Richard S. (RichS) reviewed on 9/20/2010 + 3 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

I totally enjoyed reading this book both because it is historically informative and well researched, and yet conveys the warm personal and loving relationship between Galileo and his daughter. Although the events took place over 400 years ago, the personal concerns expressed by Sour Maria Celeste, his daughter, through her letters make the reader feel connected. She frequently asks for money to support her cloistered nuns, always expressing her needs in a humble yet artful way. And he can never resist her requests. Their personal warmth is counterpoint to the power and control the Church of Rome sought relentlessly to impose on Galileo and his inquisitive mind. Although the Pope could effect house arrest away from his home, Galileo and his daughter remain connected and support each other through their letters and small favors they did for each other. The book physically has two covers - Galileo on the outer and his daughter on the inner cover. This aptly indicates the two stories that are enmeshed throughout the book.

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