Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli is a fabulous book for the young adult who loves historical fiction. The first aspect of this book that was impressive was that Donna Jo Napoli is a researcher. She completed a lot of research prior to writing this story that takes place in Venice in the 1500s. In addition to the realism, the story of Donata is believable and instantly engages the reader. Donata's mother is lecturing on being a perfectly lady. Donata wants education and adventure, both of which are not in her mother's definition of being a perfect lady. The story continues and picks up as Donata secretly escapes her palace to explore and learn about her city, Venice and its people and what they do. There is a lot of risk in what Donata ends up doing, by the thrill of really living, the major theme, is worth whatever consequences that may ensue if she is caught. This is definitely an engaging story with a fair amount of suspense. ( )

It was ok. It's definitely a teen book, but I was more fascinated by the history. The author made a great attempt at historical accuracy, and it was interesting to see Venice through the eyes of a 14 year old girl in 1592, especially the class differences. Nobles vs. citizens and the poor: girls weren't educated, only one girl in a family normally married, only one son in a family married, the father's absolute ability to decide the fate of his children. I'm glad the heroine was defiant enough to try and do what she wanted and become educated.I absolutely loved visiting Venice and Murano and Burano some years ago, so it was fun to read about how they might have been in the 16th century. Entertaining. ( )

Molly Humphrey
EDCI 4120/5120

Napoli, D.J. (2002). Daughter of Venice. New York: Random House.

Grade Levels: 6-9
Category: Historical Fiction
Read Alouds: pp. 1-24 (Morning Light & Morning Light); 34-45 (Midday Meal); 54-68 (Clothes & The Exchange); 81-99 (Questions & Tolerance); 115-126 (Letters); 138-162 (Lessons & Good-bye); 222-240 (Finishing Work & Prayer);264-271 (A Future)

Summary: Donata is a curious 14-year old in Medieval Venice, where curiosity and intelligence in a girl is not only not valued, but discouraged. Donata comes from a large aristocratic family where the traditions to keep the family wealth mean that only one sibling of each gender can typically get married. When marriages and the older children's futures are decided by Donata's father, it quickly becomes apparent that both she and her twin sister Laura will enter convents, but Donata's rebellious side kicks in and she makes plans to go outside her palazzo walls dressed as a boy to see the city where she lives. Her adventures make her only more curious and she manages to have permission from her father to listen to her brother's tutor and learns to read and write. But, Donata's adventures hold consequences when her unexpected marriage is announced by her father for the good works actually done by Laura. Donata takes action, accusing herself of heresy, thereby allowing her sister to marry. While Donata's decision has consequences, it also brings about a bright future when she is allowed to pursue an education.

Themes: The major themes of this novel include perseverance and sacrifice. Donata pursues an education and rebels against her family in order to do so and she also gives up the man she loves and a future in marriage so that her sister can have the chance at life. This novel allows students to explore the restrictions placed on women, even among the more privileged. This novel brings a personalized narrative to one girl's struggle for the future she wants. This would be a great addition to a gender study in a high school classroom. This book, along with others depicting women's efforts for independence and suffrage can show students women's achievements.

Discussion Questions:
Why must Donata venture in the city dressed as a boy? What are the consequences?
How is Donata's depiction of Venice and its attitude toward religion different from other perspectives of the Medieval period?
What does it mean for Donata to continue her education?

Reader Response: I enjoyed this novel, though none of the information in it was knew to me after having taken a women in history class. I like the personalized account Napoli brings to her novels, even though of the two I have read, I never felt that personal connection with the main characters. I think this novel would allow students of either gender to better appreciate the kinds of steps women had to go to in order to gain access to the world.

Interesting, since I knew nothing about Venice in this time period and the book was a wealth of information. A lot of "telling," in addition to the lavish "showing." ( )

Napoli Donata is a young girl from a wealthy noble family in 16th century Venice. She is confined to her home and sees little of her own home town. She decides to dress herself up like a peasant boy and explore Venice. She ends up in the Jewish ghetto and befriends a young boy. She loves the freedom she has both as a boy and a peasant and decides to run away from home. ( )