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aliaspaine's review against another edition
2.0
I loved Sarah Dunant's writing but I couldn't help but be extremely disappointed with this book. The ending felt so rushed to me and it left me quite depressed as I felt there were too many loose ends left. And one big issue is that Alessandra is supposed to be a nun, but she seemed to have no desire to act as such, mend bridges or even confess her sins. And her way of death? It boggles my mind that she were able to stay in the convent, in nun clothing, when it was pretty clear that she had no desire to be one. Despite all of that, my main issue is the fact that we are left without any answers about what became of the other characters - especially her daughter and the painter. I came to love or loath every character but to not have their fates given is a huge punch in the gut!
suvata's review against another edition
5.0
• Read in April 2022 for Litsy Markup Postal Book Club #LMPBC Round 14 - GroupA
I never realized I would love a book about art so much but I found it fascinating. 5-stars. I learned so much.
“Smart and engaging … The pages are filled not only with long and lovingly detailed descriptions of works of art, but also with vivid images.… Dunant does a remarkable job evoking Florence.” —The Washington Post Book World
I never realized I would love a book about art so much but I found it fascinating. 5-stars. I learned so much.
“Smart and engaging … The pages are filled not only with long and lovingly detailed descriptions of works of art, but also with vivid images.… Dunant does a remarkable job evoking Florence.” —The Washington Post Book World
allhdvm's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite. The tone and language weren't consistant through the book. But I enjoyed the character of Erila and the relationship between the heroine and her husband. So it was worthwhile, if not a fabulous read.
draganana's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
taraschn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
diane_m's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Before I read the last twenty pages, I'd been pondering whether to keep the book on my shelves or put it in a Little Library. I had not made a decision until I read the last two pages. What was written there helped me make sense of my life's work. It has a permanent place on my shelves.
hewlettelaine's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this novel. A very evocative description of Medici Florence and its artistic life and culture.
alevtina1's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
it really picked up for me at the halfway point. i thoroughly enjoyed the characters and how the time period of the book made me appreciate them even more. the ending was also wholesome in a way.
annathebooksiread's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
xeyra1's review against another edition
5.0
I loved The Birth of Venus. I truly did. I think this may be one of my favorite reads this year, so far.
I loved the setting, I loved the writing but mostly I loved the main character, Alessandra, who carried the story, who told us of life from her perspective, who showed us a glimpse of life in the Florence of the 15th century, the conventions, the conflicts, the culture, the religious fanatism, and the art. It was an amazing read that made me breathe in the airs of Florence and cringe as its beauty was tainted by an over-zealous priest.
Beautifully and richly written, this book is certainly a must read for those who enjoy historical fiction. I must go search for some more Sarah Dunant books.
I loved the setting, I loved the writing but mostly I loved the main character, Alessandra, who carried the story, who told us of life from her perspective, who showed us a glimpse of life in the Florence of the 15th century, the conventions, the conflicts, the culture, the religious fanatism, and the art. It was an amazing read that made me breathe in the airs of Florence and cringe as its beauty was tainted by an over-zealous priest.
Beautifully and richly written, this book is certainly a must read for those who enjoy historical fiction. I must go search for some more Sarah Dunant books.