The Shepherdess of Siena

A Novel of Renaissance Tuscany

By: Linda Lafferty

Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal

Raised by her aunt and uncle amidst the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, young orphan Virginia Tacci has always harbored a deep love for horses - though she knows she may never have the chance to ride. As a shepherdess in sixteenth-century Italy, Virginia's possibilities are doubly limited by her peasant class and her gender. Yet while she tends her flock, Virginia is captivated by the daring equestrian feats of the high-spirited Isabella De' Medici, who rides with the strength and courage of any man, much to the horror of her brother, the tyrannical Gran Duca Francesco De' Medici.

Inspired, the young shepherdess keeps one dream close to her heart: to race in Siena's Palio. Twenty-six years after Florence captured Siena, Virginia's defiance will rally the broken spirit of the Senese people and threaten the pernicious reign of the Gran Duca. Bringing alive the rich history of one of Tuscany's most famed cities, this lush, captivating saga draws an illuminating portrait of one girl with an unbreakable spirit.

©2015 Linda Lafferty (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

A girl and her dream of horses

Beautifully written drew me into the story making me love and hate the characters. I could see the horses and picture the paintings.

Surprising Story!

A beautiful love story that encompasses both humans and horses. Not typical with many surprising twists. The story would have been perfect but for the narrators poor pronunciation of some of the Italian words. There were many characters on this book which she handled well.

Loves it anyway!

Lovely

wonderful story. authors writing is fluid and descriptive taking you in to the tale of a courageous woman and her love of horses. in to a tale with well developed characters and beautiful images.

good book.

story line kept my attention. Performance was clear with good intonation. Would recommend for any age.

Hard to follow the details.

Because I don't speak Italian it was hard for me to understand some of the language that was used. Some of the names were a little confusing because they they sounded so much the same. I'm sure anyone with some Italian background and knowledge would totally enjoy this book.

Lovely book

Based on the writers depictions of Tuscany this area must be truly beautiful. Good charatures and story line. This is a place I love to visit one day. Bravo!

I almost cried....

I listen to this book on my way to and from work. I couldn't wait to hear what happen next to Virgina Tacci. Linda Lafferty never disappoints!!!! I almost cried going down the road listening to the end.

Story Commendable-Choice of Narrator Unfortunate

I enjoyed this story very much. It is fast moving, includes a great deal of humanity, is very well-researched and offers a real feel for this historical period. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction, especially that which is set in Renaissance Italy. The author, not only submerges the reader in the culture of the time, but also expertly includes a great number of Italian names, words and phrases.
I would, however, suggest the reader choose to actually read the book. I don't understand how the author, Linda Lafferty, so educated in linguistics, could have possibly approved of this narrator. Though Ms. Kowal has a pleasant voice, she has no grasp, not even remote, of the Italian language. If she was coached in pronunciation, it was a useless effort. It detracts from the story throughout. Her consonant blends aren't too bad but her pronunciation of vowels and placement of stress is jarring. It is a cartoonish and ugly mishandling of a melodic language. Also, Ms. Kowal struggles with male voices.

Amazing!

What did you love best about The Shepherdess of Siena?

This book is one of my all time Audible experiences, flawless, beautifully written, vividly described. Such a pleasure, don't hesitate to add to your collection.

Wonderful story.

I loved this book. The characters were well developed. The story gives you a feel of the period. I found it to be wonderful.