The Queen's Soprano
by Carol Dines

    THE QUEEN'S SOPRANO by Carol Dines
    Category:  Historical
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  8/1/07
    Publisher:  Harcourt
    Reviewed by:  coollibrarianchick
    Rating:  5 Stars


    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 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!!