Montaperti
A Question of Loyalty
by Jody Pike

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It is the night of September 3, 1260, and the Sienese army is preparing for war. Vastly outnumbered by the superior forces of Florence, Siena faces certain defeat in the battle, an outcome that would destroy her prosperity and influence. Farinata degli Uberti, Florentine aristocrat and peaceloving scholar, is unwillingly drawn into the bloody intrigues of the thirteenth century. Exiled to Siena by his political rivals, he is led into new alliances and a stormy love affair that plunge him into a world of partisan plots, military cunning, and impassioned love. Tormented by his filial duty to Florence and his growing obligations to Siena, he faces an agonizing choice. His decision will inexorably change Siena’s future—and his own. Montaperti tells the story of a monumental battle shrouded in mystery and myth and of the man Farinata, who finds that loyalty must dictate his destiny.

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“Reading Montaperti is like going on a study abroad program to the Middle Ages. Jody Pike leads you on a full immersion journey into the language, the atmosphere, the intrigue, and the excitement of thirteenth century Italy. As with all great travel experiences, you’ll never want to come home.” —Coert Voorhees, author of The Brothers Torres and On the Free "Jody Pike’s debut novel, Montaperti, is an engaging story of the fierce battle between Florence and Siena as they compete for dominance in thirteenth century Italy. As the bloodiest battle in Italian history rages, historical figure Farinata degli Uberti must resolve to which city he owes allegiance and rely on his principles despite a cruel deception. Pike’s detailed knowledge of Italian history, music, and philosophy make this a most enjoyable read." —Judith Whitmore, best selling author of Come Fly with Me

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Jody Pike earned degrees in medieval history and music from Stanford University and Occidental College. She fell in love with Siena over thirty years ago while touring Europe with Vox Feminae, a group of early music singers. In the decades since, she has returned to Siena every year, living within the city walls and immersed in the rich history and culture of Siena. She hopes that in dramatizing this extraordinary battle, others can come to know and find a deeper appreciation for Siena’s medieval history. Jody lives in San Juan Capistrano, California, and continues to spend as much time as possible in Siena. Montaperti: A Question of Loyalty is her first novel.

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Contributors

Author

Jody Pike

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