About this title: In 15th-century Florence, a young woman named Alessandra welcomes an arranged marriage to a cultured man over 30 years her senior because he promises her the freedom to pursue her painting. But the deal is not quite what she imagined. As Florence falls increasingly under the sway of Savanarola, Alessandra begins an affair with another young artist--and the city's violence and chaos lead the characters to the brink of disaster.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Random House
Date Published: 02/2004
ISBN-13:9781400060733ISBN:1400060737
Description: Very good in very good dust jacket. Very Good, In very good dust jacket. Glued binding. Paper over boards. With dust jacket. 397 p. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Random House
Date Published: 02/2004
ISBN-13:9781400060733ISBN:1400060737
Description: Very good in very good dust jacket. Very Good, In very good dust jacket. Glued binding. Paper over boards. With dust jacket. 397 p. read more
"As far as popular historical sagas go, this book is quite an enjoyable, believable, and exciting treat, and is definitely above most novels of the same kind, which generally float amidst all the clichés of bad romance. Dunnant is a gifted storyteller more than a true literary writer, but that serves her very well, for she knows how to keep our interest and how to unfold a dramatic, feverish plot without ever losing control or falling into the usual traps. Her complex story, set under the reign of the Medicis in Renaissance Florence, is told with wit and panache. She's obviously done a lot of research, and her painting of the great Italian city, as it went through some turbulent times, is fascinating - especially when she describes the violence that came with Savonarola. The same can be said about the depictions of the artistic world which was then exploding - and which comes alive in a sensuous way. As for the main character, Alessandra, who's also the narrator, she's depicted with enough subtlety and depth to be as beguiling as a heroine should be, and really, what more can the reader ask for? This is a seductive novel, and such books have their own, specific charms, that should not be dismissed too easily."
"This is an absolutely amazing book. The author has done a lot of research and it shows in her writing. This is a historical fiction. The imagery is wonderful and you really get wrapped up in the lives of the Character. Now that I have been studying Mythology I would like to read it again and see what mythic images I can get from it based on Botticelli's painting."
If you choose to read it, skip the Prologue. It gives away the last quarter of the book. (I found this very frustrating.)
The middle of the book is fine. It's basic historical romance stuff with interesting, smart characters.
The end of this book sucks. The main character, and her best friend, make decisions which are both odd and unbelievable.
Perhaps you should skip the prologue, read the middle, then when you get to the last few chapters, instead of reading them, skip back to the prologue."
"I am surprised that I really liked this book. I didn't like some of the romance stuff and I didn't get the whole snake thing. But, it was very intrigueing to me somehow. I loved that it took place in the 1400's and in Florence, Italy. Maybe because I taught the Middle Ages to Fifth graders for 6 years wrapped me into the story. I loved the huge portion of the story that was about art, religion and politics of the time. I loved that the main character was a sassy, intelligent female. The "romance" stuff was a bit silly, maybe even forced, I thought. THe book would have been fine without some of that detail. Overall, a cool read!"
We guarantee every item's condition, as described on Alibris. If you are not satisfied that an item is as described, return your purchase for a refund.
rating
