The Queen's Soprano

Kearsten says: I liked the view of a woman’s life. Angelica is really at everyone’s else’s mercy, and has a very small window of opportunity to choose a life of her own, but even that is dependent upon other people – Queen Christina, for example. Even Christina, for all that she’s a queen, has her hands tied for the fact that she’s a woman. I also was intrigued by the way that Angelica is blamed for the ‘effect’ her voice has on others. Because a cardinal ‘neglects’ his duties to go listen to her sing, her voice is said to be the devil’s breath. And for the most part, very few people want to celebrate her gift – her mother tries to use it to buy herself a better life, and men want to possess it and Angelica – show more but not necessarily marry her… show less

I liked the view of a woman’s life. Angelica is really at everyone’s else’s mercy, and has a very small window of opportunity to choose a life of her own, but even that is dependent upon other people – Queen Christina, for example. Even Christina, for all that she’s a queen, has her hands tied for the fact that she’s a woman. I also was intrigued by the way that Angelica is blamed for the ‘effect’ her voice has on others. Because a cardinal ‘neglects’ his duties to go listen to her sing, her voice is said to be the devil’s breath. And for the most part, very few people want to celebrate her gift – her mother tries to use it to buy herself a better life, and men want to possess it and Angelica – but not show more necessarily marry her… show less

I read this book out of boredom. My friend had this and I just asked if I can borrow it because I have nothing to do. And then it surprised me. It was good! The setting, the characters.

I can somewhat relate to the protagonist because my parents are a strict and traditional too. But it definitely is not at that level. I just know the feeling of not being able to do something you really want.

So it really had a personal effect on me. I love how she pursued her dreams, and succeed. But it also tells us that nothing happens perfectly. Her success cost her her relationship to her family and love.

It does not only tell a story but it also depicts reality.

This was better than I thought it would be. 17th Century Italy, singing, AND an unexpected ending? That makes for a pretty interesting read, but not the best young adult novel I've read recently.

This novel is based on the true story of a 17-year old Christina Voglia who lived in Rome in the 17th century. She has a beautiful soprano voice, but Pope Innocent XI has banned women from singing in public. Christina’s mother desires to marry Christina off with rich suitors in order to rise to a higher social status. However, this conflicts with Christina’s own happiness and her desires to sing and choose who she marries. There are some mature scenes in the book that are not suitable for younger readers.

Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com

It was the cover of the book that first got my attention. The girl on the cover of THE QUEEN'S SOPRANO was wearing a beautiful gown fit for royalty. Little did I know at the time that this book was a fictionalized account of Angelica Voglia, who became Queen Christina's soprano during the time of Pope Innocent XI.

All Angelica wants to do is sing, but the pope has forbidden women to sing in public. Angelica has a voice that was able to bring people to their knees weeping. People come from all over Rome to stand beneath her window to hear her sing. She had many suiters, all arranged by her mother, but the one she was interested in was a poor but talented French artist, Jean Theodon. Jean show more courts her in secrecy, exchanging messages and drawings with her via the servant girl that works for her family.

Her mother, though, has other ideas. She plans on giving Angelica up to the highest bidder on the hopes that the family's status will be elevated. Angelica's determined to sing and realizes that the only way to do that before an audience and escape a forced marriage arranged by her controlling mother is to flee to Queen Christina's court, where she will become the queen's soprano.

Dines tells Angelica's story beautifully. The characters are all richly developed. I was really able to feel Angelica's determination to accomplish her goals despite the odds stacked against her. Of course there is more to the story, but you will have to read the book to find out what else happens.

I will tell you, though, that the rest of the story is filled with romance, betrayal, death, intrigue, and action. The book will keep your attention until the very end. If you are a historical fiction fan then this is a book that you should place on your list of must-reads. Definitely recommended!! show less

Solid historical YA about the Swedish Queen's court and intrigue in Italy. Fairly heavy on the romance, but YA with a good setting so all is forgiven.