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66th out of 3,146 books
—
13,781 voters
The Birth of Venus
by
Sarah Dunant
Alessandra Cecchi is not quite fifteen when her father, a prosperous cloth merchant, brings a young painter back from northern Europe to decorate the chapel walls in the family’s Florentine palazzo. A child of the Renaissance, with a precocious mind and a talent for drawing, Alessandra is intoxicated by the painter’s abilities.
But their burgeoning relationship is interrupt...more
But their burgeoning relationship is interrupt...more
Paperback, 403 pages
Published
November 30th 2004
by Random House Trade Paperbacks
(first published November 12th 2003)
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After reading this for the second time I wish I could give it higher than five stars. I discovererd new things about this book that I had caught before. Such a wonderful book and I can't wait to read it for the third time!
This is an absolutely amazing book. The author has done a lot of research and it shows in her writing. This is a historical fiction. The imagery is wonderful and you really get wrapped up in the lives of the Character. Now that I have been studying Mythology I would like to rea...more
This is an absolutely amazing book. The author has done a lot of research and it shows in her writing. This is a historical fiction. The imagery is wonderful and you really get wrapped up in the lives of the Character. Now that I have been studying Mythology I would like to rea...more
20 likes
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Halfway through the book: I do NOT think this is a wonderful book. I am terribly disappointed. Description of Renaissence Florence is fine. I have no quibbles with that, but the plot is so foreseeable, so predictable. The characters seem as modern day caricatures. For me this is pure fluff. Am I learning anything new, to compensate for all my my other disappointments? No!
On completion: If you want to read a book about art during the Italian Renaissence read The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographi...more
On completion: If you want to read a book about art during the Italian Renaissence read The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographi...more
13 likes
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Wow, I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a day. I didn't read it like I read
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
nor did I read it like I plan to read Book 6 on July 16, but I read it in a day it was that good. I'm just going to address my one major problem with the book before I go on to tell you exactly why I liked it so much.
Language. I don't know how they spoke in the 1490s, but some of the language seemed very current. Some of the slang used to describe various body parts and bo...more
Language. I don't know how they spoke in the 1490s, but some of the language seemed very current. Some of the slang used to describe various body parts and bo...more
10 likes
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For some reason, I always feel the need to apologize when giving a high rating to a book that is not marvelously written from a technical standpoint--I think I've been privy to too many technical writing conversations. While this book is not a classic of literary style, it was a very good read. Its strengths rest in its emotional honesty at difficult moments. Dunant has an eye for those small defining gestures that convey volumes.
As a historical novel, it also covers some interesting territory....more
As a historical novel, it also covers some interesting territory....more
12 likes
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A friend gave me this book as a birthday gift. Oddly, it was a book she'd never even read (and she's an even more avid reader than I am). She just indicated that she'd thought it looked like a good one, and as it was a "bestseller" she figured it must be. She wasn't wrong, however, for the first few chapters, I constantly wondered why on earth she'd pick out such a book (with such content) for me...
After convincing myself I was an adult and it was ok to continue (I still have alot of my mother'...more
After convincing myself I was an adult and it was ok to continue (I still have alot of my mother'...more
8 likes
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Apr 04, 2011
Sarah M
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
People who like Historical Fiction
Shelves:
historical-fiction
3.5 Stars
I really enjoy historical fiction and have never read a book about Florence or this era. So I decided to give this ago. I mostly did enjoy this book and I liked the main character Alessendra. I felt for her in many parts of this book. I liked the story line, and the books plot moved in a good way.
What I didn't really enjoy about this book was everything about the art. Art really was a main topic in the book, and it did help with the story. At times I just got really bored reading all th...more
I really enjoy historical fiction and have never read a book about Florence or this era. So I decided to give this ago. I mostly did enjoy this book and I liked the main character Alessendra. I felt for her in many parts of this book. I liked the story line, and the books plot moved in a good way.
What I didn't really enjoy about this book was everything about the art. Art really was a main topic in the book, and it did help with the story. At times I just got really bored reading all th...more
With an overpowering deluge of verbs and a merciless amount of description, only surpassed by Tolkien taking 60 pages to walk around a mountain, I found myself continually drifting off. The novel has a meticulous feel to it, with robotic research covered by a light skein of unbelieveable emotion and a pseudo-attempt at mystery that is all gunked up. Like many books published by large corporations its inherent shallowness and malleability would make a great movie.
Jan 28, 2008
Rebecca
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
"people who want to hit themselves in the head with boards"- cousin Jared
Recommended to Rebecca by:
Costco book table
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
unfinished
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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9 likes
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May 15, 2008
Kelly
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone interested in historical fiction or art history
Recommended to Kelly by:
Yuki
Ideas expressed/message/plot: Alessandra is an intelligent & talented young woman living in Florence during the Renaissance. She doesn't have too many options though - get married or join a convent. While she must to conform to the rules of society, she figures out a way to succumb to her own passion as well.
The book's prologue is truly one of the best openings to a story that I've ever read. After that, I found myself "slowed down," by the references to artists and artwork - sadly a testame...more
The book's prologue is truly one of the best openings to a story that I've ever read. After that, I found myself "slowed down," by the references to artists and artwork - sadly a testame...more
5 likes
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This is a book that starts with an ending: the death of an elderly nun in a 15th century Italian convent. A mystery is sparked when it is discovered that the nun’s tumor appears to have been faked and she has an evocative tattoo entwining her torso where it has been hidden by her habit.
From there the story vaults to the beginning - to when this mysterious nun was a 14 year old Florentine named Alessandra. Alessandra is presented as the youngest daughter of a rich cloth merchant. She is clever,...more
From there the story vaults to the beginning - to when this mysterious nun was a 14 year old Florentine named Alessandra. Alessandra is presented as the youngest daughter of a rich cloth merchant. She is clever,...more
This book was loaned to me by Karen Y., and I really enjoyed it (thanks Karen!) I like well-written historical fiction, because it gives me a glimpse into a historical time period without having to read a detailed, dry history book. This book did just that. It is set during the Italian Renaissance, which is a time period that admittedly I know little about. The cultural and political events of that time period are seen through the eyes of young girl, Alessandra, who is trying to figure out her r...more
2 likes
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This book takes place in 15th Century Florence. Alessandra Cecchi is a brash 16 year-old who is well studied and enjoys painting and drawing, 2 things not looked well upon young women of the time. As the era of Savonarola begins in Florence, Alessandra is married off to a wealthy Florentine, who in exchange for her freedom to study and paint must respect the freedom he needs. At the same time she is drawn to the painter her father has hired to paint their family chapel and has a strong desire to...more
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Dunant does a wonderful job blending historical events in with her fictional character, the blossoming young woman, Alessandra Cecchi. Alessandra is the daughter of a cloth merchant who endures, above all, corrupt religious leaders and an interesting marriage. Through Dunant's vivid descriptions of the time period , readers are transported to late 15th century Florence. The details given to the reader displayed Dunant's erudition and thorough knowledge of that time period. During the course of t...more
A few points about this book:
If you choose to read it, skip the Prologue. It gives away the last quarter of the book. (I found this very frustrating.)
The middle of the book is fine. It's basic historical romance stuff with interesting, smart characters.
The end of this book sucks. The main character, and her best friend, make decisions which are both odd and unbelievable.
Perhaps you should skip the prologue, read the middle, then when you get to the last few chapters, instead of reading them, ski...more
If you choose to read it, skip the Prologue. It gives away the last quarter of the book. (I found this very frustrating.)
The middle of the book is fine. It's basic historical romance stuff with interesting, smart characters.
The end of this book sucks. The main character, and her best friend, make decisions which are both odd and unbelievable.
Perhaps you should skip the prologue, read the middle, then when you get to the last few chapters, instead of reading them, ski...more
10 likes
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May 16, 2007
Denise
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Shelves:
historicalfiction
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant tells the story of a young woman in Florence in the late 1400s. She is well-educated and an artist which is unusual for women in that time. Her desire is to be alone to study and draw but societal conventions and her family’s position determine that her fate be either marriage or the convent. When Florence is threatened by the French army, she is forced
to make a quick decision on her future.
With the invasion looming, the city’s clergy is preaching that the sin...more
to make a quick decision on her future.
With the invasion looming, the city’s clergy is preaching that the sin...more
I read this title for a book club and from the description, I thought it would make for a very good discussion. Unfortunately, the story did not live up to the expectations created by the inside flap.
If you like historical fiction, it does have a fairly interesting depiction of Renaissance Florence going for it--and I did learn some things along the way, like I usually do with good historial fiction. However, without giving too much away, the ending and the character development greatly disappoi...more
If you like historical fiction, it does have a fairly interesting depiction of Renaissance Florence going for it--and I did learn some things along the way, like I usually do with good historial fiction. However, without giving too much away, the ending and the character development greatly disappoi...more
3 likes
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This is one of my favorite books. The Birth of Venus started my obsession with historical fiction. Because i am a fan of Italy and art, i was interested in reading a book based in Florence during the Renaissance era.
The Birth of Venus is a story of Alessandra, a young girl, who dreams of being an artist, (something ladies didn't do in the 1400's) who is drawn to the painter hired by her family. She is married off to an older man, who because of his "conflicting" interests, allows her her own fre...more
The Birth of Venus is a story of Alessandra, a young girl, who dreams of being an artist, (something ladies didn't do in the 1400's) who is drawn to the painter hired by her family. She is married off to an older man, who because of his "conflicting" interests, allows her her own fre...more
I chose to read this book for its descriptions of Florence, which was one of my favorite cities on my one-time tour of Italy. As expected, the book was full of descriptions of Renaissance art, and of course there was the central story of forbidden love. I was delighted to find politics, theology, epidemiology and a bit of folk-medicine also woven into the story. For someone like me, with a relative deficit in knowledge of the history of art and Europe in general, this was a fun way to learn new...more
Jul 02, 2007
Emily
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
lovers of art and Italian history
Shelves:
booksofthepast
Again, a book that I read before leaving for Peace Corps and by which I was pleasantly surprised. It's the story of the life and love affairs (most importantly with art and one young artist) of Alessandra Cecchi, a citizen of 15th century Florence. From childhood in a wealthy Florentine family to womanhood as the wife of one man and the lover of another and always a passionate lover of art, Alessandra navigates the rapidly changing times with humor and beauty. Dunant has written a number of book...more
I made it 65 pages in, but I couldn't bring myself to finish. Another book I wanted to love! What a shame. Artist Domenico Ghirlandaio's was one of the great artists during the Italian Renaissance. The author weaves a story between Domenico and Alessandra Cecchi. Unfortunately, Alessandra's parents arrange a marriage for her to a much older man. Why did I lose interest when this story should have been so interesting? The author did that thing I hate. Pages and pages of unimportant details and de...more
2 likes
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I have been wanting to read this book for really long and so was very curious when I finally did. The beginning brought me near to dissapointment but it changed soon and became more and more interesting, stronger.
Alessandra Cecchi guides you through Florence in the 15 th century. She has no freedom as a girl who tries to learn and acquire more knowledge about art, phylosophy while knowing that her place is as wife and mother.
At fifteen she gets married and her life changes drastically when she r...more
Alessandra Cecchi guides you through Florence in the 15 th century. She has no freedom as a girl who tries to learn and acquire more knowledge about art, phylosophy while knowing that her place is as wife and mother.
At fifteen she gets married and her life changes drastically when she r...more
1 like
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I am surprised that I really liked this book. I didn't like some of the romance stuff and I didn't get the whole snake thing. But, it was very intrigueing to me somehow. I loved that it took place in the 1400's and in Florence, Italy. Maybe because I taught the Middle Ages to Fifth graders for 6 years wrapped me into the story. I loved the huge portion of the story that was about art, religion and politics of the time. I loved that the main character was a sassy, intelligent female. The "romance...more
1 like
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Adding to my list of top ten favorite books ever. This is historical fiction of the finest. Sixteenth century Florence, a young girl's coming of age. A phenomenal read!
2 likes
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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2 likes
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As far as popular historical sagas go, this book is quite an enjoyable, believable, and exciting treat, and is definitely above most novels of the same kind, which generally float amidst all the clichés of bad romance. Dunnant is a gifted storyteller more than a true literary writer, but that serves her very well, for she knows how to keep our interest and how to unfold a dramatic, feverish plot without ever losing control or falling into the usual traps. Her complex story, set under the reign o...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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A lot of books are out there on the must read me because I will illumine everyone who reads me market. But this book will be worth the moments you can put into reading this, why, simply because it has all the elements of a good family life during a time of struggle that really show what that is and makes it interesting to see the events which will slowly unravel towards this story’s final and disclosing ending. It will be a little sudden and laugh you will after learning so much about the lives...more
This was very refreshing for me to read- I had just come off of reading several books that left me with a rather sour taste in my mouth, and The Birth of Venus was what I needed to cleanse my palate. Historical fiction is a long time love of mine- not lustful romance historic drek, but thoughtful works, based in history, with care to plot and character authenticity. Now combine that love with my love of Florence, and my love of the Renaissance and Renaissance art, and it is no wonder I came away...more
Aug 28, 2007
Sarah
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Historical Fiction/Italian art enthusiasts
I adore historical fiction. This novel takes place in Florence during the fall of the Medici family, and follows the story of a young woman from a well-off merchantile family. She has a natural talent for parinting and longs to study technique, but alas at the time, painting was not an option for a woman. The story tells her plight against the backdrop of Florence's invasion by France and the changing city under a fiery priest who wants to burn all extravangances to purge the city of its sins.
The prologue to this novel gives a graphic description of a death in a Florentine nunnery during the sixteenth century. When the nuns prepare Sister Lucrezia for burial there’s a startling discovery – she has a serpent tattooed across her body. So, slim chance of a happy ending, you might think. Birth of Venus tells the story of Alessandra Cecchi the daughter of a textile merchant in sixteenth century Renaissance Florence. She’s desperate to follow her passion for drawing. Her father employs a p...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What did you think of this book? | 2 | 5 | May 19, 2013 01:12pm | |
| Name of "The Painter"? | 20 | 99 | Jan 27, 2013 12:59pm | |
| Was anyone else disturbed by the romanticized betrayal involving the love triangle of Alessandra, Cristoforo and Thomaso? | 14 | 123 | Aug 04, 2012 07:28pm |
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“The Devil may take the reckless, but the good will surely die of boredom. Boredom and frustration.”
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33 people liked it
“Someone told me much later that you always know the people who are going to make a difference in your life, from the very first time you set eyes on them, even if you do not like them at all. And I had noticed him, as he had me. God help us.”
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