Poinsettia Girl BY Jennifer Wizbowski
This story starts out with Agata and her grandmother is taking care of her, Guilelma.
Agate's mother has passed away and she was the one to see her lying on the floor in blood. Her dad still lives there also but as a musician in 1700's he's often on the streets so others can hear his music. He tries to teach her the music also and she gets some of it. He's often not at home, weeks at a time. Guilelma is failing in health now and relies on a friend to take Agata to the ladies orphanage and they can raise her. She has lots of money to make sure that happens. The girls are raised to be Catholic and not much talking. They obey the rules, line up in order and say their prayers. They are given time for the music also. Agata has not shown them what she can do with her voice. They train her ove the years and she did get to glimpse her father once. She also sees the man in the red coat. one she saw at the church funeral service for her mother.
The goal of the girls is to be seen and heard that a man will buy them and the girl must give up her love and doing music any longer. They are able to be called a poinsettia girl as they wear that flower when performing.
The struggles are long and hard for her through the years. No one comes to visit with her. At the time when she's old enough to understand she is handed things from her grandmother and other family truths come to light. Loved hearing about the customs of the Venice community, especially during the funeral and what was frowned upon. Didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. Hope to read more from this author because they make you feel as if you were there. Like that she did stay in touch with the neighbor boy and his sister.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
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