For Book Beginnings:
"I don't know where my own body begins or ends," said the young girl of Imizmiza.
- p. 3, The Book of Madness and Cures by Regina O'Melveny
For Friday 56:
The hours of candlelight, encircled by a studious darkness, drew me closer to my intent.
p. 56, , The Book of Madness and Cures by Regina O'Melveny
I won this book in giveaway over at I'd Rather Be Reading at the Beach (yeah, I really would! Thanks Vicki!). I have to admit, it's that gorgeous cover that got me. And when I read the synopsis, I felt it had shades of Tracy Chevalier and Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver ... wow! Really am looking forward to this one!
Serious synopsis: Dr. Gabriella Mondini, a strong-willed, young Venetian woman, has followed her father in the path of medicine. She possesses a singleminded passion for the art of physick, even though, in 1590, the male-dominated establishment is reluctant to accept a woman doctor. So when her father disappears on a mysterious journey, Gabriella's own status in the Venetian medical society is threatened. Her father has left clues--beautiful, thoughtful, sometimes torrid, and often enigmatic letters from his travels as he researches his vast encyclopedia, "The Book of Diseases."What are you reading?
After ten years of missing his kindness, insight, and guidance, Gabriella decides to set off on a quest to find him--a daunting journey that will take her through great university cities, centers of medicine, and remote villages across Europe. Despite setbacks, wary strangers, and the menaces of the road, the young doctor bravely follows the clues to her lost father, all while taking notes on maladies and treating the ill to supplement her own work.
I hope you're enjoying this one!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds interesting. It reminds me of Virginia Woolf, though it takes place way before her time. I'm curious to see your review once you're done.
ReplyDeleteHere's my Book Beginnings.
The cover on this is very appealing. I have looked at it myself a few times now in my local Independent bookshop (although the Australian cover is different it is still eye-catching). However, I haven't taken the time to read the back cover - so thanks for the synopsis.
ReplyDeleteImizmiza--what a delicious word!
ReplyDeleteThat title is a real grabber. Looks like a good read.
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I do like that cover, too. I'll be interested to hear what you think of this novel.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting! Covers do catch attention, though at first I thought this might be a nonfiction book. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very cool. I'll be back to hear your thoughts on it. (side note: I absolutely loved Prodigal Summer!)
ReplyDeleteWhat great lines.
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