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Queen's Soprano
Seventeen-year-old Angelica Voglia has the voice of an angel. But in seventeenth-century Rome, the pope has forbidden women to sing in public. To make matters worse, her controlling mother is determined to marry her off to a wealthy nobleman, even though Angelica is in love with a poor French artist. Angelica's only hope to sing before an audience—and escape a forced marriage—is to flee to Queen Christina's court, where she will become the queen's soprano. But she soon discovers that the palace walls are not completely secure . . . and her freedom will require even greater sacrifice than she imagined.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
1290 people want to read
About the author
Carol Dines
10 books37 followersCarol Dines’s recent adult fiction, a collection of stories, This Distance We Call Love, won the Eric Hoffer Book Prize, 2022, and was a finalist in the National Indies Excellence Award for short fiction. In addition, her new young adult novel, The Take-Over Friend, finalist for the Achevan Prize, will be forthcoming from Fitzroy Books October, 2022. Her recent stories have been published in Ploughshares, Salamander, Narrative, Colorado Review, and Nimrod International. She has also published two novels for young adults, Best Friends Tell the Best Lies (Delacorte), The Queen’s Soprano (Harcourt) and a collection of short stories for young adults, Talk to Me (Delacorte.) In addition, she has published poems and stories in numerous journals and anthologies, including Somebody’s Speaking My Language (Women’s Voices Press), Voices of the Land (Milkweed), and Love and Lust: An Anthology, (Taylor and O’Neill’s Open To Interpretation, 2014). She is a recipient of the Judy Blume award as well as a recipient of Minnesota and Wisconsin State Artist Fellowships. Dines received a BA from Stanford University and an MA in English from Colorado State University. She has taught writing to all ages at universities, colleges, and public schools in Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Jack Zipes, and their standard poodle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 30, 2015
This was a frustrating read. While it had the bare bones of a great story, it struck me as hampered by traditional 'YA rules' (especially page count) & the author's unwillingness to push the envelope enough to make it truly gripping. The pacing was uneven; some chapters were well-written & vivid, but others glossed over way too much material in an effort to keep things tidy. The second half, especially, read as if it was more about the narrator's (and the author's) adoration of Queen Christina than about Angelica's life & issues -- which was irksome, given that there was plenty to work with in her backstory.
Alas, it never really hit a stride. More pages could have helped -- but that's not the only problem. IMO, the author shouldn't have written with a YA audience in mind. If this plot had been approached as an adult novel, albeit narrated by a 17/18 y.o., it may have been able to embrace the more intense aspects of Angelica's life. She certainly had a rough time (particularly in regards to her scheming mother), but the voice wasn't ragged or vivid enough to do justice to the dramatics & make me really feel her anguish. I can easily picture this plot as a torrid bodice-ripper from 1979 -- indeed, I wish it had been a torrid '79 doorstopper, because the potential was there. But it felt like the author was afraid to take a risk & really push Angelica's life into a gut-wrenching journey for the reader.
Some stories aren't meant to be relaxing; rather, some stories are meant strain your blood pressure. This struck me as the latter...but it was too forced, too molded, too sanitized to be comfortable with itself.
Alas, it never really hit a stride. More pages could have helped -- but that's not the only problem. IMO, the author shouldn't have written with a YA audience in mind. If this plot had been approached as an adult novel, albeit narrated by a 17/18 y.o., it may have been able to embrace the more intense aspects of Angelica's life. She certainly had a rough time (particularly in regards to her scheming mother), but the voice wasn't ragged or vivid enough to do justice to the dramatics & make me really feel her anguish. I can easily picture this plot as a torrid bodice-ripper from 1979 -- indeed, I wish it had been a torrid '79 doorstopper, because the potential was there. But it felt like the author was afraid to take a risk & really push Angelica's life into a gut-wrenching journey for the reader.
Some stories aren't meant to be relaxing; rather, some stories are meant strain your blood pressure. This struck me as the latter...but it was too forced, too molded, too sanitized to be comfortable with itself.
May 20, 2011
Ok, I am just a sucker for happy endings, and I am not quite sure this was a happy ending. It could be argued it was, and I do believe in part it was what was supposed to happen and that it was right in a sense, but my heart is just so broken for Angelica. She went through so much trial, so much worrying about her future and security, so much fear, betrayal and scorn. I mean this truly was written very well, and I was incredibly sucked into the story. I couldn't stop reading, I felt so much emotional ties to this character, I felt her pains and I just had to know what was going to happen, there were so many which ways her life could go. Seriously at the end, my heart just crumbled after a series of all those unfortunate events and I just sighed to myself thinking, "Angelica, how can you even go on after that? How can you even find the strength to live?" I don't know I would have had the courage she did to pick herself up. I could definitely see how Angelica grew as a character, some might find her ignorance a flaw, but I think there was no other way she could be after being so sheltered by that awful, disgusting, I wanna punch her, mother of hers.
I actually really want the author to give us a sequel. What happens to Angelica next? It was a strong ending, that could be seen as a final act, but I think its also a little open ended. What happens after that ship lands? I want to see her life improve, to fall in love again, to make a phenomenal career and receive all that she was ever denied. I want her to actually have that well deserved happy happy ending.
I actually really want the author to give us a sequel. What happens to Angelica next? It was a strong ending, that could be seen as a final act, but I think its also a little open ended. What happens after that ship lands? I want to see her life improve, to fall in love again, to make a phenomenal career and receive all that she was ever denied. I want her to actually have that well deserved happy happy ending.
November 9, 2012
Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com
It was the cover of the book that first got my attention. The girl on the cover of THE QUEEN'S SOPRANO was wearing a beautiful gown fit for royalty. Little did I know at the time that this book was a fictionalized account of Angelica Voglia, who became Queen Christina's soprano during the time of Pope Innocent XI.
All Angelica wants to do is sing, but the pope has forbidden women to sing in public. Angelica has a voice that was able to bring people to their knees weeping. People come from all over Rome to stand beneath her window to hear her sing. She had many suiters, all arranged by her mother, but the one she was interested in was a poor but talented French artist, Jean Theodon. Jean courts her in secrecy, exchanging messages and drawings with her via the servant girl that works for her family.
Her mother, though, has other ideas. She plans on giving Angelica up to the highest bidder on the hopes that the family's status will be elevated. Angelica's determined to sing and realizes that the only way to do that before an audience and escape a forced marriage arranged by her controlling mother is to flee to Queen Christina's court, where she will become the queen's soprano.
Dines tells Angelica's story beautifully. The characters are all richly developed. I was really able to feel Angelica's determination to accomplish her goals despite the odds stacked against her. Of course there is more to the story, but you will have to read the book to find out what else happens.
I will tell you, though, that the rest of the story is filled with romance, betrayal, death, intrigue, and action. The book will keep your attention until the very end. If you are a historical fiction fan then this is a book that you should place on your list of must-reads. Definitely recommended!!
It was the cover of the book that first got my attention. The girl on the cover of THE QUEEN'S SOPRANO was wearing a beautiful gown fit for royalty. Little did I know at the time that this book was a fictionalized account of Angelica Voglia, who became Queen Christina's soprano during the time of Pope Innocent XI.
All Angelica wants to do is sing, but the pope has forbidden women to sing in public. Angelica has a voice that was able to bring people to their knees weeping. People come from all over Rome to stand beneath her window to hear her sing. She had many suiters, all arranged by her mother, but the one she was interested in was a poor but talented French artist, Jean Theodon. Jean courts her in secrecy, exchanging messages and drawings with her via the servant girl that works for her family.
Her mother, though, has other ideas. She plans on giving Angelica up to the highest bidder on the hopes that the family's status will be elevated. Angelica's determined to sing and realizes that the only way to do that before an audience and escape a forced marriage arranged by her controlling mother is to flee to Queen Christina's court, where she will become the queen's soprano.
Dines tells Angelica's story beautifully. The characters are all richly developed. I was really able to feel Angelica's determination to accomplish her goals despite the odds stacked against her. Of course there is more to the story, but you will have to read the book to find out what else happens.
I will tell you, though, that the rest of the story is filled with romance, betrayal, death, intrigue, and action. The book will keep your attention until the very end. If you are a historical fiction fan then this is a book that you should place on your list of must-reads. Definitely recommended!!
April 26, 2008
This is the story of Angelica Voglia, a singer in Queen Christina's court during seventeenth century Rome. Pope Innocent XI has banned women from singing in public, claiming that they are selling themselves like courtesans. The only way Angelica can sing is to join Queen Christina's court, the only court that hasn't been overthrown by the Pope. Oh, and there's a Frenchman...
I dunno, this wasn't a bad book. I actually enjoyed it. It's ending is very realistic, and so in that way, it was disappointing. Nothing happens very 'Happily-Ever-After' Disney like, which is why I suppose it's a good book.
I dunno, this wasn't a bad book. I actually enjoyed it. It's ending is very realistic, and so in that way, it was disappointing. Nothing happens very 'Happily-Ever-After' Disney like, which is why I suppose it's a good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
I'm a sucker for history based novels and I really enjoyed reading The Queen's Soprano.
September 21, 2010
Singing has been Angelica’s hobby ever since she was a child. She was the girl with the miracle voice. A lot of from all over Europe come to her sing. Now that she is in the age of marriage, her mother intends to use her talents to get her married up in status. But Angelica does not want to use marriage as a way to become famous. She wants to use her voice to reach the courts of Rome. But will the Pope and his strict laws allow her to even go a step further with her talent? Will he stop creating rumors that will ruin her reputation?
Falling in love with a French artist Angelica began to notice her mother’s greed for using her to become a rich woman. Her mother does not want the best for Angelica, but wants the best for herself. Will Angelica risk everything for singing? Will she risk her family, reputation, and friends? Will she even risk her love?
Falling in love with a French artist Angelica began to notice her mother’s greed for using her to become a rich woman. Her mother does not want the best for Angelica, but wants the best for herself. Will Angelica risk everything for singing? Will she risk her family, reputation, and friends? Will she even risk her love?
July 26, 2015
Well, I can say that I am glad it broke the trend of "ignore facts, just have a marriage in the end". I still think it was a happy ending because now Angelica is free to do as she wishes. I do think some things could have been given more attention, such as eight months in like 5 chapters? And none of it really described anything, just was her and Theodan... I guess it is kinda me because I like the historical details, and really any book I read I like to have lots of world building. Even though it may not always show in my reviews haha. I would have liked to learn more about her family most of all. Why was her mother like that?
December 24, 2017
Dines, Carol The Queen’s Soprano, 336 p. Harcourt –
Angelica lives in Rome during the time of Pope Inocente IX, who is determined to bring the entire city under papal rule, while keeping a firm grip on the lives of the women, too. Angelica’s beautiful voice attracts negative attention and in order to escape the pope’s influence and her domineering mother, she takes a position as soprano to the only remaining queen of one of Rome’s last free quarters. Angelica is not ready for court life and intrigue and danger to her reputation is always close at hand.
A beautifully written book that will probably have a hard time finding an audience without some help. A good addition to a larger library with an active historical fiction collection.
MS, HS – OPTIONAL
Angelica lives in Rome during the time of Pope Inocente IX, who is determined to bring the entire city under papal rule, while keeping a firm grip on the lives of the women, too. Angelica’s beautiful voice attracts negative attention and in order to escape the pope’s influence and her domineering mother, she takes a position as soprano to the only remaining queen of one of Rome’s last free quarters. Angelica is not ready for court life and intrigue and danger to her reputation is always close at hand.
A beautifully written book that will probably have a hard time finding an audience without some help. A good addition to a larger library with an active historical fiction collection.
MS, HS – OPTIONAL
February 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I had never read a book based on this era. I really enjoyed the main character. Although it was slow paced at the beginning of the story I enjoyed it very much. I've decided to rate this book a 4.5.
July 16, 2019
I always reread it. It’s one of my favorite books
January 9, 2024
read this when i was 13 and thought it was amazing so it probably wasnt that great
August 28, 2025
If you like historical fiction this is for you! Although the author does say a lot in this book is based from journals Queen Christina wrote. I really enjoyed the book.
March 28, 2011
For all that there is very little information on Angelica Voglia outside of what Queen Christina wrote, Dines has done a great job of fleshing out and embellishing her life into something believable. Never did something make me stop and go, “No, come on, that would not have happened”. Everything was realistic and Dines has obviously done her research well, despite the fact that there are very few accounts of common life in 1600s Italy.
I think what I liked the best out of this story was the numerous women characters and their relationships with each other. It occurred to me about half way through that the amount of women characters vastly outnumbered the male characters, and none of the women characters were set up as villains to Angelica. In fact, while there are jealousies and competition in the book, they’re not spent a lot of time with, and Angelica’s friendships with other women outnumbers the ones who try to harm her. Angelica even stands up for a few who, if you went with modern YA story lines, she should be jealous of and hate. In fact, most often in the storyline, Angelica depends on other women to help her through tough times, and her escape into Queen Christina’s court is aided by another woman. It’s sad to think how rare this is in most books, especially YA, but it’s wonderful to see it in at least one book.
The relationships that were written the best, in my opinion, were the ones between Angelica and the Queen, and Angelica and her family’s maid, Lucia. Angelica and Lucia were really good friends who could depend on each other no matter what, and they were willing to do anything for each other. Even though at times I do think Lucia was bad for Angelica, in the end I really admired their friendship. Queen Christina and Angelica had a very sweet, mother-daughter relationship. You can tell that Angelica truly does respect and love the Queen, even when she starts to doubt that Queen Christina will keep her around all that long. The way Angelica can easily decipher what mood the Queen is in just by how she holds her hands, for example, is a great way of showing how close the two have become. There’s definitely a lot of respect and admiration between the two, and it was nice to find a mother figure who could love Angelica in a way her mother didn’t.
I do wish that maybe Angelica’s relationship with her sister, Bianca, had been given more focus, but considering how much Dines packs into a 320 page book, I can understand why it wasn’t. What we’re given is good, though, as the two sisters are very different in their ambitions in life, and Bianca feels betrayed that Angelica has started to confide more in Lucia than her. In the end their rift is too wide to really do anything about, and they grow too far apart.
Another good point was how the villains weren’t stereotypical villains, and while they did things that greatly disadvantages the protagonists, they’re never seen as wholly evil and misguided. In fact, the main reason Angelica’s life is so hard, Pope Innocent XI, is probably the most surprising character in that he and Queen Christina have a strange sort of respect for each other, and while they disagree heavily, they remain kind.
The writing, also, was very nice. Most of the important characters are fleshed out and given motives and flaws and strengths, and Angelica’s voice in particular comes through quite strong. The pacing is slow, encompassing about two or three years of Angelica’s life and the major events that happened within those years, but I never felt bored with it.
There were some things that I didn’t really like, namely the romance between Angelica and a French artist named Theodon. Personally I was far more interested in Angelica’s journey to the castle to pay much attention to her growing romance with Theodon. I never really thought they would work out; I mean, they don’t even talk to each other face to face until maybe more than a hundred pages away from the end. Their relationship must be kept secret in case Angelica’s mother finds out, so they send notes to each other, and Theodon stands outside her window to hear her sing. It’s great if that’s the kind of romance you’re into, but it never really worked for me, sadly.
The Queen’s Soprano is a great book that needs more attention. It has a strong cast of characters, good writing, and while there were a few problems here and there, all in all it’s a wonderful book that I’ll likely read again in the future.
I think what I liked the best out of this story was the numerous women characters and their relationships with each other. It occurred to me about half way through that the amount of women characters vastly outnumbered the male characters, and none of the women characters were set up as villains to Angelica. In fact, while there are jealousies and competition in the book, they’re not spent a lot of time with, and Angelica’s friendships with other women outnumbers the ones who try to harm her. Angelica even stands up for a few who, if you went with modern YA story lines, she should be jealous of and hate. In fact, most often in the storyline, Angelica depends on other women to help her through tough times, and her escape into Queen Christina’s court is aided by another woman. It’s sad to think how rare this is in most books, especially YA, but it’s wonderful to see it in at least one book.
The relationships that were written the best, in my opinion, were the ones between Angelica and the Queen, and Angelica and her family’s maid, Lucia. Angelica and Lucia were really good friends who could depend on each other no matter what, and they were willing to do anything for each other. Even though at times I do think Lucia was bad for Angelica, in the end I really admired their friendship. Queen Christina and Angelica had a very sweet, mother-daughter relationship. You can tell that Angelica truly does respect and love the Queen, even when she starts to doubt that Queen Christina will keep her around all that long. The way Angelica can easily decipher what mood the Queen is in just by how she holds her hands, for example, is a great way of showing how close the two have become. There’s definitely a lot of respect and admiration between the two, and it was nice to find a mother figure who could love Angelica in a way her mother didn’t.
I do wish that maybe Angelica’s relationship with her sister, Bianca, had been given more focus, but considering how much Dines packs into a 320 page book, I can understand why it wasn’t. What we’re given is good, though, as the two sisters are very different in their ambitions in life, and Bianca feels betrayed that Angelica has started to confide more in Lucia than her. In the end their rift is too wide to really do anything about, and they grow too far apart.
Another good point was how the villains weren’t stereotypical villains, and while they did things that greatly disadvantages the protagonists, they’re never seen as wholly evil and misguided. In fact, the main reason Angelica’s life is so hard, Pope Innocent XI, is probably the most surprising character in that he and Queen Christina have a strange sort of respect for each other, and while they disagree heavily, they remain kind.
The writing, also, was very nice. Most of the important characters are fleshed out and given motives and flaws and strengths, and Angelica’s voice in particular comes through quite strong. The pacing is slow, encompassing about two or three years of Angelica’s life and the major events that happened within those years, but I never felt bored with it.
There were some things that I didn’t really like, namely the romance between Angelica and a French artist named Theodon. Personally I was far more interested in Angelica’s journey to the castle to pay much attention to her growing romance with Theodon. I never really thought they would work out; I mean, they don’t even talk to each other face to face until maybe more than a hundred pages away from the end. Their relationship must be kept secret in case Angelica’s mother finds out, so they send notes to each other, and Theodon stands outside her window to hear her sing. It’s great if that’s the kind of romance you’re into, but it never really worked for me, sadly.
The Queen’s Soprano is a great book that needs more attention. It has a strong cast of characters, good writing, and while there were a few problems here and there, all in all it’s a wonderful book that I’ll likely read again in the future.
April 1, 2016
In The Queen's Soprano by Carol Dines we follow seventeen-year-old Angelica Voglia, a devoted singer during times when women are not allowed to sign in public.
Angelica is a very talented girl that loves to sing and her mother, knowing the gift her daughter has, allows gentlemen to sit outside the house and listen to Angelica and her sister Bianca sing. One evening, when Cardinal de Cabrera misses his duties to stay listening to Angelica, the Pope forbids all women to perform outside of a convent.
This story is set in 17th century Rome and it is based of an actual story, Angelica and many of the main characters really did exist. However, as the author states on the book, there are not journals actually written by Angelica so I cannot confirm that this book is 100% accurate but I can assure that I would not be surprised if it were real.
The story focuses mainly on Angelica and the obstacles she has to confront in order to sing and be happy.
One addition that I enjoyed having is that in the dialogue there are phrases in Italian followed by the translation to English.
I found it to have a good pace, not too fast for me to not being able to digest anything that happens and not too slow for me to get bored.
Angelica is a very devoted character to her music, but other than that she is very innocent or sort of naive and inexperience for real life. I really like her, especially when she starts to get a grip on her life. I found it easy for me to feel sympathy for her (since I really love to sing and she is in love with a guy that she has never really talked to).
Her sister Bianca is not the type of girl I would like to hang out with or even read about but I really respected her and was genuinely glad for her every now and then.
Lucia, the servant, is a very independent woman for her time, she thinks on her own (unlike our main character), and is not afraid to express it to Angelica. Even though she is the kind of person I usually root for, I did not like her at all. She is definitely essential in Angelica's life but I just could not feel any sympathy for her until the end.
Angelica's mother, Caterina, really frustrated me. She is pretty much one of those "beauty pageant moms" and unconsciously selfish (wanting to marry Angelica into a wealthy family for Angelica's "own good and happiness"). She also is very proud and willing to hurt people that cross her path in order to get what she wants.
We do not get to see much of Angelica's father and brothers but they are of the most likable characters, they work hard, and often hold back Caterina, which really helps Angelica.
This book really shows the unfairness of the church at the time and it a beautiful, heart-breaking and somewhat twisted story. The last few pages I started to cry and did not stop until almost two hours after finishing the. Not everyone might cry when reading this book but it will definitely make some people feel agitated. The saddest part of it all is that Angelica really existed and really did have to go through some horrifying events.
***Trigger Warning: Abuse***
Angelica is a very talented girl that loves to sing and her mother, knowing the gift her daughter has, allows gentlemen to sit outside the house and listen to Angelica and her sister Bianca sing. One evening, when Cardinal de Cabrera misses his duties to stay listening to Angelica, the Pope forbids all women to perform outside of a convent.
This story is set in 17th century Rome and it is based of an actual story, Angelica and many of the main characters really did exist. However, as the author states on the book, there are not journals actually written by Angelica so I cannot confirm that this book is 100% accurate but I can assure that I would not be surprised if it were real.
The story focuses mainly on Angelica and the obstacles she has to confront in order to sing and be happy.
One addition that I enjoyed having is that in the dialogue there are phrases in Italian followed by the translation to English.
I found it to have a good pace, not too fast for me to not being able to digest anything that happens and not too slow for me to get bored.
Angelica is a very devoted character to her music, but other than that she is very innocent or sort of naive and inexperience for real life. I really like her, especially when she starts to get a grip on her life. I found it easy for me to feel sympathy for her (since I really love to sing and she is in love with a guy that she has never really talked to).
Her sister Bianca is not the type of girl I would like to hang out with or even read about but I really respected her and was genuinely glad for her every now and then.
Lucia, the servant, is a very independent woman for her time, she thinks on her own (unlike our main character), and is not afraid to express it to Angelica. Even though she is the kind of person I usually root for, I did not like her at all. She is definitely essential in Angelica's life but I just could not feel any sympathy for her until the end.
Angelica's mother, Caterina, really frustrated me. She is pretty much one of those "beauty pageant moms" and unconsciously selfish (wanting to marry Angelica into a wealthy family for Angelica's "own good and happiness"). She also is very proud and willing to hurt people that cross her path in order to get what she wants.
We do not get to see much of Angelica's father and brothers but they are of the most likable characters, they work hard, and often hold back Caterina, which really helps Angelica.
This book really shows the unfairness of the church at the time and it a beautiful, heart-breaking and somewhat twisted story. The last few pages I started to cry and did not stop until almost two hours after finishing the. Not everyone might cry when reading this book but it will definitely make some people feel agitated. The saddest part of it all is that Angelica really existed and really did have to go through some horrifying events.
***Trigger Warning: Abuse***
March 19, 2008
Angelica Volgia has a voice like no other. When she sings, she can make people burst with love, or weep with despair. But she lives in Rome in the 1680's, and the pope has outlawed any woman from performing (in any theatrical or musical sense) in public. So every morning Angelica sings behind the shutters of her room, and people gather in the street to listen to her "practice."
With the help of the maid, she learns that a young French sculptor has fallen in love with her, and they exchange notes in secret. If her mother knew they would be ripped apart forever.
You see, Angelica's mother is something of a fortune-hunter. She feels she was robbed of a good marriage when she was young, and is now determined that Angelica should marry far above her station, with her beautiful voice as the catalyst.
After her debut performance at a cardinal's palace, the suitors are lining up - cardinals, bishops, and other nobles visit her house. Some (the clergy) present other men as suitors. She despises them all, and she is already in love. She makes horrible nicknames, like Bishop Wet Lips and Prince Pimple Face.
When it seems that there is no other way to escape her mother's marrige schemes, she sends a plea for help to a friend and fellow singer who lives at the court of Queen Christina. Christina was a woman who abdicated the Swedish throne and came to Rome to convert to Catholicism. She had a houseful of artists and musicians that flew in the face of the current pope's laws about women performing in public.
So will Angelica escape her mother? Will she marry her woung suitor? Will the intrigues at court be her undoing?
THis was a pretty good novel. It felt a little choppy, but the historical details were well done, and the relationship Angelica had with her mother was really well done.
With the help of the maid, she learns that a young French sculptor has fallen in love with her, and they exchange notes in secret. If her mother knew they would be ripped apart forever.
You see, Angelica's mother is something of a fortune-hunter. She feels she was robbed of a good marriage when she was young, and is now determined that Angelica should marry far above her station, with her beautiful voice as the catalyst.
After her debut performance at a cardinal's palace, the suitors are lining up - cardinals, bishops, and other nobles visit her house. Some (the clergy) present other men as suitors. She despises them all, and she is already in love. She makes horrible nicknames, like Bishop Wet Lips and Prince Pimple Face.
When it seems that there is no other way to escape her mother's marrige schemes, she sends a plea for help to a friend and fellow singer who lives at the court of Queen Christina. Christina was a woman who abdicated the Swedish throne and came to Rome to convert to Catholicism. She had a houseful of artists and musicians that flew in the face of the current pope's laws about women performing in public.
So will Angelica escape her mother? Will she marry her woung suitor? Will the intrigues at court be her undoing?
THis was a pretty good novel. It felt a little choppy, but the historical details were well done, and the relationship Angelica had with her mother was really well done.
October 13, 2017
Dines, Carol. 2006. The Queen's Soprano. (Released as paperback in 2007).
Set in seventeenth century Rome during the rule of Pope Innocent XI, The Queen's Soprano is the story of Angelica Voglia, a young woman, a talented woman, who ultimately ended up taking refuge in Queen Christina's court when it became too dangerous for her to remain with her own family. At the time, women were forbidden by the Pope to sing in public. For a woman to take the stage--no matter how talented--would be the undoing of men. Even women singing sacred songs--religious ones--led men to feel "lustful" thoughts or so the Pope's argument went.
Angelica's story is simple really. She's just a young woman who wanted to sing, who loved to sing, who couldn't imagine going through life without singing. She didn't want to entangle men. It was her mother's crafty plans to use her voice to ensnare a rich husband, a noble husband. Angelica didn't want that, didn't need that. She wanted someone to love, yes, but not be possessed by someone she didn't love, could never love.
The Queen's Soprano is rich in detail. Angelica's story is fascinating especially in the realization that this--while fiction--is based on a true historical figure. What we actually know of her we learn from Queen Christina's records. Of course fiction has been blended in as well. But still it makes for a good read, an enjoyable read.
For those that love historical fiction, I'd definitely recommend this one.
Set in seventeenth century Rome during the rule of Pope Innocent XI, The Queen's Soprano is the story of Angelica Voglia, a young woman, a talented woman, who ultimately ended up taking refuge in Queen Christina's court when it became too dangerous for her to remain with her own family. At the time, women were forbidden by the Pope to sing in public. For a woman to take the stage--no matter how talented--would be the undoing of men. Even women singing sacred songs--religious ones--led men to feel "lustful" thoughts or so the Pope's argument went.
Angelica's story is simple really. She's just a young woman who wanted to sing, who loved to sing, who couldn't imagine going through life without singing. She didn't want to entangle men. It was her mother's crafty plans to use her voice to ensnare a rich husband, a noble husband. Angelica didn't want that, didn't need that. She wanted someone to love, yes, but not be possessed by someone she didn't love, could never love.
The Queen's Soprano is rich in detail. Angelica's story is fascinating especially in the realization that this--while fiction--is based on a true historical figure. What we actually know of her we learn from Queen Christina's records. Of course fiction has been blended in as well. But still it makes for a good read, an enjoyable read.
For those that love historical fiction, I'd definitely recommend this one.
July 4, 2013
This book is set in 17th century Rome during the reign of pope Innocent XI. He was apparently super pious and hungry to take over the entire city from the different nobles and representatives of the different countries rulers that each ruled their own “Quarters”. He outlawed women singing in public for he thought that equaled a woman prostituting herself. And so, that brings us to Angelica Voglia (this is a fictionalized story of a real woman) who is a Glazier’s daughter and who has a wonderful soprano voice, but is being condemned by the pope and other religious leaders for it. Her mother is power hungry to have Angelica marry a noble to rise up the entire family and does some shocking and downright evil things to do so. All Angelica wants to do is sing, yet any ‘respectable’ woman cannot be seen even walking down the street without the presence of a male family member. She makes a decision that will rock her and her family’s lives forever to follow her heart’s desire to sing.
Having not read anything set in Rome, for that reason I found this book interesting. I certainly would not have liked to live there during this time, very constricting. But otherwise I did not find any real connection to any of the characters. I did like the ending, even though it was not the happy ending that is usually expected I think in the end one can imagine that Angelica would make the most of the situation and be happy in the future.
Having not read anything set in Rome, for that reason I found this book interesting. I certainly would not have liked to live there during this time, very constricting. But otherwise I did not find any real connection to any of the characters. I did like the ending, even though it was not the happy ending that is usually expected I think in the end one can imagine that Angelica would make the most of the situation and be happy in the future.
July 14, 2017
3.5 star rating.
Over all the book was very good it got me out of a reading slump. I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I love that the author took great pains in being historically correct in telling Angelica's story.
Angelica really lived and really faced the difficulties mentioned in the book. The characters were fun and interesting to read. Some of the officials and suitors were hard to differentiate at times. There were a few moments where I had to go back a paragraph or page to just clarify what I was reading.
It was an enchanting story and I really enjoyed it, however due to the sexual content I will not be adding it to my library.
Sexual Content - PG13 sexual innuendos and jokes fitting to the time period with jokes an hints to body parts and scandals. Attempted rape - nothing happens and there is no great detail but there is enough for the PG13 rating.
Langue - mild or said in Latin (possibly)
Violence - fist fight, duels, talk of war...nothing overly violent other than the attempted rape.
Over all the book was very good it got me out of a reading slump. I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I love that the author took great pains in being historically correct in telling Angelica's story.
Angelica really lived and really faced the difficulties mentioned in the book. The characters were fun and interesting to read. Some of the officials and suitors were hard to differentiate at times. There were a few moments where I had to go back a paragraph or page to just clarify what I was reading.
It was an enchanting story and I really enjoyed it, however due to the sexual content I will not be adding it to my library.
Sexual Content - PG13 sexual innuendos and jokes fitting to the time period with jokes an hints to body parts and scandals. Attempted rape - nothing happens and there is no great detail but there is enough for the PG13 rating.
Langue - mild or said in Latin (possibly)
Violence - fist fight, duels, talk of war...nothing overly violent other than the attempted rape.
May 6, 2011
An interesting book about the right of a common woman to appear and sing in public during the 17th century in Catholic Italy. Ruled by Pope Innocent XI who felt that singing (unless done in a convent and for the greater glory of God) detracted from a woman's natural "abilities" (I'm assuming this means childbearing and child rearing?), and who passed stringent laws against the same. The main character is a young woman (Angelica), recently coming of age, who lives to sing as often as possible. With the voice of an angel, she is kept behind her home's shutters and out of the public light in order to avoid a huge fine and/or possible incarceration by the Pope's "morality" police. And then there's her mother...with ambitious dreams of her own. She wants Angelica to "marry well" and thus lift up the fortunes of the family as well. An interesting plot that shines the light on the freedoms lost by women because of religious interference.
April 1, 2020
Angelica Voglia loves to sing and her voice has been described as that of an angel. Though her mother has high ambitions for her, the pope has forbidden women from singing in public. To avoid an arrangement she sees rife with problems, Angelica must flee to the court of Queen Christina, but she is not as safe there as she might hope for.
This was an interesting read. I liked how it was based on historical fact and that the author drew her information from the queen's writings. The details of the time period were enjoyable. However, in the end, I didn't feel like I knew Angelica at all. I suppose this can be put down to how little we know about her.
The author attempted to flesh out Angelica's character and what her life might have been like. The romance seemed tepid at best and I found that aspect of the story hard to swallow.
For readers looking for a light read based on history but are not looking for a happy ending, I would recommend this.
This was an interesting read. I liked how it was based on historical fact and that the author drew her information from the queen's writings. The details of the time period were enjoyable. However, in the end, I didn't feel like I knew Angelica at all. I suppose this can be put down to how little we know about her.
The author attempted to flesh out Angelica's character and what her life might have been like. The romance seemed tepid at best and I found that aspect of the story hard to swallow.
For readers looking for a light read based on history but are not looking for a happy ending, I would recommend this.
August 6, 2013
I never quite understood the moral of the story... I was waiting for a definite ending to the story or for a climax, but I never figured out what it was. Throughout the book, there is a sense of hope for Angelica, the queen's soprano, and it leads readers to believe that she will find happiness in more than one area of her life. She faces obstacles beyond her singing career, but the end of book felt unresolved regarding these obstacles. Or if they were resolved, they were unhappy or hopeless resolutions.
I am an undergraduate vocal performance major, and I'm a soprano pursuing an opera career. I was so excited to read this book because of my personal understanding of Angelica's love of singing, but I was disappointed. It's very well-written, and it's a fast-paced read, but it left me with a lot of questions.
I am an undergraduate vocal performance major, and I'm a soprano pursuing an opera career. I was so excited to read this book because of my personal understanding of Angelica's love of singing, but I was disappointed. It's very well-written, and it's a fast-paced read, but it left me with a lot of questions.
February 4, 2008
The Queen's Soprano is a story of a girl with a perfect soprano voice. Sadly enough, she lives in 1688, Rome, where the new pope has banned women from performing in public. This girl's name is Angelica, and the book mostly tells you of her thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the crude world she lives in. There is love, betrayal, fear, friendship, violence, scandal...
As soon as I picked it up, I wanted to finish it. There was next to no plot, but there was something about the characters and setting that urged to you hear it out, to know what happened to Angelica in the end.
If anything, this was an enlightening book. I learned a lot about Rome and Italy and the old governments. Angelica Voglia was actually a real girl in that time, so that was interesting as well.
As soon as I picked it up, I wanted to finish it. There was next to no plot, but there was something about the characters and setting that urged to you hear it out, to know what happened to Angelica in the end.
If anything, this was an enlightening book. I learned a lot about Rome and Italy and the old governments. Angelica Voglia was actually a real girl in that time, so that was interesting as well.
October 2, 2012
The Queen's Soprano by Carol Dines is about a girl named Angelica who's has an angles voice. Her mother has suitors lined up and has schemes to set Angelica up ot the richest man, though he may be bad. When Lucia, a new maid moves in, her lives changes for ever. Her feeling's become more open and she feels more free. She sings freely and that is where she meets her true love, Theodon. When life for Angelica becomes unsafe sh emoves to the nuns convent, and then to the Queen's Palace. Will she ever find safety?!The author does a great job of making you feel all of Angelica's feelings, and understanding her thoughts. This is my new favorite book! If you want an exciting and interesting, and a little romantic new book, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!!!
January 9, 2009
Though this book had a terribly sad ending, you still feel as if the heroine wasn't ruined by all she went to. You follow her through an important part of her life, making you understand the main character even more until she's like a best friend. This book will make you love the good guys and love to hate the bad guys. The author, Carol Dines, also did a wonderful job of keeping the story historically correct [mostly], even when the history books are unclear on what exactly happened; Dines makes it even more interesting.Prepare to laugh, cry, and cry some more. This book was an awesome piece of work.
September 13, 2009
Very nice book about the former Rome, its people and the Vatican. It is very exciting and absolutely not boring. The cover and the title "Youth Novel" not at all match the written word itself.
In my opinion, this novel is indeed not really difficult to understand, but the novel is written more for adults than it might seem from the outside. So the cover is unsuitable. But then it has no influence on the final book itself, except you´re so superficial and respects the store that you only look on the cover and doesn´t reads the blurb, and you think the book would be boring and actually miss out on a something huge!
In my opinion, this novel is indeed not really difficult to understand, but the novel is written more for adults than it might seem from the outside. So the cover is unsuitable. But then it has no influence on the final book itself, except you´re so superficial and respects the store that you only look on the cover and doesn´t reads the blurb, and you think the book would be boring and actually miss out on a something huge!
May 13, 2010
Although I always like some good historical fiction, this was a little short on history and high on fiction for my taste. I thought it sad to see how even in a city that centers around the the Church (Rome), they still divided rigidly into classes treated those of the lower status with contempt. The story is all about Angelica's rise to fame despite the Pope's strict laws forbidding women to sing in public. Although the book ending somewhat unresolved, I liked it. I also really liked the author's commentary on living in the shadow of tomorrow. Too often, we are disappointed when tomorrow finally comes for all the dreaming we have done.
March 25, 2013
It was really good when it got going. The mood was up and down which is what I would expect, but Angelica was somebody I would also like to slap. I understand that at that point in time, especially in Rome, that religion and marriage were strict. But I think that Angelica made a big mistake about ignoring Theodon. She really over reacted, and thankfully she realised it, but it was to late when she did. She had already ruined her chance of happiness. Her mother made her life a living he'll. But what really annoyed me, was that Angelica was prepared to forgive her mother after she ruined Angelica's life.
November 10, 2007
This novel is based on the true story of a 17-year old Christina Voglia who lived in Rome in the 17th century. She has a beautiful soprano voice, but Pope Innocent XI has banned women from singing in public. Christina’s mother desires to marry Christina off with rich suitors in order to rise to a higher social status. However, this conflicts with Christina’s own happiness and her desires to sing and choose who she marries. There are some mature scenes in the book that are not suitable for younger readers.
April 16, 2008
I grabbed this book off the library shelf, probably drawn to the Philippa Gregory-like cover. I'm a big fan of historical fiction, and I really enjoyed the stories of those close to the monarchs in Gregory's novels.
The Queen's Soprano tells a similar story, again with real characters, again in the court of a queen (this time in 17th-century Rome), but in a very different voice. That said, I really enjoyed it. It was an easier read than Gregory's books, and far less bloody, but no less enjoyable.
The Queen's Soprano tells a similar story, again with real characters, again in the court of a queen (this time in 17th-century Rome), but in a very different voice. That said, I really enjoyed it. It was an easier read than Gregory's books, and far less bloody, but no less enjoyable.
April 21, 2010
Okay, so this was a book I completely judged by it's cover, and in this case, it worked. I really liked this book. My reason for four stars and not five is that while there is no swearing, there is some crude language. Also, since this book is based on a true story, it doesn't have a "happy" ending, but a satisfying one, I think. The bottom line is I couldn't put this book down. This was one of those books where I put off everything like kids, dinner, cleaning, sleep, Dancing with the Stars (GASP!)to finish.
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