I cannot find this book.

[kaigou]

I thought I'd bookmarked the review, to buy the book later, but apparently not. I've been through my browsing history for the past two months and ugh, maybe I'm looking right past it. I am left with no choice but to throw myself on the intarweebs and hope one of you might recognize this.

I think either historical fiction, or historical fantasy -- at the very least, alt-history. For some reason, I'm thinking renaissance era, like Venice or Milan (because apparently Italy was the entirety of the renaissance, but whatevs). The only plot-point I remember was that in this alt-history (or maybe secondary world altogether?) families could promise their daughters to a higher-born daughter, in a kind of promise/wedding. Sort of like being given as a companion.

And I remember thinking, that's a pretty cool change on things, I want to read that. Except now I can't for the life of me remember the title, or anything else pertinent, to google for it. Does this ring a bell for anyone else?

Comments

[apis_mellifera]

Except for the setting, that sounds like Nicola Griffith's HILD--the concept of gemaecce is what you're talking about with the companion thing.

[kaigou]

I hadn't realized Hild also played with that, and Hild is on my list -- but nope, pretty sure that's not it. Best as I can recall, the protag was male (of course) and it was his sister who'd been promised to a higher-born woman. Arrrrghhhh, not-remembering like this drives me bonkers.

[februaryfour]

I'm sorry about the not-remembering, and this is not currently helpful to you, but for the record, I tend to stick books on my Amazon.com wishlist (my default wishlist is my library wishlist for those "I'll take a look later" moments.) I know it's not immediately helpful to you, but perhaps some other time! Alternatively, Pocket, for those Read-it-later articles (I love having them on my phone for when I have a few minutes and zero reading material.)