HISTORICAL
FICTION
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YOUNG
ADULT
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Outstanding Book
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Alessandra Giliani
Italian anatomist, serving as the first woman
prosector, or preparer of dissections for anatomical study
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The opening page
of a medical work by Ibn al-Nafis (from a copy made in
India during the 17th or 18th centuries).
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Bologna
University
in the later 14th century
from the artist
Laurentius de Voltolina
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Anatomical
theatre, University of Bologna
constructed in 1637.
Photo credit:
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BOOK
ILLUMINATIONS
From Medieval Book Reviews
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A Golden Web
by Barbara Quick
Knowledge,
dedication, imagination and the
pursuit of a dream
As a young girl,
Alessandra Giliani has a voracious thirst for books and
knowledge. While her brother Nicco chafes at the rigorous
Aristotle studies assigned to him, Alessandra possesses an
uncanny knowledge, not only from books but from observation of the
natural world and the people around her. Alessandra has access to
all the books that come through her father's workshop but even those
are not enough for her inquisitive mind. Alessandra is a girl with
dreams, dreams bigger than the options usually available to girls and
women in medieval Italy whose choices are often either marriage or the
convent. When her family arranges a marriage with a young man,
Alessandra hatches a bold, daring plan with her siblings that opens up
a new world to her that she could not even imagine in her wildest
dreams. Through trials, dedication, study and imagination, Alessandra's
pioneer medical research opens up new pathways, new ways of seeing the
human body.
Barbara Quick's young adult historical novel A GOLDEN WEB tells the
story of one of the lesser widely known medieval women, but
nevertheless an unusual woman whose life and achievements deserve to be
more than a footnote in history. A GOLDEN WEB focuses on the the
youth and achievements of Alessandra Giliani, an Italian anatomist who
served as the first woman prosector, or preparer of dissections for
anatomical study. Through an exquisite combination of meticulous
historical research and poetic imagination, Barbara Quick makes her
characters come alive on the pages and in the heart. Through
Alessandra's interactions with others and nature, the reader discovers
the inspiration, creativity and compassion that drive her heart.
Through her deep love of books and all knowledge, the reader catches a
glimpse of the intricate insights that will later influence her studies
and medical research. Alessandra is a girl whose inner fortitude and
imagination allows her to realize her dreams and more in an age when
the role for women was narrowly circumscribed. She does not compromise
her goals or herself to others. Barbara Quick's portrait of
Alessandra will inspire modern young adult readers who themselves have
hidden dreams and aspirations.
Barbara Quick takes the reader right into the heart of the medieval
Italy. From Alessandra's childhood to the halls of the University
of Bologna, from the presence of Dante on the sidelines to the
Arabic influence on philosophy and medicine, the reader becomes
completely immersed in the environment that surround her
characters. Barbara Quick's vivid descriptions of the luxurious
details of medieval books will fill any book lover's imagination with
the beautiful treasure books are to readers. The narrative style
is fluid and approachable to young adults but Barbara Quick has not
sacrificed any of the beauty of historical fiction. Indeed, her
powerful use of imagery and her ability to integrate authentic
historical detail seamlessly into her story raises the standard of the
whole Young Adult category to a new height, in my opinion. Rather than
talking down to her younger readers, Barbara Quick inspires the
imagination,taking them on a journey through medieval Italy through the
life of a woman who has much in common with many young adult girls (and
some older women whose age has not lessened the girl within).
A GOLDEN WEB is
the kind of book that should win several awards.
A GOLDEN WEB will appeal to a wide variety of
readers, young adult and
older: book lovers who treasure books, girls or women who love art,
girls or women who love science (especially medicine), readers who love
history or historical fiction, readers possessing a curiosity for any
field of knowledge. A
GOLDEN WEB is a book for daughters,
mothers, and grandmothers to share with one another. A GOLDEN WEB would
make a great gift for young men and women in the medical field or those
who
aspire to be. A special note to all medieval enthusiasts,
no matter what your age --- don't wait for the paperback! A
GOLDEN WEB is a book to treasure for many years!
Publisher: HarperCollins
Children's Books (April 2010)
Reviewed by Merrimon,
Medieval Book Reviews
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