Stepping into the map...Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel "Thus, all the while that Galileo was inventing modern physics, teaching mathematics to princes, discovering new phenomena among the planets, publishing science books for the general public, and defending his bold theories against establishment enemies, he was also buying thread for Suor Luisa, choosing organ music for Mother Achillea, shipping gifts of food, and supplying his homegrown citrus fruits, wine, and rosemary leaves for the kitchen and apothecary at San Matteo" (118-119).
This quote is a good summary of the heart of Galileo's Daughter. While it examines Galileo's public life - the discoveries that made him famous during his lifetime and beyond, the books he wrote, the inventions he pioneered, and his persecution by the Inquisition - its main purpose is to explore the relationship between Galileo Galilei and his daughter, Virginia Gamba (ordained Suor Maria Celeste). How Galileo fathered the spirit of modern science is known by many, but his profound love for his child is not so well known. The novel is shaped around Suor Maria Celeste's letters to her father (unfortunately Galileo's letters to Suor Maria Celeste were destroyed). The author appears to want to revivify the memory of Suor Maria Celeste due to her deep respect for this forgotten historical figure.
Suor Maria Celeste entered the convent of San Matteo at age sixteen. She lived the remainder of her life within its walls. Often her story is the story of the convent itself. It also reflects the lives of many Italian women of the 17th century who appeared to have one of two choices: marry or enter the Church. The convent lived in extreme poverty often without any food. None of the sisters were allowed to leave the convent so it was a life of complete isolation.
I found learning about the life in the convent was very interesting. I also didn't know much about Galileo so that aspect of the story was also of interest. The book also describes Italian everyday life around this period including its social structure, culture, and of course the Vatican.
Basically, I would recommend this book to those interested in historical biography or perhaps Italian history. It is a good story and reading Suor Maria Celeste's letters to her father is particularly enjoyable.
Next up is Paint It Black by Janet Fitch.
P.S. NOVA produced a companion documentary to "Galileo's Daughter" featuring Dava Sobel. You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnEH9rbrIkk&index=16&list=PLrBE6bh9hEysNWedoW5T6JcWPsCqRsMPE
