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Summary: Sumptuous blend of history, art, and romance.
Review: Sarah Dunant's "The Birth of Venus" takes place in Florence during the Italian Renaissance. The delightful narrator, Alessandra Cecchi, is a precocious, willful, and outspoken young woman who is fluent in Greek and Latin, knowledgeable about philosophy, and talented in art. Alessandra's father is a successful cloth merchant and the family lives in a beautiful palazzo. When Alessandra's father hires an artist to decorate the family's chapel, Alessandra is intrigued by the reclusive and moody young man. However, she is under pressure to marry as soon as possible, and her father will arrange a match that he deems suitable for his daughter, regardless of her wishes. Alessandra tells her story against the backdrop of powerful forces that are bringing sweeping political, religious, and economic changes to Florence."The Birth of Venus" is a meticulously researched page-turner that is filled with fascinating details about Florence in the late 1400's and early 1500's. Through Alessandra's eyes, we learn about the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, the role of religion in the lives of the Florentines, and the gender inequities that kept women in their place. Dunant captures the tumultuous time in Florence when the great Lorenzo de'Medici died and the fanatical monk, Savonarola, with his mesmerizing sermons and uncompromising views, ruthlessly took control of the city. The author's vivid descriptive writing brings to life both the beauty and the decadence of Florence during the Renaissance. Alessandra is a terrific, albeit flawed, heroine. She is intelligent, passionate, and talented, but she is also reckless, imprudent, and impatient. She is a young woman who is anxious to break free of the restrictions that prevent her from expressing herself freely. In spite of a few unfortunate melodramatic touches at the end, "The Birth of Venus" is an enthralling novel that will captivate readers who enjoy lively historical fiction.
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Summary: The Birth of Venus, A Bit Like A History Course.
Review: The Birth of Venus may be more enjoyed by those who have a deep (very deep) interest in frescoes, france, and late 1400's politics. I am not that person. I felt that the author used a painful amount of details about the politics of the time to fill pages. Some of it was necessary for the story, but most if it seemed a bit like a history buff that likes the sound of their voice and depth of their own knowledge. I could have gotten beyond that if the story's ending had not left me wondering: what was the point of telling this girl's story?
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Summary: Historical Romance Novel With Some Forrest Gump
Review: Basically a light entertaining read with a little history (I think) thrown in for good measure. I mistakenly thought it would be a thought-provoking novel about some piece of art only to find out that it was a disguised romance novel set in Florence in the mid 1400s during a time of religious upheaval and fervor. The heroine is an awkward, unique woman (who of course doesn't know that she's beautiful) who first fights with and then falls in love with a reclusive (but fascinating and mysterious) painter. She marries another man out of necessity but still longs for the man she could never have (because of her position or whatever -- in other words, fill in the blank). At the end the reader is shocked at the actual identify of the painter. The first clue was when he was never identified by name -- only by the term "the painter." Hmmmm could that be a hint that this is referring to some famous painter? Definitely a beach read -- just hide the cover.
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Summary: Explicit
Review: [T]he sex scenes in this novel are quite explicit. So if you prefer your sex implied rather than overt ... take heed. Otherwise, an entertaining read with lots of interesting detail.
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Summary: A sweet suprise
Review: This is a charming book with a touch of exotic spice thrown in for a sultry flavor. To consume without mederation. I especially like Pp. 181-192.
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Summary: Poorly written. Gratuitous violence added for shock value.
Review: I did not enjoy reading this book, and I returned it. It was difficult to read because it was so poorly written. In addition, the story contained too much unnecessary violence added for shock value. I don't think it was necessary to be so graphic; a good writer can describe these things more eloquently. I have read much better books on this topic.
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Summary: couldn't put it down
Review: I love reading historical fiction. Not only do I become acquainted with new characters, but the stories are set against interesting backgrounds. I got so involved with the Cecci family and the religious and artistic history of Renaissance Florence that when the book ended, I could not bring myself to read another book. I just wanted to savor this period piece. I found that it took a while until I became involved with this story, but it was well worth the wait. I recommend this book highly.
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Summary: Incredibly Shallow and Uninteresting ...
Review: The only reason I finished reading this book is because I was unfortunate enough to buy it in hardcover and I didn't want to waste the money. If shallow characters, tedious writing and overall predictability is what you consider a good read, by all means, read this poor excuse of a book. The book is over-researched and pedantic, but somehow still manages ridiculous anachronism. Don't waste any time reading it.
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Summary: An Intelligent Novel
Review: This novel is very well written and paints a great portrait of 15th Century Florence. I would highly recommend it to all who love a good historical novel read.
Rating:
Summary: A Joy to Read
Review: It's always a delight to encounter a historical novel that engages the intellect as well as entertains. Sarah Dunant has created a fascinating portrait of Florence during the 15th century, when the fanatic Savonarola instituted a reign of pious terror. Highly recommended.
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