Search - The Birth of Venus

Although the ending fell flat with me, by and large I enjoyed this tale of art and politics in Renaissance Italy. Most especially, I appreciated the way Dunant weaved in the treatment of women during this time. No doubt the heroine was a smart, classy woman, but I loved that her slave was the one outwitting everyone. Not a fast read, but full of good, researched, historical information about the time.

What an awesome book...starting with the death of a nun and the mysteries surrounding her, the story grabbed me from the beginning. The book is a coming of age story of Alessandra Cecchi and her life growing up during the Italian Renaissance. I felt connected to Alessandra and wanted her to succeed and find herself...this is an interesting read with lots of twists in the plot. I highly recommend it.

I heard such rave reviews from many people about this book so I picked it up myself. It was an interesting story but just didn't grab my attention and hold me to my seat like I was expecting.

I just read this book for book club. It was a good read although slow at times. I did really love Alessandra and her slave, Erila as well. Also found the 2 men in her life, her husband and the painter very sympathetic. Despite their sins, faults and quirks, they were likable characters. I agree with the reviewer who said it was interesting to get a view of women's roles from that time period. One reviewer wrote that she put the book down because it was set in a convent. That was only at the very beginning and the last few chapters. The bulk of the book does not take place in a convent. The story takes place during the Renaissance, a time I am not very familiar with. I think if I was better versed in the art and politics of the era, I might have had a greater appreciation of the story although it is still an enjoyable read even if you are not. I will say that I am very glad that I did not live in those days but it is fun to get a peek at them and experience them vicariously. Guess that's why I love to read!

This was my second attempt with a Sarah Dunant book. As I started to read the book, I realized once again we were back in a convent. I guess the author is fascinated by the nunnery scene in the 1500's. I am not. I could not get into the book and realize this author is just not for me.

I really liked this story, the characters and story were very interesting and the history of the period. A really great read.