Fairlight Books snaps up 'delicate' reimagining from Mezzacappa

Fairlight Books has snapped up The Maiden of Florence, a "timely and delicate" reimagining of the historical mistreatment of a young woman in renaissance Italy, from Katherine Mezzacappa. 

Assistant editor Sarah Shaw acquired worldwide translation rights from Annette Green at Annette Green Authors’ Agency. The novel is scheduled for publication in April 2024. 

Based on true events, The Maiden of Florence follows orphan Giulia and her "tempestuous passage" through 16th-century Florence and Venice. The synopsis reads: "Florence, 1584. Rumours are spreading about the virility of a prince marrying into the powerful Medici family. Orphan Giulia is chosen to put an end to the gossip. In return she will start a new life with a dowry and her own husband. Cloistered since childhood and an innocent in a world ruled by men, Giulia reluctantly agrees, only to be drawn under the control of the Medicis’ lecherous minister.  

"Years later, married and with a growing family, Giulia hopes she has finally escaped the legacy of her past. But when a threat arrives from a sinister figure from her youth, she must finally take control of events – and become the author of her own story."

Mezzacappa commented: "Giulia’s story has only ever been told as a footnote, overshadowed by histories of the rich and powerful. I’m so delighted that this novel has found a home with Fairlight Books so Giulia can have her own voice and tell her own story."