Search - The Birth of Venus

Dunant does a gorgeous job of describing Renaissance Florence. The young heroine, Alessandra, is overwhelmed with curiosity and a passion for painting. Thrown in the middle of a town ruled by a religious tyrant, stuck in a marriage of convenience, Alessandra must try to keep herself a lady instead of filling her passions. Beautiful writing, incredible descriptions. This book will stick with you.

Fascinating look at 15th century (Renaissance)Italy at the time of the death of Lorenzo de Medici and the 4-year reign of the fire-and-brimstone- preacher, Savonarola. Interesting characters --- especially, Alessandra the narrator and protagonist, her mother, and Erila family slave, nurse and chaperone to Alessandra. Two poignant male characters, Alessandra's antagonistic brother Tomaso, and Cristoforo... No more said. Read the book. It's a fast read and will peak your curiosity about 15th century Italy, the Renaissance and its art and artists.

I enjoyed this book. It had good historical background. It made me think of Jane Austen's books, the focus on the disadvantages of being a woman in those times. I wish it had more detailed encounters between Alessandra and the painter. It just seemed there was a lacking in there secret longing for each other. It could be more convincing. But, overall it was a good read.

A really good read. I love historical fiction and this book was very informative of the period.

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