The SECRET BOOK OF GRAZIA DEI ROSSI

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Summary: A masterful work of historical fiction.
Review: This was a wonderfully enthralling story about Renaissance Italy,a period marked by its incredible art and its base warfare.Battles were a constant backdrop to everything that happened during that period. The story of Grazia Dei Rossi brings us to the heart of the struggles and the wonders of that time: the plight of the Jews, their ups and downs at the whims of the fickle Italians, the hypocracy of the Catholic church and the vast wealth of jewels and art. The story of Grazia is wonderfully told, with great attention to detail and a warmth that was hard to put aside. One of the best books I have read in a long time.

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Summary: Library Journal Review June 1997
Review: Two letters from the court of Isabella d'Este found in an attic and published in an obscure Italian journal provide the inspiration for this historical novel. Park, a founder of the Dramatic Writing Program at New York University's Institute of Film, brings both considerable writing experience and thorough research to her first novel. Building on the hints of a romance between between a Christian nobleman and a young Jewess, Park successfully evokes the tensions underlying the luxuries of 14th century Italian court life. Her heroine, Grazia Dei Rossi, is the finely educated daughter of a well-to-do family intrigues, religious persecution, and changing political alliances, Grazia pens her memoirs as a legacy for her son. The result deftly mixes romance, historical details, memorable characters, and drama. Recommended for all fiction collections. -Jan Blodgett, Davidson Coll., NC

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic story, well written
Review: What is fascinating about this book is that it is based on fact. Jacqueline Park took two letters between Isabelle d?Este (a character who appears in the book) and a Mantuan Jew, after whom our narrator is based. (The letters appear at the back of the book and are definitely worth reading). Grazia dei Rossi goes through many trials and tribulations as she proudly establishes herself as an Italian Jew. We see Grazia grow up in Mantua and fall in love with a Christian. However, betrayed by Isabelle d?Este, Grazia marries a well-renowned Jewish doctor. Her ?secret book? is addressed to her son, Danilo. However, I?m not sure that many of the things she did were things that women of the period normally did. (ie, riding elephants, entrusted with running her father?s banco, etc.). Grazie is a fascinating woman, however, because of this fact.

I found this book to be well- constructed, with extensive research done by the author to present an accurate picture of a woman who lived in early 16th century Italy. The book is richly historical, and will keep you turning pages for hours on end. If you like The Secret Book of Grazia dei Rossi, then you will also like The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant.


Rating:
Summary: Not worth the time
Review: While it's evident the author did quite a bit of research in writing this book, it does not translate well to the page. She spends too much time on detail and not enough on developing these characters. I felt no connection or conviction to see where the main character goes. And I lost patience - finally giving up after 400 pages. And the Italian got annoying!

Rating:
Summary: I'm sorry the book ended.
Review: You know a book is great when you're sorry to have reached the end. That's how I felt about this book. I really felt like a member of the de Rossi family. I'd love to see a sequel based on Danilop and Judah.