, a Jewish man, also has a critical role.
Donata is a noble fourteen-year-old Venetian who wishes to see a world outside her palazzo. She also wants to have an adventure away from the monotony and seclusion of her manor before being shipped off to a convent or a marriage into another royal family. Donata also has an active mind that she longs to enrich. So, she disguises herself as a boy with the help of her sister, and goes into the true heart of Venice. There, she discovers the knowledge she seeks about life, as well as a forbidden romance with Noe, who does not know her secret. But will Donata be able to keep her masquerade from her parents long enough to right all the wrongs her secrets have caused and gain a life as a respected individual?
Throughout Daughter of Venice, author Donna Jo Napoli tries to convince the reader that women in general have, throughout history, been much more than ornaments, wives, or nuns, and have contributed much through their intelligence. The writer?s tone is admiring towards, and truthful about, these strong women. The major theme of the book is that a person can create the life he or she truly desires, just as the character Donata does.
An important quote for me was when Donata said, ?I look through my tears at this wonderful man who has helped me in so many ways. I love him.? This is important to the story because acknowledging her feelings towards Noe lead to many complications with Donata?s family. Another important quote was, ?I have no doubt you will prove yourself useful in many things.? This is said by Donata?s father when he realizes she is more than a traditional woman. When he says this, a whole new world opens up for Donata. I liked that the author included many historical facts pertaining to the time period and the romance. However, I wanted more romance, and disliked the fact that a relationship did not work out between Donata and Noe. The plot also gets depressing, boring, and complicated in some parts. All in all, this book is not memorable, and like so many others, does not have lasting value. However, the writer did accomplish her purpose of describing a powerful woman in a different time period. I cannot strongly recommend this book to other readers. For those who like historical romance novels, I would instead recommend books such as A Bride Most Begrudging by Deanne Gist.
(5 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)