Bloodletter's Daughter: A Novel of Old Bohemia by Linda Lafferty

Based on a true story of the bathmaid Marketa Pichlerova and the scandalous butchery that rocked the European royal courts in 1608. Set mainly in Cesky Krumlov, at the time Bohemia, during the reign of King Rudolf II of Austria.

Marketa, girl of 16, despises being a bathmaid, forced by her mother against her wishes. She dreams of her father’s profession, which is practiced only by men. She wants to be a bloodletter - “a full physician, a one who can heal with the teachings of Paracelsus as well as Galen.”

At the same time, Don Julius, illegitimate son of King Rudolf is afflicted with madness. He causes scandals in both cities of Prague and Vienna. When his debauchery continues and he causes yet another scandal, he gets send to Rozmberk Castle of Cesky Krumlov for a secure confinement. Marketa catches his eye and this leads her to assistance of his bleedings and the tragedy. 

The first part of the book, concentrated on the story of Marketa and her eagerness to learn, is very engrossing. In the second part, the bloodletting and the drama between Don Julius and Marketa becomes repetitive at some points instead of being a progressive story. 

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