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It answered my questions about Italy's state politics and why Martin Luther was adamant about breaking away from the depravity of the church. Lucretia was not written as part of the evil; she was a tool to further her father's powers. It was Cesare who was the ruthless murderer. #Jubilee #FoodandLit @texreader @catsandbooks

I admit that I confused this family with the Borgia family. They were very similar, in fact, so I don't feel too foolish. They started as bankers in Florence. It seemed to me that every other generation was patrons to the arts, while the other generations were lazy and/or violent. The family was often fighting the papacy except when they had a son or nephew as a pope. I'm glad I read it. I learned more about Italy's history before unification.

#Read2025 #Wardens2025

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This is my first Iris Origo and it won‘t be my last. It is the author‘s diary of the entrance of Italy during World War II, and her unique perspective as a well-connected British woman living with her Italian husband in the countryside of Italy. Its commentary on the realities of living under fascism, effects of propaganda and the manner in which people continued to live their lives is as relevant today as it was 85 years ago.

Decent read. The author had an engaging enough writing style. HE largely covers from the 4th Crusade until about 1500, focusing mainly on military and economic aspects of the city. While certainly interesting, a minor complaint is it would have been interesting to see some earlier and later time periods covered. Also, politics are covered, but largely only related to the military and economic side of things. Overall, still a good intro to Venice.

Next up for reading.
#Venice #Italy #History

Rome turns 2778 years old on April 21. Not part of Italy‘s Jubilee celebrations but definitely part of #foodandlit‘s all year celebration of all things Italian. #Jubilee. Throw a Roman birthday party this Monday!

More info here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIcFUz5MA9b/?igsh=ZzFvM2d0MTV2dGk5

My February stats. Proud Shoes was the highest ranked, but the tagged book is so important right now.

Beautiful writing, without any sensationalism or exaggeration, telling what it was like to live through 1943 & 44 in Italy, first far enough from the fighting to be considered a safe place to evacuate children, then literally the front lines. Fleeing at a moments notice, on foot, with 4 infants, 23 children under 10, and various adults. Dealing with partisans, fascists and Germans, all armed, all wanting to take whatever food, clothes etc.