1496. It is the height of the Renaissance and its flowering of intellectual and artistic endeavour, but the city state of Florence is in the grip of fundamentalist preacher Friar Girolamo Savonarola. Its good people believe the Lord speaks through him, just as certainly as the Sun circles the Earth.
For Leonarda Lunetta, eldest daughter of the learned Signore Vincenzio Fusili, religion is not as interesting as the books she shares with her beloved father. Reading is an escape from the ridicule flung her way, for Luna is not like other girls. She was born with a misshapen leg and that, and her passion for intellectual pursuits alters how society sees her and how she sees the world.
Luna wants to know, to learn, to become an astronomer who charts the night sky – certainly not the dutiful, marriageable daughter all of Florence society insists upon. So when Luna meets astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, she is not surprised that his heretical beliefs confirm her view that the world is not as it is presented – or how it could be. These dangerous ideas bring her into conflict with the preacher Savonarola, and her future is changed irrevocably as politics, extremism and belief systems ignite in a dangerous conflagration.
Luna is a woman born out of time, the brightest star of her generation, but can she reconcile the girl of her father’s making with this new version of herself? And if she does, will Renaissance Italy prove too perilous and dark a place for a free-thinking woman?
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
It was an absolute pleasure to delve into this divine piece of work! I really appreciate Emma’s knowledge and wisdom of the era 1496. She writes with such eloquence, I found myself falling in love with Luna the main character and inwardly cheering her on throughout her struggles as a woman in firm historical times. A plus – Many thanks. Izabella, VIC, 5 Stars
Set in Renaissance Florence. The Medici’s are in exile and the fundamentalist preacher, Savanorola, has gained increasing power. The city is gripped in religious, political and intellectual turmoil. Books, paintings, jewellery, vibrant clothing, tapestries are burnt and Medici supporters hunted down and punished. Women are second class citizens without rights and no thoughts – other than those of the men in their lives. Intelligence in females is mocked and those with a disability are considered marked by the devil and cursed. Luna is a likeable character with a thirst for knowledge and is encouraged by her father to read books and study the stars. She also has a deformed leg and rejected at birth by her mother because of it. I was transported to the era – its sights, sounds, smells and increasing air of danger faced by its citizens. This historical fiction kept me turning the pages with its twists and turns and several ‘Oh! No!’ moments. I was team Luna all the way. Could see it as a movie. Pamela, QLD, 5 Stars
The Brightest Star by Emma Harcourt is a wonderful and well written historical fiction novel. I adored reading about the main character and her family life. I believe that the night sky and especially the moon is a symbol of hope for the leading Italian character in this novel, Leonarda Lunetta, who calls herself Luna, the English translation to moon. Luna’s character representation is strong and her personality resonated with me as she has a passion and thirst for knowledge. In a setting scene of Renaissance Florence dated 1496, Luna is fortunate to have her father Vincenzio Fusili and Friar Bartolomeo in her life as her friend and teacher to encourage her learning with books and promote her enthusiasm with astronomy by star gazing over the Tuscan sky. They are two men that play import roles in shaping her future and the way that she will foresee it. Luna also meets Nicolaus Copernicus who further ignites her views and passion for astronomy. I only wished that Nicolaus was introduced earlier in the book so Luna felt more certain in her beliefs to truly follow her heart. To be a clever woman like Luna and wanting to voice your beliefs would have been very hard during this time. A very interesting novel that portrays the strength that is needed to stand up for what you believe in and to trust your voice. Raffaela, VIC, 5 Stars
Emma Harcourt channels all her glorious sense of place to 1496 Renaissance Florence for her latest offering, The Brightest Star. Beautifully descriptive prose and well-thought-out detail paints a lush and rich setting vividly into life and becomes the perfect backdrop for the aspirations and yearnings of Luna, the eldest daughter of the learned and successful Vincenzio Fusili. Intelligent and academic by nature, Luna is the anti of every social more in the political and zealously religious climate of her time – all exacerbated by a physical deformity that is considered the devil’s work. Harcourt perfectly captures all the angst and hope and shame that a young girl can experience in the tumultuous years of young adulthood and contrasts them sharply with the socially restrained and abject nature of the other women around her. Brutality is commonplace. But it is the exploration of Luna’s unsanctioned scholarship that is most emotionally fraught yet, tangibly, defiant with hope. Just like the brightest star itself, this story shines with luminous prose and radiates an intense empathy for the characters. A deft narrative skilfully ducks and weaves as a couple of twists keep you guessing as to where Luna’s journey ends… or begins. Cecilia, VIC, 5 Stars
The Brightest Star is a delightful historical book set in Italy during the Renaissance. It depicts the lives of those living in Florence under the heavy influence of religion,politics and men. Luna the main character was born with a deformity of her foot but she does not allow her disability to define her. She struggles with the limited lifestyle expectations for women. She is independent and highly intelligent with a thirst for knowledge. Influenced by her father’s love of the stars she wishes to become an astronomer and chart the night sky. This book was well researched and gave me a better understanding of the limited lives women lived in that time. Merry, TAS, 5 Stars
The Brightest Star by Emma Harcourt was a beautiful and sometimes frustrating read. Frustrating because of how the restrictions of her time leave Luna mistreated by others and in danger. Sometimes I wanted to reach into the pages of the book and shake Lina’s father. I otherwise loved the depiction of Renaissance Florence and the fear gripping the city with the Medici family having been driven out. Luna is modern, passionate and intelligent but as a woman of her time, forced to hide her greatest gift – her mind – to protect herself as well as those around her. The reader sees her struggle with this while sharing how the women around her manage – her stepmother who uses food and flattery to try and manage a volatile and often violent husband, her little sister who falls into a depressive state at what lies ahead of her, the mother who died after carrying her but was so terrified at what Luna’s disability meant in those times, she tried to have her sent to a nunnery. Sometimes, Luna’s world feels far removed (how lucky to be a woman today!) and yet other times, it feels dangerously close, particularly when you consider the overturning of Roe v Wade in the USA – once again men control the rights of women. The brightest star is thought provoking, devastating and lovely in one. Sara, NSW, 5 Stars
Thank you to the Better Reading team for my free copy. An interesting story of a woman who was born in the renaissance area of Italy. This historical fiction was during the time of Nicolaus Copernicus the famous astronomer. Luna is a smart woman who was born with a physical disability. She was unwanted by her mother and grew up with her father, step-mom, step-sister, and step-brother. She loves learning especially about astronomy which was inspired by her father. A Series of unfortunate events come her way, and she has to decide whether to follow her passion or her father’s will. I love this book, especially when it relates to history. Margaret, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow! What a dazzling, thought-provoking and, at times, heart breaking journey. Throughout ‘The Brightest Star’, Emma Harcourt presents a believable story set in 1496 Renaissance Italy, Florence. The incredible historical research of Harcourt, combined with exquisite imagery, provides the backdrop for Leonarda Lunetta’s powerful and intimate story. Leonarda, known as Luna, is born with a disfigured leg which immediately impacts her own physical abilities and her future prospects of securing an ‘acceptable’ marriage. The intertwining of Luna’s yearning for intellectual growth and desire to study astronomy is thwarted by the religious extremism of the era she is born to and the views of her society as to the rightful place of a female. I found myself so intrigued by the historical aspects and the burgeoning ideas being discovered within astronomy that I could not put this novel down. Harcourt expertly builds the reader’s empathy for Luna and we need to read on to discover where her pursuit and love for the stars will lead her. This is an immersive and beautiful story that you can disappear into with ease. Thank you to Better Reading for an advanced copy and also to the author, Emma Harcourt, for creating a courageous and heartfelt novel. Genene, SA, 5 Stars
I recently received an ARC copy of The Brightest star, by Emma Harcourt thanks to #BRpreview and @harpercollins. It is a novel set in 1496 renaissance Florence. It is a tale of the plight of Leonarda Lunetta, a girl born into a world of prejudices against the infirm, the handicapped and women in general. She was born way before her time.Unfortunately for her she suffered from all these disadvantages. A females place is in the kitchen or bedroom. Education and intelligence in females is frowned upon and she struggles to have her opinions and ideas heard in regards to astronomy and religious beliefs. She has been indulged by her father as he dotes on her intelligence and lack of acceptance from others, encouraging her studies. A married life does not interest her as her passion for knowledge outweighs the whimsy of love and romance, plus she believes no man will ever truelly love or respect her because of her disabilities and intelligence. It is a relevant story even now for women to be accepted for their intelligence rather than looks or body shape or disadvantages. It was an intriguing look into the time and the hardships faced by women against the misogynistic behaviour of men. It was powerful and thought provoking and totally unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I loved it. Janet, NSW, 5 Stars
Well presented historical fiction of a woman born in the wrong era with interests and ideas not considered acceptable for her sex or upbringing. An insight into the culture and dangerous religious beliefs of the time. A thought provoking and very enjoyable read. Graham, NSW, 5 Stars
The story starts in 1496, the height of the Renaissance. Florence is under the power of a fundamentalist preacher. Leonard’s Lunetta is born with a misshapen leg and her Mother wants her banished before her Father sees her. Sadly yet it was good for Luna her Mother died at her birth and her Father accepted and loved her. She was the oldest daughter of Signore Vincenzo Fusili. Her passion was reading and a thirst for knowledge. She pursues this even though women being seen to look the slightest bit intelligence was frowned upon. If it was for these woman like Luna who pursued education we as woman today would not be so well off. It is a good book and I enjoyed reading it. Thank you. Janet, QLD, 5 Stars
OMG and WOW were the two words that kept playing through my mind as I read this book! I Loved every word of it! The strength she showed, just to be able to learn was one that will not be forgotten by me! A truely Beautifully written story with the breathtaking backdrop of Florence Italy! Karina, NSW, 5 Stars
‘The Brightest Star’ by Emma Harcourt is a piece of historical fiction that takes the reader to renaissance Florence. A time when astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus would challenge Friar Girolamo Savonardo and establishment thinking about -the Sun circling the Earth? A time when Signore Vincenzio Fusilli’s eldest daughter Leonarda Lunetta born with a crippled leg would follow her father’s passion reading intellectual pursuits, differing from other girls of the time looking for a husband. Her love of the stars would aline her beliefs with Copernicus – a personally dangerous thing in those times. Luna’s story is of a strong independent woman who I ‘am sure readers will enjoy. Robert, QLD, 5 Stars
“The Brightest Star” is the latest historical novel from author and journalist Emma Harcourt. Following on from her successful debut novel, “The Shanghai Wife”, this book takes the reader to Florence in the late 1400’s, a time when the Medici family are in exile and a puritan priest is cleansing the streets of the excesses of the past. The story of Luna, born with a disability but with an enquiring mind, is a tragic one. Frowned upon not only for her disfigurement (seen as the mark of the devil), but for outspokenness and an interest in astronomy, Luna finds herself ostracised by her community and step mother and sent away. Her journey results in a chance contact with a young student astronomer and their futures become intertwined. This is an engaging read which highlights the plight of women born to a time when their role was to marry well and keep the household running smoothly. Luna is a young woman determined to chart her own course and along with the Italian backdrop and historical events, the story takes the reader on a journey which is both tragic and poignant. Thanks to Better Reading and Harper Collins for the chance to preview this book. Karina, QLD, 4 Stars
Renaissance Florence, is a honeypot for those with a thirst for knowledge……as long as you are male. Women are trained to be obedient, godly wives, able to run a peaceful, orderly household. Luna Fusili, is disadvantaged from birth with a deformity that hampers her mobility but her mind is as sharp as any. Encouraged by her father, Luna develops a keen interest in astronomy….perhaps as a way to forget her earthly problems. But curiosity and fondness for debate becomes less endearing with age. Political instability breeds distrust and tensions run high as support for the former Medici family is treason and the Friar Savonarola holds the religious reins of the city in an iron grip. As a marriage contracts are sought for Luna and her younger sister, the family relationships become strained. Luna’s one friend, priest, teacher and advisor is a great support as plans are made that will never eventuate…. The high point of Luna’s life is meeting a young student astronomer Nicolas Copernicus who doesn’t deride her thirst for knowledge. Has she found a kindred spirit to whom she can show her real self? A novel about finding your place against all odds. Lesley, QLD, 4 Stars
Emma Harcourt’s new book ‘The Brightest Star’ is a gripping time machine to Renaissance Italy. The description of XV century Florence is that vivid that it seemed to me I could smell the stench of dirty water on the streets and hear the mad crowd cheering pious preacher Savonarola. The play with my imagination was so powerful that I had to stop and thank my lucky star to be born in XXI century where women have voices and do not need anyone’s permission to study or choose our own life paths. The references to the lives of historical personages (Medici, Nicolaus Copernicus, professor di Novara) tricked me to believe that Luna’s story was a fact. I was truly worried about this smart young lady whose only fault was to be born too bright for her time. Ekaterina, VIC, 4 Stars
There aren’t a lot of novels written about 15th Century Italy, so The Brightest Star makes a refreshing change. Emma Harcourt has vividly presented a society repressed by the church and the strict social rules and superstitions that govern every aspect of people’s lives. Luna is a bright star with a thirst for knowledge that can’t be suppressed and which causes conflict with nearly everyone around her. It’s not until tragedy allows her to escape the strict confines of society that she is allowed to flourish, reach her full potential and finally be happy. The author paints a vivid picture of the society Luna lives in, but I felt the prose lacking in emotion. There was a lot of description about what was happening to Luna, but I didn’t share the emotions she felt. The stilted, formal language made it hard connect with the characters. The story started off slowly, but gathered momentum in the second half and I enjoyed the satisfying ending. Monique, QLD, 4 Stars
Luna is a bright young woman with a sharp intellect. Shunned by society and forever tarnished by a malformed leg – believed to be the Devil’s work – from a young age she is nevertheless encouraged by her progressive father to question everything, hone her critical thinking skills, and best his pompous peers in debates. Luna has a lifelong fascination with astronomy, and a chance meeting with a young Nicolaus Copernicus makes her to begin to question the establishment’s long and rigidly held beliefs about the universe. But such behaviour is not welcomed in 15th Century Florence, which is under the iron-gloved rule of Friar Savonarola and his ever-more religious extremism. His policies mandate that artworks be destroyed, books burned, and women told to eschew brightly coloured dresses. Luna’s outspoken opinions and behaviour attract the ire of Friar Savonarola, and after an unspeakable tragedy Luna leaves Florence, believing her future to be utterly bleak. The Brightest Star is an enjoyable story that shines a light on Renaissance France and the misogyny of that time. Luna is a strong, intelligent young woman, and I enjoyed her tale. Dariel, WA, 4 Stars
Take a step back in time into the wonder, intrigue and conspiracies of the Medici Family’s Renaissance Firenze as seen through the eyes of Luna, a headstrong and courageous young woman with the stars and the moon in her sights. Emma’s descriptive style of writing invoked memories of the oppressive Italian summer heat and stirred up that feeling of awe at being in the presence of so many amazing minds that have influenced our lives. A delightful read! Amanda, SA, 4 Stars
This enthralling story is set in Renaissance Florence and told from the perspectives of Luna, a unique young woman with a passion for astronomy, and her father who encouraged his daughter’s interest in intellectual pursuits from a young age. However, to be a free-thinking woman with ideas considered heretical in this time is perilous especially in a city under the rule of a fundamentalist preacher determined to end sacrilegious views. Luna’s life immerses the reader in a time when the accepted view was that the Earth was the centre of the universe and that the only acceptable position for a woman was as a subservient wife and mother. A role in conflict with the headstrong Luna’s dreams of pursuing her education. Historical figures such as the astronomer Copernicus are woven into Luna’s story. His appearance in her life leads to some fascinating discussions and tender scenes, a contrast to some of the more harrowing and traumatic events depicted in Luna’s earlier life. This is a satisfying and engrossing read about an atypical female ahead of her time. With thanks to Better Reading and HarperCollins for the preview copy. #BRPreview Regina, NSW, 4 Stars
A well-written work of historical fiction, telling of the trials of women in Renaissance Italy through one particularly challenged young lady. This story meanders gracefully through themes of family, fealty to religion, societal expectations, and love. Mopsy, VIC, 4 Stars
What a lovely tale of a young woman growing up in renaissance Florence whose ambitions do not align with societal expectations of women in that era. Emma Harcourt’s depiction of Luna’s character is highly believable despite it being a fictional character. Luna is presented as an intelligent, ambitious, and free-thinking young woman who is ahead of the times. Her love for astronomy is seen as a unique quality. She is shamed for her physical disability making her seem inadequate to attain ‘normal’ goals in life. It is fabulous to see her overcome life’s adversities and accomplish simple pleasures and receive acceptance from nonjudgemental folk that come into her life. A fabulous read! Thanks Better Reading and Harlequinn Fiction for my preview copy. Matilda, QLD, 4 Stars
An enjoyable historical fiction set in Florence in 1496, the Medici family is in exile and an extremist preacher Savonarola has great influence over the lives of the people. The main character is Luna, the eldest daughter of the Fusilli family, who have a wool business. Luna was born with a deformed foot and her father has kept her and encouraged her to learn in a time when women weren’t educated and disabled people were considered marked by the devil. Its easy to read this story, Luna is a bright character and there’s plenty of details about how people lived, both good and tragic. What happens to the family is a bit of a shock even though the build up probably foreshadows it and the later chapters are interesting as a young Copernicus enters the story. A fascinating read. Janelle, NSW, 4 Stars
She set her mind to another distraction and recalled the path she’d walked to the monastery, having left home when the sun was already risen and any chance of taking note of her beloved stars had passed on https://testmyspeed.onl/.