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I like historical fiction. There's something intriguing about one family passion, struggle, wealth, internal squabbles, and adventure in a vibrant old city of the past. That's why I got this book. It held my attention in the beginning. The book starts off very well then it lose something in the middle. The ending is a surprise and not really a surprise if you were paying attention at the very beginning of the story. I can't say I was satisfied by the ending although I'll say this is a well-written historical novel. It does a good job of evoking what life was like in Florence. I only wish the plot was paced and plotted better.