When I first picked up Lucia: A Venetian Life in the Age of Napoleon, I had no idea who Lucia was or where she fit into history. I was intrigued, however, by the story presented on the back cover. I'll admit that when I sat down to read this book, I expected a novel full of romance and intrigue. That's not quite what I found - yet I wasn't at all disappointed. Lucia is a historical biography -- a detailed account of the life of Lucia Mocenigo, a Venetian aristocrat — with background and historical information added in to help the reader understand the culture and times.

While Lucia may not be as dramatic and sensational as the historical fiction that is so popular today it IS incredibly interesting. Lucia gives readers an inside look at what the life of a well-to-do woman was like during the Napoleonic age. And the fact that she marries into one of the most powerful families of the time certainly adds to her story.

Lucia's feelings and family struggles will resound with modern women because they are the same feelings and struggles of women today. And yet, the rights -- or lack of rights -- of women of her time are in stark contrast to life today. Reading her story made me very grateful for the freedoms and rights I have as an American woman today.

The beauty of Venice and Italy come through clearly. One cannot read this book without desiring to see the countryside as described by the author (Lucia's great-great-great-great grandson). The dress and customs are fascinating. I can't begin to imagine a life of corsets and poofy dresses just as I can't imagine attending balls and formal events with royalty. The author includes a small section in the middle of the book that features portraits of Lucia and her sister as well as paintings of buildings and places mentioned within. These pictures and depictions add much to the story and help remind the reader that Lucia is a historical figure and not a fictional character.

Lucia is a beautiful picture of life during the times of Napoleon, thoroughly researched and well-written. Readers will find an honest, open glimpse into Venetian life during the late 1700s and early 1800s and will come away with a better understanding of the time period.