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sm29's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aliaspaine's review
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!
desireeslibrary's review against another edition
3.0
2.5/5
I went into this with high hopes because I loved the title and cover so much and because I am a big fan of historical fiction. But, tbh it was quite the let-down. It was a fairly quick read and for the most part kept my attention, although sometimes it did seem unnecessarily slow. I just had absolutely no emotional reaction to the plot, nor did I feel connected to the characters. They all fell pretty flat for me and the relationships between them were overall unconvincing. I do have to say though I give Durant props for the amount of research that had to go into writing this, as she does seem extremely well versed on Florence during the Renaissance. Overall, though, I was just very unimpressed.
I went into this with high hopes because I loved the title and cover so much and because I am a big fan of historical fiction. But, tbh it was quite the let-down. It was a fairly quick read and for the most part kept my attention, although sometimes it did seem unnecessarily slow. I just had absolutely no emotional reaction to the plot, nor did I feel connected to the characters. They all fell pretty flat for me and the relationships between them were overall unconvincing. I do have to say though I give Durant props for the amount of research that had to go into writing this, as she does seem extremely well versed on Florence during the Renaissance. Overall, though, I was just very unimpressed.
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
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
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.