What Are Buzz Residents Reading?: Q&A with Celia Anderson

This week, I interviewed Buzz resident Celia Anderson about what she has read recently and loved. She selected The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche. The book begins in 1348 as the Black Plague ravages Italy. Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift – harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. 

Previously banished because of this gift and labeled a witch, now the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return. Upon arrival, she is tasked with a mission: she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics. If she succeeds, she’ll be a recognized physician and never accused of witchcraft again. But as her investigation progresses, Ginevra discovers she’s merely a pawn in a much larger scheme than the one she’s been hired to solve.

Author Katy Hays states about the book: “Magical in every sense of the word, Rasche’s debut stole my heart. A feast of a novel, The Stone Witch of Florence is erudite, transportive, and addicting. It’s that precious and rare type of story—the kind that makes you want to fly through its pages while simultaneously savoring every word. Bottom line: The Stone Witch of Florence is a gem.” 

Here is what Celia has to say about it:

What is the best book you have read recently?

The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche.

What did you like about it? What made it stand out to you?

If you enjoy historical fiction that is atmospheric, colorful, and very reflective of recent events, this is the book for you! Florence, 1348, brought to its knees by the plague and only one woman with any relief. She must fight through gender bias, superstition, and politics to help people. Rich with descriptions of Florence and surrounding territory. 

How did you learn about the book?

My daughter-in-law was just in Florence, recommended this book, and could relate to many of the descriptions and locations. You can’t help but picture yourself walking the streets and seeing the history if only walls could talk.

What are you reading now?

The Wedding People by Alison Espach, a current Read with Jenna book pick.

I would love to hear what you are reading! Feel free to drop it in the comments below.

For more book recommendations and bookish thoughts, see Cindy’s monthly Buzz Reads column, her award-winning Thoughts from a Page Podcast or follow @ThoughtsFromaPage on Instagram.