Have you ever read Dante's Inferno? Me neither, but I've heard of it. Remarkable as it was written in the 14th century. Evidently by a guy named Dante. Italian guy. Unfortunately, reading Dante's Daughter didn't get me any closer to knowing about Dante's Inferno, although I gather that Inferno was the first selection in a three part poem.
Not really a history book, but an easy, undemanding story of a girl in 14th century Italy (and France)who happens to have a famous father,although not necessarily famous in a good way. I liked this book and as compared to the young adult selections that are mainly about gossipy boy crazed "modern" girls, it is a huge step above. And, not often do we contemplate the life of a teen in Italy of 1310. There are bits and pieces of romance, a few kisses and a "happily ever after" type ending, but it is not a guide to catching a man- despite the narrow choices of a post-Crusade era woman.
I would have liked at least part of the most famous poem to be recorded in the back of the book. I think I would prefer the story had been told by Dante himself, but as no one alive knows the real story, I guess getting a young adult reader to broaden horizons is best done from the voice of another young adult. And, the reference of "Dante's Inferno" will have a bit more meaning to the person who has read this book. Maybe, even, spark enough interest for them to pick up a translated copy of Dante's work? Sign me up!
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