#21 - The Birth of Venus

Book No: 21
Title: The Birth of Venus
Author: Sarah Dunant
Genre: Fiction
Published: 2004
Obtained: 2004/Audible.com
Completed: 3/03/08
No. of Pages: N/A
Rating: 3.5/5*****

The Birth of Venus begins with the death of an older nun, whose manuscript of her life is found after her death. We know who she is, what we don’t know is how she came to this convent. So begins the tale of Alessandra Checci, daughter of a wealthy Florentine merchant.

Alessandra is a bright, inquisitive and impetuous fifteen year old girl who’s dream of becoming a painter is impossible, considering the mores of 15th century Florence, and the role of women at that time – to marry and bear children, period. When Alessandra’s father hires an artist, referred to throughout the book as the painter, to create frescos for their family chapel, Alessandra finds herself repeatedly drawn to him, despite knowing that they can never be more than painter and subject. As the city of Florence is thrown into turmoil by the rise in power of the fanatical monk Savonarola, so too does Alessandra’s life take many surprising twists and turns.

I loved this book and the story, which was often very surprising. Just when you believe the story is heading in one way, a clever twist takes it in another. I loved the characters of the women in this book, Alessandra; reckless and brave, Erila; the wise and compassionate slave and Alessandra’s mother, a strong and beautiful woman trying to tame her impetuous daughter. I learned quite a bit of Italian history that I had no prior knowledge of in this enchanting and very entertaining tale.