The Orphan of Florence

by Jeanne Kalogridis

In this irresistible historical novel set in the turbulent world of the Medicis, a young woman finds herself driven from pick-pocketing to espionage when she meets a mysterious man.

Giulia has been an orphan all her life. Raised in Florence's famous Ospedale degli Innocenti, her probing questions and insubordinate behavior made her an unwelcome presence, and at the age of fifteen, she was given an awful choice: become a nun, or be married off to a man she didn't love. She chose neither, and after refusing an elderly suitor, Guilia escaped onto the streets of Florence.

Now, after spending two years as a successful pickpocket, an old man catches her about to make off with his purse, and rather than having her carted off to prison he offers her a business proposition. The man claims to be a cabalist, a student of Jewish mysticism and ritual magic, who works for the most powerful families in Florence. But his identity is secret—he is known only as "the Magician of Florence"—and he is in need of an assistant. She accepts the job and begins smuggling his talismans throughout the city.

But the talismans are not what they seem, and neither is the Magician. When Giulia's involvement with him ends with his murder, she's drawn into a treacherous web of espionage and deceit involving the forces of Rome, Naples, and a man known as Lorenzo the Magnificent. Accused of the Magician's murder, Giulia is pursued by the handsome policeman Niccolo, Lorenzo's henchmen, and foreign spies, and in order to survive, she must not only solve the mystery of the mystery of the Magician's murder, but that of her own past.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Italy, Historical, Fiction, Fantasy, Renaissance, Magical Realism

324 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2017

About the author

Jeanne was born in Florida , and has been interested in books ever since. Her interest in language led her to earn an M.A. in Linguistics. She taught English as a Second Language for eight years at The American University of Washington, D.C., before retiring to write full time.

She now lives in California with an overly adored Labrador retriever. Her outside interests include yoga and reading everything ever published.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jeanne...

Reviews

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review here. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

November 1478, only seven months after the Pazzi conspiracy which took the life of Lorenzo de' Medici's brother, Giuliano, in a brutal attempt to gain control of the Florentine government. Giuliana, who was raised as an orphan in Florence's Hospital of the Innocents, has been on the streets fending for herself since being turned out by the sisters. She took with her young Tommaso, and together the two have managed to survive to the best of their ability by lying and thieving. Giuliana has disguised herself as a boy, calling herself Guiliano, and the two have worked out a system of picking pockets that has worked for them time and again. But one evening they prey on the kindness of the wrong person and both of their lives are irreversibly changed forever as they are separated.

This is a fast and engrossing read with detailed descriptions of the art and architecture of 15th-century Florence. Kalogridis manages to bring a modern reader into this world of intrigue and possible magic without losing one in the finer details of mysticism or Florentine politics. Recommended for anyone with an interest in Florentine history, particularly surrounding the Medicis, but also be willing to suspend some disbelief in regards to some of the fictional connections.

[Jenn Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read several of Jeanne Kalogridis's novels: The Borgia Bride; I, Mona Lisa; The Devil's Queen; The Inquisitor's Wife; The Scarlet Contessa. Basically anything that she's written sans the vampire books, I've read. This novel was, by far, my least favorite. Not only is the cover deceiving (the "orphan" dresses as a boy the entire book, so why is there a picture of a girl on the cover?), but several times throughout the novel the incorrect pronoun is used ("she") when the "bad guys" didn't know that Guiliano was actually Guiliana. While the story itself was semi-interesting, there was just too much back-and-forth with the plot and characters for me to be genuinely interested. Have of the story consists of descriptions about the magic (just draw circles with your fingers was my take-away message), the Magician's lair (lots of keys and courtyards), and/or half-assed ways in which to create a fake fight (entwine your leg with another dude's and then straighten your leg).

Overall this was a big fat flop for me. I just couldn't care less what happened to the characters and only wanted to finish the story for the sake of loyalty to the author's previous novels.

[Maranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since STARZ aired the series Da Vinci's Demons I have had a better understanding of this time period. But alas no Da Vinci appearance in this work. Lorenzo de' Medici ruler and wealthy leader of Florence is at war with the Pope and Rome. Florence is overflowing with poverty and homeless citizens. Guiliana has resided in an orphanage her whole life with her options at age 15 either marry or join the religious order. No reading or writing were taught to girls. But with Guiliana's exceptional intelligence and a male friend willing to share these skills with her she managed to invent a code to learning. Always on the look out for a mark to supply the next meal, Guiliana (posing as a boy) and her friend Tommaso had a game they used to steal. But not all marks are created equal and some can get the upper hand. Massive description of the city left me bored and the lack of emotional attachments to the characters was sad. Felt the plot moved along nicely although the main character seemed to get in Trouble of her own making. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and my comments here are my honest opinion."

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The drawn-out style of writing and somehow predictable action is not the style of writing I like to read. Therefore, I’m not the right reviewer for this book. There are others who appreciate this style of writing and they will reveal veracious reviews.

@FB: Best Historical Fiction

[Jan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an absolute sucker for anything set in (Renaissance) Florence, but the author is a bit of a hit or miss for me, and I approached the novel with trepidation…

And fell right into the consuming rabbit hole of the story. Wow!

My other absolute sucker-ness is for stories with women getting by in the world masquerading as men.

I loved Guilia—she knew from the get-go that her mind was different than the other children and adults around her. Smart as she is, she struggles to overcome the real talent that keeps her alive—her distrust of all things except for the small family she’s made of a former prostitute and a street urchin. She supports them by being a pickpocket, until she picks the right pocket, and though her circumstances are much improved after that fateful encounter, her new life is far more dangerous than the life she had led on the streets.

Medici spies versus Roman spies, orphans, codes and ciphers, and best of all, magic.

I loved the descriptions of Florence and the arcana—the author hit all the right notes for me from the moment I started reading. The fight scenes with Niccolo are absorbing and well researched.

BUT—does Guilia really need to say “OK” in this setting? I only laughed and moved on, but some might not. It takes more away from the story than adds to it, and as this is an ARC, I hope they remove “ok” from the finished manuscript.

P.S. Da Vinci, as much as I love him, doesn’t need to appear in every story set in Renaissance Florence, and for anyone who thinks “Da Vinci’s Demons” is history—it’s not, it’s an AU.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel :)

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fast paced novel involving Jewish mysticism follows a foundling pickpocket who winds up apprenticing with a Jewish magician in Renaissance Florence, not realizing he holds the key to her past, or what kind of danger she's landed herself in when she gets involved in the war between Lorenzo de Medici and the Pope.

It seemed a little unrealistic at first, but then things come together. Well written and plot driven, the action, espionage, and mystery keeps you wanting to know more. I liked the characters but wasn't extremely attached to them - sometimes the main character was a little slow to realize what was going on. I felt like the mysticism was a little heavy handed but I guess that's just Kalogridis' style. Over all, a quick, enjoyable read, but don't expect too much from it.

Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Historical Readings & Reviews

[Kathleen Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just discovered this author earlier this year and I am so glad a did. Jeanne is a wonderful writer, I loved the attention to detail in this book, you feel like you have been transported to Florence in the 1400's with the sites and smells she describes. I really liked how the story was told from Guilia's perspective, overall I really enjoyed this book.

[Crystal King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, as a writer in the same genre, I'm a bit biased toward books set in Renaissance Italy. But it also means I'm probably a bit more critical as I know the era so well. And about The Orphan of Florence, I loved it. I adored the characters, cheered them on and railed against the bad guys. I loved Giulio/a so much and just could not put the book down--I had to know what was going to happen to her. Kalogridis took some liberties with the Medici history but it was all in the sense of a good rollicking tale. I know that this book will sit with me for weeks to come.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, though I'm not quiiiite sure what it was meant to be: historical fiction? historical fantasy (she does apprentice under the Magician of Florence, after all, though the talismans created seem to be more based in mysticism and religion than straight magic)? I also didn't get the romance. At all.

& I rarely ever quibble over cover designs, but the book made a point of describing Guili as having close cropped hair - she's spent years surviving on the streets as a thief, a boy. It's not until the end of the book, THE LAST FEW PAGES, that she wears a wig after learning the identity of her parents and, therefore, transforming into a noblewoman. The girl on the cover is definitely not who I was picturing while I was reading.

For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, just awful. I picked this up from the library because I needed some easy historical fiction to ease myself back into the habit of actually reading books, and I had read The Burning Times in high school and loved it (at least, I remember loving it). But wow, yeah, the writing on this one is about as bad as it gets. I liked the premise and the magic stuff was pretty interesting, but it was over for me when the characters started speaking in contemporary American-sounding English. Poor Cecilia, who said, "Giuli, you're so amazing!" TWICE in the space of TWO PAGES. And then of course there was a hilariously gratuitous sex scene riiiiiiight at the end. Ridiculous.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m really disappointed in this novel. I have read all of Jeanne Kalogridis’ historical fiction novels and have always been more than satisfied with them. But this book was so sloppy, I still can’t believe she wrote it. I read through it in case it just took awhile to get into it, but the characters and plot jumped around so much. It felt like a first novel rather than her fifteenth (or however many she has written). I recommend reading her other novels before reading this one- don’t judge her writing off of the Orphan of Florence!

[Romance e altri rimedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

recensione completa sul blog https://romanceealtririmedi.wordpress...

(...) (...) Non posso che dichiararmi soddisfatta e la Kalogridis si riconferma, a mio avviso, come una scrittrice di storici piuttosto in gamba. Attenti, però, se iniziate a leggere questo libro non lo mollerete fino a quando non lo avrete finito e poco importa se sono già le tre del mattino e avete la sveglia alle sette, perché continuerete a leggere!

Se siete in cerca di un romanzo storico avvincente e se amate il Rinascimento italiano questo libro potrebbe fare per voi!

[Entrada Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Orphan of Florence is set in Florence, Italy in 1478. The story follows Giulia’s life from her time as an orphan to pick pocket to something quite special. Through a series of events she becomes apprenticed to the great Magician of Florence, learning the tricks of his trade while trying to hide the fact that she is in fact a woman. Graced with eyes of two different colors, Giulia is not only different, it’s apparent to everyone around her. The story starts off well and has great promise. However, towards the climax of the book it simply feels like the writer is trying too hard. Dialog becomes stiff, the storyline a little unbelievable. Overall, an interesting read, technically sound, giving the reader a glimpse into the life of the Medici’s from a unique point of view.

[Mirella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giuliana is a 15 year old orphan living off the streets of Florence after being released from an orphanage. She takes responsibility for another young orphan named Tommasso who is 6 years old. As a pickpocket, it was safer for her to dress as a boy, hence she called herself Giuliano. One night, she picks the pocket of an old man who turns out to be the Magician of Florence. Instead of turning her in, he takes her into his fold, promising to teach her the secrets of Magic. It is there she meets Niccolo who was also raised by the Magician. It is then she is thrust into a world of intrigue, murder, dark secrets, and treachery at its worst.

Jeanne Kalogridis has once again spun an enthralling tale filled with enthralling characters who are unpredictable and ever evolving. Some are lovable and some are despicable. With detailed descriptions of city of Florence, its culture and politics, and the colourful dress of its inhabitants, an authentic, genuine setting was brought to life. The story moves along at a fast pace with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Expect the unexpected! Beautifully told, wonderfully creative, this is another lovely novel by one of my favourite authors of all time. Highly, highly recommended.

[Shoshanna Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually downloaded this book on accident. I was completely unaware that I was requesting it.
That being said, it was a lovely story. Great read!
The characters were strong, the plot well developed and the cover marvelous!
I highly recommend this story to anyone browsing for a new favorite book.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a really slow start for me. The action doesn’t really pick up until more than halfway through the book, but once it did I was pretty enthralled and found it difficult to put down.

I will say, for all that was made of Giuli being so clever there were times that I was astonished that she was so blind to the obvious. And I fully could have done without the love story. So completely unnecessary to the plot.

[Claudia Zeien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this engaging, fast-moving tale. However, I'm giving it 4 stars as it certainly is not a literary masterpiece, and the plot is wildly unbelievable. But it is a fun, easy to read romp through Renaissance Florence, bringing in a bit of history about the politics of the era.

[Ella]

dnf halfway through

[Ruby Deese · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was average for me. It was entertaining but it had some themes that I didn’t particularly enjoy.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up in a local bookstore, and due to the Covid situation they asked that any book you picked up be returned to the desk so they could quarantine it rather than place it back on the shelf. Of course, once I had touched it I felt too guilty to just hand it back to them so I bought it. It was a good purchase. I don't like to describe the book since the publisher does that and most other reviewers do as well. I found this to be a quick read, done in two days of sporadic reading. There were parts where I felt there was just too much description of the room, the sky, the fields etc. but otherwise I enjoyed the writing style. There is a lot of detail regarding the magic/mysticism and the creation of talismans from metal which was certainly informative, but not something I really needed to know. I did like the intrigue and trying to decide who was a good guy and who was a bad guy. Lots of thugs to keep track of! Overall a good book.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few days ago I saw this in my "currently reading" list and honestly couldn't remember if I'd actually finished it already or not. That's not a good sign. Then when I found it in a pile of other books and saw that I was more than 75% through, I figured I'd finish it.

I am more wont to complain that a book should have been shorter than that it should have been longer, but this really could have done with some more pages. The whole plot felt rushed and incomplete, the romance (?) was completely forced, and more than once I had to flip back to see if I had missed something. I did like the setup, but the execution felt really slapped together.

The cover also irritated me, because the mc keeps her hair cut almost to the scalp to avoid lice and certainly does not have enough for the lush looking, artfully disarranged braid on the cover (I know, I know, the author doesn't have control over the cover art, but it still bugged me).

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally like books set in the time of Renaissance Italy (Florence in this case) and the factions around the various households, such as the Medici. This one just didn't work for me though. There were interesting elements (like the cis teenage girl masquerading as a boy while mothering an orphaned 6 year old boy and financially supporting another teenage girl + baby) in this pickpocket turned mystical apprentice + spy story. At the same time, it felt like an odd mash-up of genres and I ended up bored with parts of it.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. This is entertaining and satisfying, and I certainly like Giulia, but it felt like something was missing.

The setting was good, but the narrative was jumbled and thin. A decent toss-off read, but lacking the substance of a truly good work of historical fantasy.

[Shirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Paola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Non mi ha entusiasmato; il personaggio principale non fa che correre correre correre, sei mio amico, no non lo sei o forse sì o forse no...
Immaginavo una storia differente.
Che c'entra il titolo?

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Orphan of Florence gives the reader a good glimpse into the life and politics in the active city of Florence in the late 1400's when the Medici family was at war with Rome and Pope Sixtus. There is plenty of well-written atmosphere and drama.

Guiliana, the main character, was raised in The Hospital of the Innocents from birth until age 15. Due to her intelligence and feisty, mocking spirit, the Mother Superior was only too happy to see Guiliana reach the age where she would have to either become a nun, or marry whoever the Mother Superior presented as a suitable match for her. Not liking either choice, Guiliana bolts into the city, where she disguises herself as a young boy and survives by picking pockets. A young boy, Tommaso, was refused entrance to the orphanage, and Guiliana takes him under her care. Acting together as a team, they become quite adept at their skill until one day, they pick the wrong target. Guiliana is captured, while Tomasso manages to escape.

Here we come into the mystical, fantasy part of the story as we learn that the kidnapper is the Magician of Florence. Loyal to the Medici's, he is looking for someone to help him as a courier and to serve as his apprentice. Little do we (or Guiliana) know, but he has been searching for her for years and has worked his magic to draw her to him. Of course, he, as does everyone else, believes her to be a boy named Guiliano. Much treason, spying, and betrayals are afoot.

I don't want to give away spoilers so what I can say is limited. This book drew me in and I felt as if I were in Florence myself. I think the cover is misleading, since for 80% of the book's active story Giuliana presented herself as a boy. I did not care for the romantic twist the author inserted; it was not believable and out of character for Guiliana and her strong feelings. I also thought the first 2/3 of the book were well paced and well-written, but the last third seemed a hurried jumble, and the end unsatisfying. Still, if you're a fan of historical fiction/fantasy, this is a good escape from your everyday life.

Many thanks to Netgalley and publisher St. Martin's Griffin for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giulia is an orphan of Florence. Her only choice as a woman of Florence is to marry or become a nun. Giulia believes that neither option works for her. So, she cuts her hair, dresses as a man, and becomes a thief to make a living. When she is caught red-handed pickpocketing a magician, Giulia is forced to become the magician’s apprentice. Giulia learns that the magician is more than what he seems to be. Soon, she finds herself in the midst of murder, secrets, magic, and conspiracies. Florence has turned into a dangerous playground of violence. Can Giulia survive the dark underground of Florence and save her city?



Giulia was a very fun character. I liked her immediately. She reminded me of Katniss Everdeen. She is feisty, stubborn, and a bit sarcastic at times. I also like how she was very loyal to her city and was willing to risk her life to save it. I loved Giulia’s father-daughter relationship with the magician. At first, she distrusts him. However, she realizes the magician’s kindness and learns to care for him as a father. When he is murdered, he is still Giulia’s ray of light in the darkness. He gives her the hope to carry on and survive. Therefore, the relationship between Giulia and the magician was very touching and plays a crucial part in this novel.



Overall, The Orphan of Florence is about love, trust, and believing. Even though the romance was not fully developed in the novel, the characters were realistic and all played an important role in the story. The ending was a bit rushed, but I enjoyed the novel so much that I hope there is a sequel. I thought that because of Giulia’s age and voice, The Orphan of Florence would have worked better as a teen book rather than adult fiction. Still, this novel is a fast-paced fantastical adventure that is full of mystery, suspense, and action! It sucks you in from the very first sentence and is unwilling to let you go even after you have read the last page! I have Mrs. Kalogridis’s novels and loved them. I, Mona Lisa is one of my favorite novels of all time, and this latest work by Mrs. Kalogridis proves that she is still one of the queens of historical fiction! Bravissima!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)

[Feel The Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Lady Hawke per Feel the Book

Siamo nella Firenze dei Medici, anzi del Magnifico, non alla sua corte sfarzosa, bensì tra le strade povere della Firenze medicea. La protagonista si chiama Giuliana, si finge un ragazzo e per vivere ruba in un periodo dove la guerra incombe sulla città. Giuliana è un bel personaggio, forte e determinata. Uno di quei personaggi che ti spingono da subito a fare il tifo per lei. Le sue origini sono misteriose e l’unica cosa che la lega alle proprie radici è un medaglione, un talismano che la protegge. È determinata e non si limita a subire il proprio destino, ma cerca di forgiarlo. Il giorno che le cambierà la vita incontra il Mago di Firenze, figura leggendaria avvolta nel mistero che ci lascia il dubbio fino alla fine, se sia amico o nemico. Questo incontro la trascinerà in un vortice di intrighi e politica, dove viene perfettamente tratteggiata una Firenze in guerra con Roma. Ottime le descrizioni, le ricostruzioni dei vicoli e della città, così come la capacità dell’autrice di mescolare gli avvenimenti storici con il filo della trama. Il ritmo della narrazione parte subito spedito, e mantiene un ritmo abbastanza serrato che ti obbliga a rimanere incollato alle pagine per sapere cosa succede, in questo più che uno storico mi ha dato l’idea del thriller. Lo stile fluido ed elegante aggiunge valore alla narrazione, il punto di vista è sempre quello di Giuliana così come la narrazione in prima persona. Sicuramente l’aspetto romantico è assolutamente marginale, ma il libro parla soprattutto di fede e fiducia, mentre l’amore è quello verso il proprio paese. Avrei preferito sia un pizzico in più nella caratterizzazione dei personaggi, che avevano un enorme potenziale, sia un finale meno rapido. Ma come storico assolutamente ben fatto!

Editing a cura di Dancing Fairy per Feel the Book

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giuliano 15 and an orphan, hated by Mother Superior at the orphanage, lived on the streets for two years being a pickpocket and thief. Tommaso is 6, he was at the font crying because his mother died of plague, when Guiliano was forced to leave because of her age. The sisters would not take him into the orphanage, he was four at the time. So Giuliano took him and was responsible for him. Abramo caught Giuliano when he tried to pick his pocket. Niccolo was raised by Abramo, he also was an orphan and skilled with arms, he spent everyday with Giuliano teaching the little they had time for.
There is a battle, traitors and spies abound. The spies and traitors are horrible people, they murder, attempt murder, torture, lies and other awful things. Lorenzo and his mother have changed and become hardened because of all the unrest and death. The descriptions are surprising. After church every sunday, Tommaso would go to the Baptistery, where he looked at the brass Bas-Relief panels on the three famous doors. His favorite was the one of the Angel staying Abraham's hand before he killed his son Issac, you could see them in your mind. It is a complex tale of the time of the de Medici's and Pope Sixtus IV..The characters are are so natural as was the dialogue. It all came together to make a strong, even paced and well written book. I enjoyed it. The care Giuliano gave to his friends, His help supporting them and even though he would never admit it, the love he had for them. This is a remarkable book and the author should be commended.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

(thank you Netgalley for an early reader copy in exchange for unbiased review)

The Orphan of Florence is engaging, entertaining, full of great characters and lots of twists and turns! It's historical fiction in it's setting, but not in its characters which are richly drawn from the writers imagination!

Giulia and her young sidekick Tommaso are orphans on the streets of Florence, who survive by picking pockets, but in a most sophisticated way. Giulia is dresses as a boy for safety, and Tommaso is so adorable he's the ultimate distraction. Then one night Giulia is caught in the act by what seems to be an old, decrepit gentleman, who makes her an incredible offer...the offer of a job. Although not trusting the old man, Giulia takes the job and enters a whole new world. but nothing is what it seems, or what's expected, and Giulia finds herself drawn into something that could kill her or...help her find the answers about her own mysterious past.

Although unlike Jeanne Kalogridis' previous books in topic, The Orphan of Florence quickly grabs your attention and ropes you into the lives of the characters. You will wonder, along with Giulia, who to trust? Who is as they say they are, and who is friend vs. foe? I don't know if the intention is that this become a series, but I can see a set of books that follow Giulia on subsequent adventures...and if Jeanne Kalogridis writes more books with Giulia and her sidekicks, I want to be among the first to read them! I really enjoyed this book!