A review by contre_qui
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

It was fine. I was just expecting more. The view of queer/mlm relationships was bizarre to say the least. I thought the protagonist would maybe learn something about her views - and she kinda did, in that she decided being gay wasn't an outright sin - but she really didn't. It seemed more like a vehicle for her to make excuses about her own piety (or lack thereof) and extramarital relationships. There was also a disgustingly awkward, graphic sex scene. It was a rather dry book with a very odd take on queerness. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Clearly a book for straight women.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, and Murder

There is a very graphic sex scene between a gay man and a straight woman. It's painful to read, probably intentionally, but there was a lot of detail. There is also a childbirth scene that's decently graphic/detailed, as well.