New Historical Novel Explores Orphan Musician's Journey in Renaissance Venice
Jennifer Wizbowski's novel 'Venice, 1710 Poinsettia Girl' examines the complex choices facing a young orphan musician torn between artistic dedication and personal belonging in 18th century Venice.
The upcoming historical novel 'Venice, 1710 Poinsettia Girl' by Jennifer Wizbowski explores the compelling story of Agata de la Pieta, an orphan musician at the renowned Ospedale de la Pieta during the Renaissance period. The narrative follows ten-year-old Agata as her world transforms following her mother's sudden death, leaving her with only her musician father before her ailing grandmother sends her to the famous orphanage, separating her from everything familiar.
At the conservatory-style music school, Agata discovers that music serves as both salvation and spectacle for the young women. The singers perform hidden behind ornate metal grates, adorned with poinsettias in their hair, creating an aura of mystery that draws noble audiences. These performances attract gilded young men who view the musicians not only for their artistic talents but as potential marriage prizes, creating complex social dynamics within Venice's aristocratic circles.
As Agata reaches the peak of her musical development, she faces a life-altering decision when a marriage proposal emerges from outside the usual audience members. This offer presents the possibility of returning to her old neighborhood and reclaiming the home she barely remembers, creating a profound internal conflict between her musical identity and the desire for family connection. The novel examines whether her true purpose lies in the music that has defined her existence or in the love that might offer personal freedom.
The book is published by Historium Press, a hybrid publisher specializing in historical fiction across multiple subgenres including literary, romance, mystery, fantasy, biography, and young adult fiction. The publisher focuses on helping authors develop their brand and reach wider audiences through quality publishing combined with marketing and public relations support. The novel is available in both hardcover and paperback formats through Ingram Distributors with wholesale discount options.
Author Jennifer Wizbowski brings a background in English literature and music to her writing, having previously written freelance for business journals and authored a Teen and Tween column while raising her family. Her professional website and blogs can be found at https://www.gossamermedia.com, where readers can learn more about her work illuminating everyday women's stories from historical periods. The novel represents Wizbowski's commitment to bringing attention to women whose stories have often been overlooked in historical narratives.