Book Reviews of 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.

Love this book! If you have been to Florence, are dying to go, love or hate the Medici family and know (or want to know) anything about the Renaissance this is a must read. It's great for the summer. Playful and serious in the same breath.

Steamy and romantic - loved it! A great summer read.

i'm still not sure how i feel about this book...the writing is wonderful and it really takes you into the time and what was going on during the end of the 15th century in florence. i just can't decide how i feel about how all the relationships ended. it was a kind of "happy" ending i guess, but it was just very strange. i liked it but i'm not sure it's one i will ever read again or truly recommend.

What a fabulous story about life in Florence, Italy in the late 1400s. Told through the eyes of a young girl. The wonderful history of a city, its fabulous art, religion and the politics for those times. A very good read. Well written.

I was impressed with this historical fiction, the best I have read in a while. Definitely worth the one credit.

This was a wonderfully descriptive book.

I absolutley loved this book, I could not put it down, actually Ive read it 2 times! I was given this and I didnt think I would like it, boy was I wrong!

A beautiful novel set in Florence Italy.

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

Quick read

Really enjoyed this story.