THE POISON KEEPER by Deborah Swift - A Reader's Opinion
A Reader's Opinion
An enthralling and historically rich novel.
Deborah Swift is a talented writer who sweeps the reader into the story from page one. A touch of mystery and unanswered questions keeps the pages turning until secrets are slowly revealed in stunning detail.
Sixteenth-century Italy is a time period in which I know nothing, but now have a better understanding of what life must have been like, and for Giulia Tofana, that life was filled with heartache, treachery, deep-rooted secrets, and a special gift. While one cannot in good conscience condone Guiula's actions, I could not help but sympathize with her and the other women.
The author weaves fact with fiction in a way that I could not tell one from the other, and found myself doing my own research after I closed the book. The interspersing of unfamiliar names made it difficult to keep track of everyone, but I learned to recognize each of them more by their actions and descriptions. The characters and setting linger in a way that makes the reader wish for more. Giulia Tofana made for an interesting subject, and I look forward to the next installment of the author's creation.
A recommend read for anyone who enjoys well-written and interesting historical fiction.
The Poison Keeper
Naples 1633
Aqua Tofana – One drop to heal. Three drops to kill.
Giulia Tofana longs for more responsibility in her mother’s apothecary business, but Mamma has always been secretive and refuses to tell her the hidden keys to her success. But the day Mamma is arrested for the poisoning of the powerful Duke de Verdi, Giulia is shocked to uncover the darker side of her trade.
Giulia must run for her life, and escapes to Naples, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, to the home of her Aunt Isabetta, a famous courtesan. But when Giulia hears that her mother has been executed, and the cruel manner of her death, she swears she will wreak revenge on the Duke de Verdi.
The trouble is, Naples is in the grip of Domenico, the Duke’s brother, who controls the city with the ‘Camorra’, the mafia. Worse, her Aunt Isabetta, under his thrall, insists that she should be consort to him.
Based on the legendary life of Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets, and how courage and love can overcome vengeance.
Historical Fiction | Pub: May 18, 2021 | 408pp | Quire Books
Format Read: E-book | Source: From the reviewer's digital library
Content Rating: PG-13
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