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Tofana #2
The Silkworm Keeper
Rome 1638
Old sins have long shadows ~ Italian Proverb
Giulia Tofana never wanted to be a nun, but she is determined to atone for her past misdeeds by making her new monastery a success.
When an unexpected disaster closes the convent, Giulia is forced to turn to her old friend Fabio Pasello for help. Giulia still has intense feelings for Fabio and Fabio’s passion for her has never diminished.
But they are not the same people they were before. Giulia has taken her vows, and Fabio is apprenticed to Gianlorenzo Bernini the famous sculptor, and has become one of Bernini’s rakish libertines. They could not be further apart.
To add to their problems, Giulia cannot escape her reputation as a poisoner, and is soon embroiled in a plot against Fabio’s patron, Pope Urban VIII. Faced with the idea of murder, will Giulia renounce her vows or embrace them?
Inspired by true stories, this is a novel of nuns and courtesans, artists and priests, in the shadow and splendour of the Eternal City.
Old sins have long shadows ~ Italian Proverb
Giulia Tofana never wanted to be a nun, but she is determined to atone for her past misdeeds by making her new monastery a success.
When an unexpected disaster closes the convent, Giulia is forced to turn to her old friend Fabio Pasello for help. Giulia still has intense feelings for Fabio and Fabio’s passion for her has never diminished.
But they are not the same people they were before. Giulia has taken her vows, and Fabio is apprenticed to Gianlorenzo Bernini the famous sculptor, and has become one of Bernini’s rakish libertines. They could not be further apart.
To add to their problems, Giulia cannot escape her reputation as a poisoner, and is soon embroiled in a plot against Fabio’s patron, Pope Urban VIII. Faced with the idea of murder, will Giulia renounce her vows or embrace them?
Inspired by true stories, this is a novel of nuns and courtesans, artists and priests, in the shadow and splendour of the Eternal City.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2021
548 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Swift
37 books546 followersI am a novelist living in the Lake District in England. I write historical fiction but read widely - contemporary and classic fiction. I choose my books carefully, so I don't read many duds. If I do, they are not reviewed here, as a gesture of respect to other writers.
I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com
I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 26, 2021
...and the second in the series as poisoner/courtesan becomes nun by force and on it goes. It all sounds quite preposterous, I know, but these two books are based on real person. Both are emotional tales and hard to fathom...but then truth is stranger than fiction in this case.
I did not enjoy the two books and skipped over many portions of the story.
Kindle Unlimited
I did not enjoy the two books and skipped over many portions of the story.
Kindle Unlimited
August 3, 2021
Isn't it great when you like a sequel more than the first book? I thoroughly enjoyed The Poison Keeper, which led us through the life of Giulia Tofana, famous poisoner of Naples. The Silkworm Keeper moves onto her life as a nun in a remote and meagre convent, then the constant side-stepping of danger in Rome.
This is a more involved story than the prequel, one heck of a page turner that gallops along, as Giulia and her companions find artful ways to live their own lives in a world ruled by men. I enjoyed reading about the many ways women survived in those days, from scams to taking a holy vow to becoming a courtesan living in a luxurious semi-prison (even Giulia's attitude was 'not a bad life if you can get it'). Throughout, Giulia wrestles with what she knows to be wrong in the eyes of God, versus what she must do for the safety of herself and those she cares about.
My favourite character was Fabio, a man from Giulia's past, now working in Rome and still hankering after the woman he knew; their fraught personal relationship threads in and out of the main story. I'm usually deeply bored by the romance angle in books (yes yes yes, they're going to end up together, now can we get on with the story?) but not so, with this. Maybe because I loved Fabio and wanted him to be happy!
Aside from being a wonderful story (suspenseful, dramatic, believable, perfectly paced), I was fascinated by the detail about sericulture (the cultivation of silkworms to produce silk), about leatherwork and sculpture and the way of life of the time; this detail elevated it from being jolly good and worthy of five stars, to something a bit special.
Highly recommend both books!
This is a more involved story than the prequel, one heck of a page turner that gallops along, as Giulia and her companions find artful ways to live their own lives in a world ruled by men. I enjoyed reading about the many ways women survived in those days, from scams to taking a holy vow to becoming a courtesan living in a luxurious semi-prison (even Giulia's attitude was 'not a bad life if you can get it'). Throughout, Giulia wrestles with what she knows to be wrong in the eyes of God, versus what she must do for the safety of herself and those she cares about.
My favourite character was Fabio, a man from Giulia's past, now working in Rome and still hankering after the woman he knew; their fraught personal relationship threads in and out of the main story. I'm usually deeply bored by the romance angle in books (yes yes yes, they're going to end up together, now can we get on with the story?) but not so, with this. Maybe because I loved Fabio and wanted him to be happy!
Aside from being a wonderful story (suspenseful, dramatic, believable, perfectly paced), I was fascinated by the detail about sericulture (the cultivation of silkworms to produce silk), about leatherwork and sculpture and the way of life of the time; this detail elevated it from being jolly good and worthy of five stars, to something a bit special.
Highly recommend both books!
January 7, 2022
How do you write a stellar, quality review to merit a notable novel deserving of an inordinate amount of stars?
In an MFA program for Creative Writing I was taught this: no trouble, no story. But how did author Swift conjure up one complicated scene after another seamlessly, making this an intense, dramatic read—one I lost sleep over. When I wasn’t reading I was wondering about the characters and how they could possibly extricate themselves from one horrific incident after another?
I must also say I’m probably a bit prejudiced because I lived in Rome, Italy, for twenty years, and a good part of the narrative is set in Rome, one of the major centers of the Renaissance. Living in Rome, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal about the incomparable architecture and sculptures that embellish the grandeur of the Eternal City and especially the magnificent work of the Bernini Family, Gian Lorenzo Bernini in particular. And the inclusion of these masters was artfully integrated in this work!
Precise diction is another feature I admire in Swift’s fiction. Although I believe if I were offered a mere grocery list from this author I’d scrutinize it thoroughly and would be pleased to find exact language to fit every product.
I hope in future she’ll write a memoir before someone else writes a biography on how she became a much-admired prolific literary craftsman.
Kudos for this fine achievement.
In an MFA program for Creative Writing I was taught this: no trouble, no story. But how did author Swift conjure up one complicated scene after another seamlessly, making this an intense, dramatic read—one I lost sleep over. When I wasn’t reading I was wondering about the characters and how they could possibly extricate themselves from one horrific incident after another?
I must also say I’m probably a bit prejudiced because I lived in Rome, Italy, for twenty years, and a good part of the narrative is set in Rome, one of the major centers of the Renaissance. Living in Rome, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal about the incomparable architecture and sculptures that embellish the grandeur of the Eternal City and especially the magnificent work of the Bernini Family, Gian Lorenzo Bernini in particular. And the inclusion of these masters was artfully integrated in this work!
Precise diction is another feature I admire in Swift’s fiction. Although I believe if I were offered a mere grocery list from this author I’d scrutinize it thoroughly and would be pleased to find exact language to fit every product.
I hope in future she’ll write a memoir before someone else writes a biography on how she became a much-admired prolific literary craftsman.
Kudos for this fine achievement.
July 5, 2021
A terrific sequel
I loved this sequel even more than the first book and the first book was amazing too. Guiliana was such an awesome woman and the other two main female characters, Rosetta and Zaneta were equally great. I found myself totally engaged with all of the characters and the storytelling. A book series that will definitely not disappoint.
I loved this sequel even more than the first book and the first book was amazing too. Guiliana was such an awesome woman and the other two main female characters, Rosetta and Zaneta were equally great. I found myself totally engaged with all of the characters and the storytelling. A book series that will definitely not disappoint.
January 3, 2022
Wrong title
The title of the book is very misleading. The silkworm breeding is but a small part of the book. A better title would have referred to a female apothecary. It's also kind of boring and many of the characters are trite.
The title of the book is very misleading. The silkworm breeding is but a small part of the book. A better title would have referred to a female apothecary. It's also kind of boring and many of the characters are trite.
November 3, 2021
This is the second in a series and I've already read the first (The Poison Keeper). I feel this can be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend reading these books in order, to get a better sense of how Giulia's and Fabio's relationship has developed and changed over the years. That said, Ms Swift provides enough background information without ever allowing the exposition to slow down the narrative. So here we find Giulia in her new life as a nun, but if she thought to settle quietly into the religious life, she was wrong. Sent to establish a new nunnery, she is horrified by what she finds there. I found this part of the book compelling, and the desperate straits in which the new novices find themselves elicit nothing but sympathy. The author makes it clear, without labouring the point, that life in such times was hard for women unless they were of independent means.
When Giulia and the nuns are forced to leave the barely-established new convent, they try to start a new life in Rome. Just as she did with the first book, set largely in Naples, Ms Swift gives the reader an immersive tour of the city, bringing it to life with all the sounds, smells and sights, and showing all levels of human life. Fabio has already experienced how the rich control the lives of those dependent upon their favour, and how, when the law is transgressed, money buys the perpetrator out of trouble and the 'little' people are offered up as scapegoats. The constant fight to dictate their own lives is a powerful motivator for Fabio, Giulia and the novices. This, coupled with the desire to escape the past, also hampers the relationship between the two main characters and their deep feelings for one another vie with the determination to move on and make new lives for themselves. It was deeply touching to be witness to their struggles.
This is not just a character-driven story, however. The plot is deceptive and clever. As the characters grab the reader's hand and rush them through the streets of Rome to the dramatic concluding scenes, much falls into place. A simple scene early on which, I thought, was written to demonstrate nothing more than that one rich, louche, character was not to be trusted, turned out to be crucial when Fabio and Giulia find themselves entangled with the plot against the pope. The final scenes leave the reader wondering, "How are they going to resolve this?" and the beauty of the clever plotting is that even the characters aren't sure. I think I was actually holding my breath at one point... I'll say no more, for fear of spoilers.
Once again, Ms Swift gives us an ending which, though offering the promise of a further volume, is not a cliff-hanger. All in all, an involving, satisfying read, beautifully researched and skilfully executed.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
When Giulia and the nuns are forced to leave the barely-established new convent, they try to start a new life in Rome. Just as she did with the first book, set largely in Naples, Ms Swift gives the reader an immersive tour of the city, bringing it to life with all the sounds, smells and sights, and showing all levels of human life. Fabio has already experienced how the rich control the lives of those dependent upon their favour, and how, when the law is transgressed, money buys the perpetrator out of trouble and the 'little' people are offered up as scapegoats. The constant fight to dictate their own lives is a powerful motivator for Fabio, Giulia and the novices. This, coupled with the desire to escape the past, also hampers the relationship between the two main characters and their deep feelings for one another vie with the determination to move on and make new lives for themselves. It was deeply touching to be witness to their struggles.
This is not just a character-driven story, however. The plot is deceptive and clever. As the characters grab the reader's hand and rush them through the streets of Rome to the dramatic concluding scenes, much falls into place. A simple scene early on which, I thought, was written to demonstrate nothing more than that one rich, louche, character was not to be trusted, turned out to be crucial when Fabio and Giulia find themselves entangled with the plot against the pope. The final scenes leave the reader wondering, "How are they going to resolve this?" and the beauty of the clever plotting is that even the characters aren't sure. I think I was actually holding my breath at one point... I'll say no more, for fear of spoilers.
Once again, Ms Swift gives us an ending which, though offering the promise of a further volume, is not a cliff-hanger. All in all, an involving, satisfying read, beautifully researched and skilfully executed.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
December 25, 2021
The story goes from strength to strength. Deborah Swift deepens Giulia’s character in this second instalment of this woman’s life as she wrestles with redemption and tries to balance the ideals of the church with the harsh realities of life. The author delivers a taut page turner and drives her characters into tight corners, and it left me wondering how they could possibly escape from the tightening of the noose. Brilliantly plotted and with a satisfying ending. Loved it! Can’t wait for the next one!
July 30, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2021
This is an easy-to-read novel based on history. It is definitely fiction, but a great jumping-off place for those who want to research the era and some of those, mostly the movers and shakers, who inhabited it. The cover illustration threw me about the type of novel it turned out to be. At first, I was not much interested, but am happy that I read it. I like and am intrigued by the era portrayed in the book - the Italian Renaissance. The novel dealt well with the various groups of Renaissance people - the Church hierarchy, the nuns, priests and monks, the artists and artisans, the upper classes, and those people who served all these other groups. The structure of the novel revolved around several nuns, and those who were forced into the vocation against their will, and probably common sense. This is an intriguing book for those who know a bit about the Italian Renaissance, and hopefully an invitation for some readers to delve further into this time of Italian history. This novel was a gift by the author with no expectation of review.
This is an easy-to-read novel based on history. It is definitely fiction, but a great jumping-off place for those who want to research the era and some of those, mostly the movers and shakers, who inhabited it. The cover illustration threw me about the type of novel it turned out to be. At first, I was not much interested, but am happy that I read it. I like and am intrigued by the era portrayed in the book - the Italian Renaissance. The novel dealt well with the various groups of Renaissance people - the Church hierarchy, the nuns, priests and monks, the artists and artisans, the upper classes, and those people who served all these other groups. The structure of the novel revolved around several nuns, and those who were forced into the vocation against their will, and probably common sense. This is an intriguing book for those who know a bit about the Italian Renaissance, and hopefully an invitation for some readers to delve further into this time of Italian history. This novel was a gift by the author with no expectation of review.
July 3, 2021
Really great stories of Renaissance Women
I have read both “The Poison Keeper” & “The Silkworm Keeper.”
Outstanding writing and wonderful story. Can not recommend highly enough. Read and enjoy these great stories of strong, independent women who fought for themselves in unconventional ways. Readable and believable....Historical Fiction is my favorite genre and this ranks w/ those of more known authors.
I have read both “The Poison Keeper” & “The Silkworm Keeper.”
Outstanding writing and wonderful story. Can not recommend highly enough. Read and enjoy these great stories of strong, independent women who fought for themselves in unconventional ways. Readable and believable....Historical Fiction is my favorite genre and this ranks w/ those of more known authors.
September 16, 2023
Guila is now a nun and living in Rome will she ever be free of her past A brilliant read can’t wait to read the final instalment
July 4, 2021
Every Deborah Swift novel is a treat. I enjoyed this second novel in the Tofana series. Giulia, who is based on an historical figure becomes a vibrant, passionate, herbalist and healer recreated by Swift. Her fortunes and misfortunes are are an enlightening and engrossing read. Looking forward to the next novel.
July 5, 2021
A wonderful well written story
This second book is as good as the first one and i am looking forward to the next story to follow on from this .Deborah has an excellent way of writing and keeping our attention while always following historic details in her story. A very different but moving book.
This second book is as good as the first one and i am looking forward to the next story to follow on from this .Deborah has an excellent way of writing and keeping our attention while always following historic details in her story. A very different but moving book.
April 8, 2022
The Italian Renaissance – not all beauty.
This is the second book in a trio about Giulia Tofano, an infamous historical person, who concocted an untraceable poison and sold it to women wishing to get rid of their husbands, in Italy during the Renaissance.
Although the book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the books in order, to get a better sense of the development of the story.
I love that Deborah Swift chooses less well-known historical characters and after a huge amount of research, turns her books into an enjoyable, easy-to-read and exciting novels, yet still the reader learns a lot about the times, the places and persons involved.
This book sees Giulia as a nun, wanting to atone for her past misdeeds. She is put in charge of five sisters and requested to turn an old building into a new monastery, where the sisters are to take their vows and at the same time work day and night farming silkworms.
The two eldest sisters are rebellious and set the monastery on fire. Giulia is forced to flee with them to Rome. Giulia turns to her old friend Fabio Pasello for help. Giulia still has intense feelings for Fabio and Fabio’s passion for her has never diminished. However they are no longer the same people they once were. Giulia has taken her vows and Fabio, corrupted by Gianlorenzo Bernini has become an ambitious stone mason.
Giulia’s past catches up with her and she is coerced into a plot against the pope. The plot is clever with twists and turns but everything adds up in the end.
I found this book captivating and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and romance.
This is the second book in a trio about Giulia Tofano, an infamous historical person, who concocted an untraceable poison and sold it to women wishing to get rid of their husbands, in Italy during the Renaissance.
Although the book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the books in order, to get a better sense of the development of the story.
I love that Deborah Swift chooses less well-known historical characters and after a huge amount of research, turns her books into an enjoyable, easy-to-read and exciting novels, yet still the reader learns a lot about the times, the places and persons involved.
This book sees Giulia as a nun, wanting to atone for her past misdeeds. She is put in charge of five sisters and requested to turn an old building into a new monastery, where the sisters are to take their vows and at the same time work day and night farming silkworms.
The two eldest sisters are rebellious and set the monastery on fire. Giulia is forced to flee with them to Rome. Giulia turns to her old friend Fabio Pasello for help. Giulia still has intense feelings for Fabio and Fabio’s passion for her has never diminished. However they are no longer the same people they once were. Giulia has taken her vows and Fabio, corrupted by Gianlorenzo Bernini has become an ambitious stone mason.
Giulia’s past catches up with her and she is coerced into a plot against the pope. The plot is clever with twists and turns but everything adds up in the end.
I found this book captivating and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and romance.
November 12, 2021
The year...1638...This is the second book in this series and as I started to read about half way through I couldn't get enough of these two, The first book was good as you follow two people and their lives and how they intertwine with each other!! Giuliani has become a nun,and she has people !looking for her..Thought the past was long gone and forgotten...the poisons,the men who had disappeared..being a nun she might be able to get God to forgive her,little by little as she hope she was doing God's work for forgiveness!! Why are they looking for her now?? Adventure,secrets,mystery you have n this story..Then comes the time that she is to leave the security of the other nuns and the place where she has called home for the last five years and go to another place to racially his out from the people who blame her for the death of a brother and son...Find out the mystery of they find her and if so what will happen what will become of her?? Fabio,the man she had lived before she became a nun,now in trouble she seems his help as she cannot trust anyone..Even though he is a sculptor to very famous man and Fabio will help her but does she not bring so much trouble to his doorstep?? Follow these two as they find each other again and can a nun and a sculptor find happiness and love again or will she ever be forgiven as they call her a poisonous nun?? The characters in this second book in the series has you reading so fast to see what will happen as they become real people to you before the story ends!!! It took me a few months to read,that's on me...
February 10, 2022
As much as I enjoyed the first book – “The Poison Keeper” – I like “The Silkworm Keeper” even more. Didn’t think I would, though, when I learned it was about poisoner Giulia Tofana’s new phase as a nun. Turns out that the scenes in the nunnery appealed to me most of all.
Putting people where they really don’t want to be tends to make for engaging reading. First off, Giulia is sent to take charge of a new nunnery, which she’s somewhat daunted by, mainly because she’s to take charge of five siblings who have no desire whatsoever to become nuns. Sadly for them, they’ve no alternative.
Two of the siblings are young adults, the other three are children. Giulia’s interaction with them makes for entertaining reading. All characters are vivid and believable.
Although this is in no way a comedy, I had to laugh when – following a scene about Satan becoming the snake who tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden – one of the children asks if Satan could be one of the silkworms. Brilliant. You can just imagine a child asking such a question.
At length, events compel Giulia and the children to move to Rome. Fabio – Giulia’s love interest from the first book – also ends up there. In one sense, Fabio’s storyline is like a subplot, rising to the surface every so often, and occasionally his threads connect with Giulia’s. Deborah Swift is an author who’s gifted in having several story threads on the go, which she eventually connects to make one main thread.
The author also does a great job in creating the seventeenth-century Italian setting. All scenes are vivid and authentic.
Overall, this is an excellent read.
Putting people where they really don’t want to be tends to make for engaging reading. First off, Giulia is sent to take charge of a new nunnery, which she’s somewhat daunted by, mainly because she’s to take charge of five siblings who have no desire whatsoever to become nuns. Sadly for them, they’ve no alternative.
Two of the siblings are young adults, the other three are children. Giulia’s interaction with them makes for entertaining reading. All characters are vivid and believable.
Although this is in no way a comedy, I had to laugh when – following a scene about Satan becoming the snake who tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden – one of the children asks if Satan could be one of the silkworms. Brilliant. You can just imagine a child asking such a question.
At length, events compel Giulia and the children to move to Rome. Fabio – Giulia’s love interest from the first book – also ends up there. In one sense, Fabio’s storyline is like a subplot, rising to the surface every so often, and occasionally his threads connect with Giulia’s. Deborah Swift is an author who’s gifted in having several story threads on the go, which she eventually connects to make one main thread.
The author also does a great job in creating the seventeenth-century Italian setting. All scenes are vivid and authentic.
Overall, this is an excellent read.
September 4, 2021
Poison to Silk
After being accused of selling poison Giulia hides in a convent where she tries to do penance. She misses life in the outside world but in the convent she is encouraged and protected by the prioress and is able
to use her knowledge of herbal remedies for good in the convent hospital.
That all changes when she is sent to start a new convent. Five sisters were orphaned and the grandfather who becomes their guardian is intent on reversing the effects of their late father’s indulgence. He takes away their finery and luxuries and turns their home into a convent. They become virtual prisoners and are forced to work for their keep raising silkworms to supply his silk business. Giulia again finds herself on the side of powerless women exploited by men.
In the meantime Fabio inherits Alfonso’s leather working business and discovers that Alfonso incurred exorbitant debt trying to pay protection money. Fabio flees to Rome and becomes involved in the sculpting trade that is booming because of commissions from the Vatican.
Both stories, the silk producing convent and the activities in the Vatican in the 17th century, have a historical basis. Deborah Swift weaves the historical stories into a can’t put it down thriller
After being accused of selling poison Giulia hides in a convent where she tries to do penance. She misses life in the outside world but in the convent she is encouraged and protected by the prioress and is able
to use her knowledge of herbal remedies for good in the convent hospital.
That all changes when she is sent to start a new convent. Five sisters were orphaned and the grandfather who becomes their guardian is intent on reversing the effects of their late father’s indulgence. He takes away their finery and luxuries and turns their home into a convent. They become virtual prisoners and are forced to work for their keep raising silkworms to supply his silk business. Giulia again finds herself on the side of powerless women exploited by men.
In the meantime Fabio inherits Alfonso’s leather working business and discovers that Alfonso incurred exorbitant debt trying to pay protection money. Fabio flees to Rome and becomes involved in the sculpting trade that is booming because of commissions from the Vatican.
Both stories, the silk producing convent and the activities in the Vatican in the 17th century, have a historical basis. Deborah Swift weaves the historical stories into a can’t put it down thriller
December 21, 2021
This novel is the sequel to The Poison Keeper, based on a real figure, Giulia Tofana, an (extremist) feminist before her time who took upon her to kill husbands who maltreated their wives in Rome, mid XVI th century...
In this second book, Giulia is a nun repenting for her sins. Unfortunately, her past catches up with her, and with the prioress' help she will be sent to Calabria to create her own convent made up by four novices. These novices are sisters and orphans sent to a convent life by their rich grandfather who had refused to offer dowries for their wedding. They will not go there willingly particularly because they will have to work to provide for themselves and they are definitely not used to it! Their grandfather decided that they should breed silkworms.... That was for me very interesting! Loosely based on Giulia's real biography (as not much is known about her), the author has written an entertaining story full of action! The novel also focusses on the choices women had (or not): marriage (arranged), convent (arranged), courtisane (arranged)... apothecarian (arranging?) A really good story!
In this second book, Giulia is a nun repenting for her sins. Unfortunately, her past catches up with her, and with the prioress' help she will be sent to Calabria to create her own convent made up by four novices. These novices are sisters and orphans sent to a convent life by their rich grandfather who had refused to offer dowries for their wedding. They will not go there willingly particularly because they will have to work to provide for themselves and they are definitely not used to it! Their grandfather decided that they should breed silkworms.... That was for me very interesting! Loosely based on Giulia's real biography (as not much is known about her), the author has written an entertaining story full of action! The novel also focusses on the choices women had (or not): marriage (arranged), convent (arranged), courtisane (arranged)... apothecarian (arranging?) A really good story!
February 19, 2022
This fabulous continuation of Guilia Tofana’s story is just as captivating as its predecessor, The Poison Keeper. I was riveted from the opening pages, drawn in by the drama of Guilia, now a nun, finding herself in charge of a convent inhabited by five young sisters who want nothing to do with the religious life. Her struggle to raise income for the convent by teaching the girls to breed silkworms is just the beginning of a series of explosive events that lead her to Rome. There, she reconnects with Fabio, an old friend who is never far from her thoughts—or her heart. Despite her efforts to shed her past, Guilia’s reputation as a dispenser of poisons follows her to Rome, with astonishing results. This is a breathless, exhilarating read. Swift’s graceful prose offers just the right blend of historical detail, pulse-pounding action, and surprising plot twists. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2021
the poison keeper and the silkworm keeper
One of the most captivating stories I read for a long time.I would say, it classifies a a historical thriller spiced with a love story. The story is well researched. The reader has a tour of Italian society from the most well to do to the poorest. I am fascinated by the account of the situation for women in the 17th century Italy. I would recommend anybody to read it. Once I had started, I could not put the books away.
One of the most captivating stories I read for a long time.I would say, it classifies a a historical thriller spiced with a love story. The story is well researched. The reader has a tour of Italian society from the most well to do to the poorest. I am fascinated by the account of the situation for women in the 17th century Italy. I would recommend anybody to read it. Once I had started, I could not put the books away.
December 20, 2021
Entertaining and educational
Entertaining and educational! I enjoyed the story even if a bit fantastic at times. The “romance” between Guilia and Fabio is a bit silly at times and quite predictable. But cute. The ending was disappointing in that we go from the world of Catholism to “I just need to forgive myself’” and my forgiveness of myself is the only forgiveness that matters! Quite a change of direction with nothingvto support it.
Entertaining and educational! I enjoyed the story even if a bit fantastic at times. The “romance” between Guilia and Fabio is a bit silly at times and quite predictable. But cute. The ending was disappointing in that we go from the world of Catholism to “I just need to forgive myself’” and my forgiveness of myself is the only forgiveness that matters! Quite a change of direction with nothingvto support it.
January 18, 2022
Loved it !! The story kept me entertained and I thought it was a real page turner. I loved the atmosphere of renaissance Italy and for me the characters were believable and well drawn. It was a book where I wanted to know what happens next and I actually nearly burnt our dinner during the last three chapters I was so engrossed 😆
Easy light reading and a bit of pure escapism, if you just go with the flow you’ll enjoy it.
Now starting “The ladys’ slipper” by this author.
Easy light reading and a bit of pure escapism, if you just go with the flow you’ll enjoy it.
Now starting “The ladys’ slipper” by this author.
August 16, 2021
Cant recommend this book enough. I also read the Poison Keeper which was equally as good and the first part of the story. I found the author managed to tell both a gripping story and show what life was like in 17th century Italy in equal measure. I was totally immersed and can’t wait to read more of her books.
November 24, 2022
Another exciting escape from death
This sequel to the poison keeper tells the next chapter of Giulia's attempts to evade prosecution and the church of Rome, together with 5 sisters she finds herself responsible for. Fabio is always there to help out the love of his life but she still rejects him,
This sequel to the poison keeper tells the next chapter of Giulia's attempts to evade prosecution and the church of Rome, together with 5 sisters she finds herself responsible for. Fabio is always there to help out the love of his life but she still rejects him,
March 2, 2024
This is book two in a series that I immediately fell in love with. I have been fascinated with Aqua Tofana ever since one of my favorite YouTubers did a dark history episode on her a couple years ago. This historical fiction portrayal of Tofana and what she went through was extremely entertaining. I highly recommend this series!
August 20, 2021
Captivating
What a great story based on true events, and really completed the historical tale of Giulia "Tafana" I really suggest reading the poison keeper before reading this one. I loved both books and think this author did a magnificent job!!!!
What a great story based on true events, and really completed the historical tale of Giulia "Tafana" I really suggest reading the poison keeper before reading this one. I loved both books and think this author did a magnificent job!!!!
September 8, 2021
I had just finished a book about the artist Rafael in Rome and was fascinated by the time period and setting. So I grabbed this recommended book because it was Renaissance Rome. As a historical fiction, it just didn't flow well enough for me. The characters and story seemed far-fetched.
November 3, 2021
Second book in the series was a good as the first book
This has been a very good series. I never knew of Giulia however am fascinated by her. Am looking forward to the third book in the series. A must read for those who love historical fiction about real people.
This has been a very good series. I never knew of Giulia however am fascinated by her. Am looking forward to the third book in the series. A must read for those who love historical fiction about real people.
September 1, 2023
The adventure continues...
This storyline takes place five years after the first book in this series, A lot is happening in this second issue, some extra sisters, and perhaps a love interest? Like this ending better.
This storyline takes place five years after the first book in this series, A lot is happening in this second issue, some extra sisters, and perhaps a love interest? Like this ending better.
December 22, 2023
fabulous
My heart was in my throat many times during the story. Hoping for the women (mostly) to succeed in freeing themselves from the oppression of their families, husbands and the church. I applaud the author.
My heart was in my throat many times during the story. Hoping for the women (mostly) to succeed in freeing themselves from the oppression of their families, husbands and the church. I applaud the author.
November 6, 2024
The subject matter was very engaging. The history interesting. There were a couple events that didn’t seem like what that character would have really done, but the irritation was fleeting because the story was very well written. I enjoyed all the characters.
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