Sarah Dunant

The Birth of Venus

A Novel

The Birth of Venus is a stunning work of art, much like its title suggests. This was a new time period and setting for me; while I've read novels that take place in the Renaissance before, none were set in Florence, Italy. The backdrop of this book is a tumultuous time in Florence's history; one I did not have any previous knowledge of. I loved the entwining of art and literature in this book; at once it feels like a love letter to the culture and art of the time as well as a portrait of a young girl's life. It also gives you a chill, as a current of political tyranny and religious fascism run through at its core. This novel is extremely well crafted in many ways and has a lot of depth. 

Alessandra is a wonderful character, and I loved her story. She's strong, curious, rambunctious, willful, endearing and more. She's one of the best female historical heroines I think I've ever read. This starts off with her as a child, and together we experience her teen years, her marriage, falling in love, childbirth and more, all while trying to survive in an unsure political climate of her beloved city. I also loved that she's a painter, too. Erila and Alessandra's mother are two supporting characters who really add to the book as well. 

This book is certainly more character-driven than plot-driven, which does not bother me in the slightest, though I know not every reader feels the same. A few parts of this book (just a couple pages at a time) felt slow because instead of focusing on Alessandra directly, it's her giving an account of Florence's current events. It almost felt like a history book at times with a little bit of commentary. But it was so well written I cannot seem to give this book anything less than 5 stars. 

Coming away from this, I do have questions. Who was the painter; what was his name? I'm not sure it's made clear, and I typically like my books to answer all my questions. But again, this book was so captivating that I cannot fault it. With art, history, romance, tension and more, I think this book has it all. It certainly hooked me and wouldn't let go--not that I minded.

I may have benefitted from more in-depth descriptions of Florence's homes and other buildings, having all the different places more or less similar to one another in my mind while reading, but the author still manages to brilliantly bring this place and its people to life.

I also enjoyed Alessandra's religion and her religious insights, testimonials and more in this book. While not Catholic, I am a Christian, and I really related to a lot of the pure, unclouded religion and love of God found throughout this book.

Amanda

The Birth of Venus is a stunning work of art, much like its title suggests. This was a new time period and setting for me; while I've read novels that take place in the Renaissance before, none were set in Florence, Italy. The backdrop of this book is a tumultuous time in Florence's history; one I did not have any previous knowledge of. I loved the entwining of art and literature in this book; at once it feels like a love letter to the culture and art of the time as well as a portrait of a young girl's life. It also gives you a chill, as a current of political tyranny and religious fascism run through at its core. This novel is extremely well crafted in many ways and has a lot of depth. 

Alessandra is a wonderful character, and I loved her story. She's strong, curious, rambunctious, willful, endearing and more. She's one of the best female historical heroines I think I've ever read. This starts off with her as a child, and together we experience her teen years, her marriage, falling in love, childbirth and more, all while trying to survive in an unsure political climate of her beloved city. I also loved that she's a painter, too. Erila and Alessandra's mother are two supporting characters who really add to the book as well. 

This book is certainly more character-driven than plot-driven, which does not bother me in the slightest, though I know not every reader feels the same. A few parts of this book (just a couple pages at a time) felt slow because instead of focusing on Alessandra directly, it's her giving an account of Florence's current events. It almost felt like a history book at times with a little bit of commentary. But it was so well written I cannot seem to give this book anything less than 5 stars. 

Coming away from this, I do have questions. Who was the painter; what was his name? I'm not sure it's made clear, and I typically like my books to answer all my questions. But again, this book was so captivating that I cannot fault it. With art, history, romance, tension and more, I think this book has it all. It certainly hooked me and wouldn't let go--not that I minded.

I may have benefitted from more in-depth descriptions of Florence's homes and other buildings, having all the different places more or less similar to one another in my mind while reading, but the author still manages to brilliantly bring this place and its people to life.

I also enjoyed Alessandra's religion and her religious insights, testimonials and more in this book. While not Catholic, I am a Christian, and I really related to a lot of the pure, unclouded religion and love of God found throughout this book.

Edward

Pedestrian and shallow. I could go on but suffice it to say it has lowered my opinion of the historians quoted on its covers.

Nicole Blazek

Just getting into it but really enjoying it so far...

Elizabeth Garza

This book was amazing! Created such an intense emotional connection to the main character Alessandra. And, from what little knowledge I have about the time period, was pretty accurate. If you like the Renaissance time period you will love this book.

Patti Reinheimer

Historical fiction is not generally my thing, but I was enthralled with this book. Loved the primary character’s journey.

alexandra

Alessandra is not quite fifteen when her prosperous merchant father brings a young painter back with him from Holland to adorn the walls of the new family chapel. She is fascinated by his talents and envious of his abilities and opportunities to paint to the glory of God. Soon her love of art and her lively independence are luring her into closer involvement with all sorts of taboo areas of life. On excursions into the streets of night-time Florence she observes a terrible evil stalking the city and witnesses the rise of the fiery young priest, Savanarola, who has set out to rid the city of vice, richness, even art itself. Alessandra must make crucial decisions about the shape of her adult life, as Florence itself must choose between the old ways of the luxury-loving Medicis and the asceticism of Savanorola. And through it all, there is the painter, whose love will change everything.

The Birth of Venus

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