Support Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-owned small businesses
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$3.99 with 71 percent savings
Print List Price: $13.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $21.83

Save: $14.34 (66%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Deborah Swift
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Silkworm Keeper: A captivating historical novel of Renaissance Italy Kindle Edition

by Deborah Swift (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,899 ratings

Rome 1638

Old sins have long shadows ~ Italian Proverb

Giulia Tofana never wanted to be a nun, but she is determined to atone for her past misdeeds by making her new monastery a success.

When an unexpected disaster closes the convent, Giulia is forced to turn to her old friend Fabio Pasello for help. Giulia still has intense feelings for Fabio and Fabio’s passion for her has never diminished.

But they are not the same people they were before. Giulia has taken her vows, and Fabio is apprenticed to Gianlorenzo Bernini the famous sculptor, and has become one of Bernini’s rakish libertines. They could not be further apart.

To add to their problems, Giulia cannot escape her reputation as a poisoner, and is soon embroiled in a plot against Fabio’s patron, Pope Urban VIII. Faced with the idea of murder, will Giulia renounce her vows or embrace them?

Inspired by true stories, this is a novel of nuns and courtesans, artists and priests, in the shadow and splendour of the Eternal City.

'Swift is a consummate historical novelist, basing her books on immaculate research and then filling the gaps between real events and real people with eloquent storytelling, atmospheric scene setting and imaginative plot lines.' - The Visitor

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Part of series
    Giulia Tofana Series
  2. Print length
    414 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    June 29, 2021
  5. File size
    2.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.
  • Kindle Price:
    $11.97
    By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  3. The Beggar Queen
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  13. Isabella: Braveheart of France
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  17. From Tickhill, 1348
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  18. The Confessor's Wife
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  29. The Grand Duchess of Nowhere
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

The Silkworm Keeper image of woman in blue

The Silkworm Keeper paperback

Quotation from Historical Fiction Press Review

The Poison Keeper Book One In Series

Ereader version of The Silkworm Keeper with quotation.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B094JGVB8D
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quire Books (June 29, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 29, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 414 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,899 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Deborah Swift

Deborah Swift

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

THANK YOU for visiting my author page! As you read this I'll probably be writing from my tall stone house which was once a school and built in 1902. This is a house that is "new" in English terms, as many of our local villages date back to the 1630's or even earlier.

I write historical fiction, a genre I love. I loved the Victorian classics such as Jane Eyre, Little Women, Lorna Doone and Wuthering Heights. As I child I loved to read and when I had read my own library books, I used to borrow my mother's library copies of Anya Seton and Daphne du Maurier. I have loved reading historical novels ever since; though I'm a bookaholic and I read widely - contemporary and classic fiction as well as historicals.

In the past I used to work as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, so I enjoy the research aspect of creating historical fiction, something I loved doing as a scenographer. More details of my research and writing process can be found on my website. I like to write about extraordinary characters set against the background of real historical events.

I live in North Lancashire on the edge of the Lake District, a beautiful area made famous by the Romantic Poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge. I love exploring the mountainous landscapes and interesting coastline near my home.

'Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended. ' The Historical Novels Review.

Visit my website deborahswift.com for a free story,

WW2 Books:

Past Encounters

The Occupation

The Lifeline

The Silk Code

The Italian Renaissance Series:

The Poison Keeper

The Silkworm Keeper

The Fortune Keeper

The Pepys Trilogy:

Pleasing Mr Pepys

A Plague on Mr Pepys

Entertaining Mr Pepys

17th Century Books:

The Lady's Slipper

The Gilded Lily

A Divided Inheritance

Books for Adults/Young Adults:

Shadow on the Highway

Spirit of the Highway

Lady of the Highway

Find me on my website www.deborahswift.com

or on Twitter @swiftstory

or facebook - authordeborahswift

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,899 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this historical novel engaging and well-written, with one review noting it's based on true lives. They appreciate the character development, with one mentioning feeling various emotions throughout the story. The book receives positive feedback for its writing style, with one customer noting the absence of grammar and spelling errors. Customers like the sex scenes, with one review highlighting the exploration of Italian society and women's options in the 16th century.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

14 customers mention "Story quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story compelling and well-written, with engaging subject matter, and one customer particularly appreciates the narrative from inside a convent.

"...The characters are solid and fully developed. It was a entertaining story as well as kept me guessing." Read more

"...really done, but the irritation was fleeting because the story was very well written. I enjoyed all the characters." Read more

"...Very engaging." Read more

"...Can not recommend highly enough. Read and enjoy these great stories of strong, independent women who fought for themselves in unconventional ways...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"8 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them realistic, with one customer mentioning feeling a range of emotions from joy to anguish while reading.

"Loved the storyline. This is a well written book. The characters are solid and fully developed...." Read more

"...I enjoyed all the characters." Read more

"...of "feckless" I have ever seen in a novel -- almost no strength of character and surprisingly immature...." Read more

"...I was surprised to read that she was a real person ! Of course, being so very long ago, most of her story is fiction...." Read more

9 customers mention "Enjoyment"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and terrific.

"...Did she ever...will he... that kind of thing! I enjoyed it very much. I love Italian history and I can tell that the author did her homework...." Read more

"...Really enjoyed both books , the stories never dragged with a lot of descriptive unnessary words." Read more

"Entertaining and educational! I enjoyed the story even if a bit fantastic at times...." Read more

"The Silkworm Keeper by Deborah Swift was just as captivating as the first book in the series! I have book three in my Kindle library...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing style"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted, with one customer noting the absence of grammar and spelling errors, while another mentions the author's thorough research.

"Loved the storyline. This is a well written book. The characters are solid and fully developed...." Read more

"...I love Italian history and I can tell that the author did her homework. Very engaging." Read more

"...Readable and believable....Historical Fiction is my favorite genre and this ranks w/ those of more known authors." Read more

"...Swift is in several ways a good writer and I may consider another of her books. Not sure." Read more

4 customers mention "Sex scenes"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the sex scenes in the book, with one review noting how they provide a tour of Italian society, while another highlights the detailed descriptions of convent life and how they explore the options available to women in Renaissance Italy.

"...I liked the descriptions of convent life and the ambient sounds, sights, and smells...." Read more

"...But, it is a very satisfying story. It explores the options open to women in Italy (and the rest of Europe) during the Baroque period...." Read more

"...The story is well researched. The reader has a tour of Italian society from the most well to do to the poorest...." Read more

"...a great story from inside a convent to three of the most interesting cities in Italy - Reggio, Rome and Venice." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one customer highlighting how the author effectively presents scenes in Rome.

"...The author did a great job of presenting them in places in Rome, that were even ancient to them in the 17th century! Places I've been myself...." Read more

"I loved the setting, and loved the fact that Giulia was soberly doing penance for some rather large sins...." Read more

"...But cute...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • VALERIE MANCINI
    5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the storyline. This is a well written book. The characters are solid and fully developed. It was a entertaining story as well as kept me guessing.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Nancy Elaine
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The subject matter was very engaging. The history interesting. There were a couple events that didn’t seem like what that character would have really done, but the irritation was fleeting because the story was very well written. I enjoyed all the characters.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really engaging book
    Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This was one of those books that you think about during the day...what happened to this character? Did she ever...will he... that kind of thing! I enjoyed it very much. I love Italian history and I can tell that the author did her homework. Very engaging.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • calgirl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting historical novel
    Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I had read The Poison keeper, so had to continue the story of Guilia to see where she ended up! I was surprised to read that she was a real person ! Of course, being so very long ago, most of her story is fiction. But the basics are there and also of other characters who were real people. The author did a great job of presenting them in places in Rome, that were even ancient to them in the 17th century! Places I've been myself. Fascinating!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Well read
    4.0 out of 5 stars Really great stories of Renaissance Women
    Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have read both “The Poison Keeper” & “The Silkworm Keeper.”
    Outstanding writing and wonderful story. Can not recommend highly enough. Read and enjoy these great stories of strong, independent women who fought for themselves in unconventional ways. Readable and believable....Historical Fiction is my favorite genre and this ranks w/ those of more known authors.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Montana Mackay
    3.0 out of 5 stars Starts Out Great
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I loved the setting, and loved the fact that Giulia was soberly doing penance for some rather large sins. I liked the descriptions of convent life and the ambient sounds, sights, and smells. Approximately the first third of the development of the story was intriguing.

    Oddly, it began to go downhill for me when I was introduced to Fabio. He's probably the best personification of "feckless" I have ever seen in a novel -- almost no strength of character and surprisingly immature. I became disgusted with his drunken escapades and his inability to resist the coercion of immoral people like Luigi. The fact that Fabio was Giulia's heartthrob made me question her judgment. Also difficult for me was the somewhat chaotic introduction of various characters and sub-plots such as the two odd women who inserted themselves into the apothecary shop. It always bugs me when scenarios and people are thrown in as transparent devices to knit up the rising action. Clutter-y. I started skimming about 70% through because it had become rather exhausting. Swift is in several ways a good writer and I may consider another of her books. Not sure.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Barbara joubert. What is a public profile
    5.0 out of 5 stars Educational
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting I learned a lot about what women went through in the 1600s. As well as what went on in the Catholic Church at that time. It was interesting to find that the herbs used for different illnesses are still basic remedies today. Just shows that every thing God created is for a good use and never is outdated. Really enjoyed both books , the stories never dragged with a lot of descriptive unnessary words.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • D. George
    5.0 out of 5 stars Poison to Silk
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    After being accused of selling poison Giulia hides in a convent where she tries to do penance. She misses life in the outside world but in the convent she is encouraged and protected by the prioress and is able
    to use her knowledge of herbal remedies for good in the convent hospital.

    That all changes when she is sent to start a new convent. Five sisters were orphaned and the grandfather who becomes their guardian is intent on reversing the effects of their late father’s indulgence. He takes away their finery and luxuries and turns their home into a convent. They become virtual prisoners and are forced to work for their keep raising silkworms to supply his silk business. Giulia again finds herself on the side of powerless women exploited by men.

    In the meantime Fabio inherits Alfonso’s leather working business and discovers that Alfonso incurred exorbitant debt trying to pay protection money. Fabio flees to Rome and becomes involved in the sculpting trade that is booming because of commissions from the Vatican.

    Both stories, the silk producing convent and the activities in the Vatican in the 17th century, have a historical basis. Deborah Swift weaves the historical stories into a can’t put it down thriller
    9 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • FSTLI
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Italian Renaissance – not all beauty.
    Reviewed in Germany on April 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is the second book in a trio about Giulia Tofano, an infamous historical person, who concocted an untraceable poison and sold it to women wishing to get rid of their husbands, in Italy during the Renaissance.
    Although the book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the books in order, to get a better sense of the development of the story.
    I love that Deborah Swift chooses less well-known historical characters and after a huge amount of research, turns her books into an enjoyable, easy-to-read and exciting novels, yet still the reader learns a lot about the times, the places and persons involved.
    This book sees Giulia as a nun, wanting to atone for her past misdeeds. She is put in charge of five sisters and requested to turn an old building into a new monastery, where the sisters are to take their vows and at the same time work day and night farming silkworms.
    The two eldest sisters are rebellious and set the monastery on fire. Giulia is forced to flee with them to Rome. Giulia turns to her old friend Fabio Pasello for help. Giulia still has intense feelings for Fabio and Fabio’s passion for her has never diminished. However they are no longer the same people they once were. Giulia has taken her vows and Fabio, corrupted by Gianlorenzo Bernini has become an ambitious stone mason.
    Giulia’s past catches up with her and she is coerced into a plot against the pope. The plot is clever with twists and turns but everything adds up in the end.
    I found this book captivating and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and romance.
    Report
  • cb
    5.0 out of 5 stars great series!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The story goes from strength to strength. Deborah Swift deepens Giulia’s character in this second instalment of this woman’s life as she wrestles with redemption and tries to balance the ideals of the church with the harsh realities of life. The author delivers a taut page turner and drives her characters into tight corners, and it left me wondering how they could possibly escape from the tightening of the noose. Brilliantly plotted and with a satisfying ending. Loved it! Can’t wait for the next one!
    Report
  • Sil
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a great way to spend few hours a day
    Reviewed in Brazil on December 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Giulia Tofana is a great character. Knowing she really existed adds to the excitement of the story. This is a good read, but I truly recommend the reading of the first one before getting to this second one, in order to fully understand her character. It all makes so much sense! I am looking forward to reading the third one.
    Report
  • Tom Williams
    4.0 out of 5 stars An awful lot going on
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The Silkworm Keeper continues the story of Giulia Tofano, the Poison Keeper of Deborah Swift’s first book in this series. Giulia is now living as Sister Giulia in a convent in Rome. When emissaries from her old life turn up at the convent, the prioress decides to send her away to be prioress of a new convent with just five novitiates: unwanted granddaughters foisted on the church by a hateful grandfather.
    The five girls, three just children, hate the convent life and eventually burn the place to the ground, killing a nun and a priest in the process.
    Giulia and the two oldest girls flee back to Rome where Giulia takes up her previous profession as an apothecary. She vows never to make poisons again but is careless in her hiring policies and her employees do sell poison. Giulia gets blamed, of course, and trapped into a plot to assassinate the Pope. However, Fabio, the romantic interest from The Poison Keeper, is, by a fortunate coincidence, also in Rome. And, by an even more fortunate coincidence, has met up with Giulia. Does he still love her? Of course he does. Will he admit it? Of course he won’t. Will he save her anyway? No spoilers here, you’ll have to take a mad guess.
    A disappointment after The Poison Keeper (my favourite book of 2021). Still four stars for period detail and lively prose.
    Report
  • Karen Macor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating
    Reviewed in Canada on November 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The book has it all. Fast paced, intriguing, romantic, and historical. It also raises many moral dilemmas. So many twists and turns kept me wanting to forget the world and just read.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report