Poinsettia Girl: The Story of Agata della Pieta
By Jennifer Wizbowski
By Jennifer Wizbowski
Publication Date: 18th October 2025
Publisher: Historium Press
Page Length: 282
Genre: Historical Fiction
Venice, 1710, Poinsettia Girl is based on the story of Agata de la Pieta, an orphan musician of the Ospedale de la Pieta.
Ten-year-old Agata's world is shaken at the sudden death of her mother. Left only with her egregious father, a working musician in Venice, her ailing grandmother sends her to the well-known orphanage, hidden from everything she's ever known. Agata auditions for the conservatory style music school where music is both salvation and spectacle. Hidden behind ornate metal grates, adorned with poinsettias in their hair, the singers are veiled in mystery, their ethereal music drawing noble audiences, including gilded young men who see them as treasures-not only for their sound but as coveted marriage prizes. Just as she reaches the height of her musical journey, a marriage proposal from someone outside the audience tempts her with the promise of a new life-a return to the old neighborhood she's longed for and a home she barely remembers. Torn between the music that has defined her and the hope of belonging to a family, Agata must confront the most profound question of her life: is her purpose rooted in the music that shaped her, or in the love that might free her?
“Poinsettia Girl: The Story of Agata della Pieta” by Jennifer Wizbowski is a profoundly moving book that weaves together themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of music.
The novel intricately weaves the narrative of Agata della Pietà’s childhood, focusing on her formative years within the Ospedale della Pietà. This historic Venetian institution functioned as a convent, orphanage, and music school. Established in the 16th century, it was renowned for strict discipline and a deep commitment to educating abandoned or orphaned girls. Set against vibrant yet tumultuous 18th-century Venetian society, Agata’s journey unfolds in a community that values artistry but is limited by its societal norms. As Agata faces challenges ranging from the nuns’ regimens to competitive camaraderie among the girls, we witness her struggle to find her voice in a world that has previously silenced it.
Agata is a character who quickly captures the reader’s affection with her gentle spirit. She is a sensitive child, shaped by a poignant past that profoundly influences her present. Despite the encouragement she receives from those around her, Agata steadfastly refuses to sing, gripped by the fear that doing so will cause her to forget the sweet melody of her mother’s voice, which lingers in her memories like a cherished lullaby. Initially, she shies away from the spotlight, harbouring no dreams of becoming a member of the Coro or being noticed by others; it’s as if she longs to retreat into herself, finding solace in her solitude. However, when the magic of music stirs within her, it ignites a passion that cannot be contained, propelling her on a journey of self-discovery and expression that changes everything. Agata’s transformation reflects the powerful connection between music and emotion, illustrating how it can awaken the deepest parts of the soul.
Several other notable secondary characters in this novel help to propel the story forward. Candida stands out as a close friend and confidante of Agata, providing emotional support and insight that underscores the intricate dynamics of friendship. The Madonna (the Prioress) presents as a compassionate yet authoritative figure. Signora Prudenza is portrayed as a stern and cruel figure, her harsh demeanour creating formidable conflicts that elevate the stakes for Agata and her peers, as well as the Madonna. In a more nurturing role, Maestra Elena acts as a source of wisdom and encouragement for Agata, guiding her through difficult choices and fostering her personal growth amidst the surrounding trials. Lastly, the discreet Margarita exemplifies kindness and compassion, providing a gentle and reassuring presence in the midst of a strict setting. Her caring nature serves as a delicate counterbalance to the harsher elements of their world, reminding Agata of the importance of empathy and support in relationships. The famed composer and musician, Antonio Vivaldi, also has a small part to play in this novel.
This novel delves into profoundly unsettling scenes that explore various forms of child abuse, including emotional neglect, sexual abuse and violence. The author navigates these sensitive topics with remarkable care, choosing her words with precision to capture the gravity of each situation without sensationalising the trauma involved. Through vivid imagery and intricate character development, she brings to life the impact of these experiences on the protagonist, Agata. Struggling with the psychological repercussions of her abuse, Agata’s journey is marked by intense emotions and complex thoughts that reveal her internal battle. She grapples with the devastating loss of her mother, a void that deeply affects her feeling of self-worth, and what she perceives as the abandonment by her beloved Nonna (grandmother), who once provided solace and warmth. The stark, oppressive environment of Ospedale della Pietà is a jarring contrast to the life she once knew, encapsulating her feelings of isolation and despair. Each scene is meticulously crafted to evoke a visceral reaction from readers, compelling them to confront the harrowing realities faced by those who suffer in silence. The author’s deft handling of these themes draws attention not only to the traumatic experiences but also to the resilience required to survive and heal from such deep wounds.
Each distinct space within the convent—the practice hall, steeped in the echoes of unending rehearsals, where the sound of each note hangs in the air like a forgotten prayer; the sparse dormitories, lined with narrow beds, emphasising the minimalist lifestyle enforced upon the pupils, reinforce the overarching themes of confinement and spiritual renewal. The strict rules imposed by the nuns, articulated in sharp, unyielding tones, create a structured environment where every moment is dictated by schedule. The continuous pressure of upcoming auditions looms heavily, fostering a palpable sense of claustrophobia that grips the reader, drawing them into the emotional turmoil of the students. Yet for the pupils, the convent morphs into a paradoxical sanctuary, a place where they find refuge from the chaos of the outside world. It becomes a cocoon—a space where dreams of artistic brilliance may emerge, accompanied by a sense of safety, even amidst the relentless demands of perfection that govern their lives. The duality of the setting highlights the complex relationship between their aspirations and the constraining forces that shape their existence, offering both solace and a sense of entrapment.
Wizbowski’s evocative prose brings the enchanting world of Agata to life, making it impossible for readers to put the book down once the first page is turned. This book comes highly recommended.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
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Poinsettia Girl: The Story of Agata della Pieta
Jennifer Wizbowski
Jennifer Wizbowski spent her childhood days lost among the spines of her favorite books. Inspired by the daffodil fields of Wordsworth and the babbling brooks of Shakespeare, she earned her bachelor’s in English literature, a minor in music, and a secondary teaching credential, then wrote freelance for local business journals, taught in classrooms, and authored a Teen and Tween column for a parent magazine—all while raising her family.
As those years ended, she knew it was the right time to pursue her lifelong aspiration of bringing her own books to life. She now devotes herself to illuminating everyday women’s stories often lost in the shadows of history, revealing how they became heroines of their own time and place.
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