"Isabella d'Este, daughter of the Duke of Ferrara, born into privilege and the political and artistic turbulence of Renaissance Italy, is a stunnin...
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reviews
Jun 24, 2008
Tina
rated it: 
I'm on the fence about this book. Let's start with what I did like about it.
I loved the detailed descriptions of Leonardo da Vinci, his demeanor, his painting process, and his artwork. There were many quotations supposedly taken directly from his writings throughout the book and I loved that. He was my favorite character in the book.
I liked the way the relationship between the two sisters was portrayed, as intricate and complex- making it feel very real. They are frequently jealo More...
I loved the detailed descriptions of Leonardo da Vinci, his demeanor, his painting process, and his artwork. There were many quotations supposedly taken directly from his writings throughout the book and I loved that. He was my favorite character in the book.
I liked the way the relationship between the two sisters was portrayed, as intricate and complex- making it feel very real. They are frequently jealo More...
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Dec 17, 2009
Bethany
rated it: 
Eh. I usually really like books in this genre, but this one wasn't the best..it starts out really good but then it goes straight downhill and drags on and on...I was pretty disappointed all in all. I was excited to read this one, as its about DaVinci..but like I said, it wasn't what I had hoped for. If this is a genre you're interested in, let me know and I can recommend several that are much more entertaining and well written.
The story centers around two sisters and the seperate More...
The story centers around two sisters and the seperate More...
Jul 21, 2011
Erika
rated it: 
Set in Renaissance Italy, LEONARDO’S SWANS is an epic tale of sibling rivalry, ambition, politics, art, and love. Isabella d’Este is the primary point of view character. She is incredibly talented, beautiful, and shrewd. She is pleased with her betrothed until she realizes that the betrothed of her younger sister, Beatrice, is not only a better match for her in intellect and passions, but is also the patron of the genius Leonardo da Vinci. Isabella’s obsession with art makes her consumed with
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Dec 05, 2007
Carmen
rated it:
Sono italiano. Sono artista. Ho una sorella che è dieci mesi più giovani di sono. Perché il libro ha avuto la conoscenza meravigliosa nell'arte e l'amore ed Italia, considero la lanugine di Rinascimento di libro.
I am an Italian. I am an artist. I have a sister who is ten months younger than I am. Because the book had a fun look into art and Italy, love and relationships between sisters, I consider the book "fluff" of the Renaissance.
I am an Italian. I am an artist. I have a sister who is ten months younger than I am. Because the book had a fun look into art and Italy, love and relationships between sisters, I consider the book "fluff" of the Renaissance.
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Dec 11, 2009
Rachel
rated it: 
I loved this audiobook! The audiobook is set in the late 15th Century, and is a historical fiction book about politics, art and history of the Renaissance. It features some of the most famous families in Italy, including the Gonzagas of Mantua, Sforza/Visconti of Milan, and the D'Este of Ferrara. I found the main characters, Isabella & Beatrice D'Este, Leonardo Da Vinci and Ludovico Sforza. There were excerpts of Leonardo's notebooks and I liked how in depth they got about the art (esp as I am a
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May 18, 2011
Rio (Lynne)
rated it:
Isabella of Este was betrothed by fate to the wrong man. She believes her sister, Beatrice's husband Ludovico Sforza , was more suitable for her. Ludovico the Duke of Milan, loved power, art and wanted to be famous, just like Isabella. Beatrice on the other hand just wanted to be loved. I enjoyed this book because it takes you through the years of Leonardo da Vinci's best work. I enjoyed the relationship between Ludovico and Leonardo. I think the author did a great job bringing us the essence of
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Feb 24, 2011
Ashlee
rated it:
This book is about what I would call battle of the betters, between two sisters who are constantly trying to out-do each other in any way possible. The sisters Isabella and Beatrice are strong in their own ways but are always trying to bring out the others weakness, even after both are married and completing successes of their own, which they make sure to point out to the other sister. Beatrice waits forever for her fiancé to actually set a marriage date, where in contrast Isabella gets married
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Jun 20, 2009
Breezy
rated it: 
Mundane, lackluster, cure for insomnia... this book was ridiculously BORING! How Essex managed to take intriguing people in a period of time that has inspired countless writers to genius and transformed it into a piece of work that worked like a sleeping pill is beyond me!
The book being entitled "Leonardo's Swans" is terribly deceptive. One would think that the novel would make this artist and true Renaissance man a leading character. One would be sadly mistaken. How More...
The book being entitled "Leonardo's Swans" is terribly deceptive. One would think that the novel would make this artist and true Renaissance man a leading character. One would be sadly mistaken. How More...
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Jul 19, 2009
Carol
rated it:
While I loved learning about these women and their influence over some of the world's greatest art, I am tired of reading books that evolve so much around sex. Call me a simpleton if you must, but there it is.
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Aug 09, 2011
Helena
rated it:
i love this book, the istory is just perfect and teach me so much about old italy.
although the book´s name is "LEONARDO´S SWANS" it doesnt talk very much about leornardo da vinci, so if you wanna read it cause you are a kind of fan of leonardo and wanna read JUST about him i dont recomend you this book, in fact, the book told the istory of the royal family who was cheaf of leonardo in second half of XV century.
the books told about leonardo but not principaly of him.
i to More...
although the book´s name is "LEONARDO´S SWANS" it doesnt talk very much about leornardo da vinci, so if you wanna read it cause you are a kind of fan of leonardo and wanna read JUST about him i dont recomend you this book, in fact, the book told the istory of the royal family who was cheaf of leonardo in second half of XV century.
the books told about leonardo but not principaly of him.
i to More...
Aug 02, 2011
A surprisingly good and detailed read! My mother gave this book to me after finding it in the bargain bin, and I was skeptical of the quality. However, it was a wonderful story of two powerful Italian ladies in Milan and Mantua in the early 15th century. Their competitiveness and lives are highlighted by the inclusion of Leonardo as Beatrice's in-house artist, which irks sister Isabella throughout the years. While much of it is historically inaccurate, the characterization and realism of the
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Jan 13, 2012
Maria
rated it:
This book was engaging and easy to read. It focused on the political and artistic intrigues of the Italian Renaissance. The characters were alive and evolved as they matured and the political landscape changed. The story of love, political intrigue, the desire for power and money, the betrayals to obtain what one desires does not change with time only in the style in which the emotions are projected. History repeat itself is all I can say. While the setting was in Renaissance Italy, the aut
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Aug 28, 2010
Jean Marie
rated it:
Oh I loved this book. I love these two sisters and their relationships and their connections with the famed Leonardo da Vinci. It's written beautifully and very enveloping, it transfers you to that time of Italian Renaissance. I loved the dueling sisters Beatrice and Isabella d'Este and how you want to pick the side of one or the other but you never can because they're both endearing in their own ways. This is a beautiful book with a beautifully written story. The only negative is it's far too s
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Jun 02, 2009
Janice
rated it:
I enjoyed this book especially because I visited Milan and was awestruck by the Last Supper painting. Though I remember the mural opposite it in the same room and our guide pointed out the fact that the Sforza family was painted in the scene I am regretful that the mural opposite caused me to miss looking at it closely. Very informative book about the Renaissance but I long for perhaps a little more fictional approach to the characters. We don't have video/audio cameras from the 1400s so why
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Dec 20, 2011
Olga
rated it:
Ever since they were little girls Isabella and Beatrice d'Este were betrothed to very different men. Isabella's fiance is to take her to the country, to the estate of a family knows for breeding the best horses in Italy and she was to become a marquesa. Beatrice's betrothed is a learned man, the regent to the duke of Milan, a renown patron of the arts, a politician like no other and one day Beatrice may become a duchess of greatest city-state in Italy. It's too bad that Isabella has a brilliant
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May 23, 2010
Allie
rated it:
Read this review on my blog, here
Leonardo's Swans
by Karen Essex
Steeped in the excitement and dangers of 15th Century Renaissance Italy, Leonardo’s Swans was a fascinating book. It covered a vast array of historical events, from the rising tensions amongst the unstable Italian city-states, to the French invasion of Italy by Charles VIII, to the election of the corrupt Borgia Pope to the Vatican. The book had its occasional anachronism, but as a whole, I think fans of More...
Leonardo's Swans
by Karen Essex
Steeped in the excitement and dangers of 15th Century Renaissance Italy, Leonardo’s Swans was a fascinating book. It covered a vast array of historical events, from the rising tensions amongst the unstable Italian city-states, to the French invasion of Italy by Charles VIII, to the election of the corrupt Borgia Pope to the Vatican. The book had its occasional anachronism, but as a whole, I think fans of More...
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Oct 15, 2008
C.w.
rated it:
This review first appeared in the May 2006 issue of The Historical Novels Review, Editor's Choice)
Leonardo da Vinci has become quite popular these days, as has the historical novel featuring an intrepid woman ahead of her time, with an abiding interest in Art. Doubleday is clearly capitalizing on these facts in marketing Karen Essex's novel, LEONARDO'S SWANS. The strategy will undoubtedly sell books, but it does not begin to do justice to Essex's haunting account of the sibling riva More...
Leonardo da Vinci has become quite popular these days, as has the historical novel featuring an intrepid woman ahead of her time, with an abiding interest in Art. Doubleday is clearly capitalizing on these facts in marketing Karen Essex's novel, LEONARDO'S SWANS. The strategy will undoubtedly sell books, but it does not begin to do justice to Essex's haunting account of the sibling riva More...
Oct 12, 2009
Amanda
rated it:
Thought I was going to hate it but ended up loving it. A story of two sisters. A story of Leonardo da Vinci. Check it out.
Synopsis:
The story revolves around two sisters, Isabella and Beatrice d'Este. Isabella is the typical blond gorgeous beauty. And Beatrice is the younger, more wild and less traditionally beautiful sister. At first Isabella is ecstatic that she is engaged to handsome young Marquess of Mantua. And they are actually in love with each other. And poor Beatr More...
Synopsis:
The story revolves around two sisters, Isabella and Beatrice d'Este. Isabella is the typical blond gorgeous beauty. And Beatrice is the younger, more wild and less traditionally beautiful sister. At first Isabella is ecstatic that she is engaged to handsome young Marquess of Mantua. And they are actually in love with each other. And poor Beatr More...
Apr 25, 2008
Jeansue
rated it:
It says something that Leonardo is a mere bit-player, despite the title. In 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci paints, sculpts, and designs weapons for Lodovico Sforza as the French initiate their takeover of northern Italy. Two of the four “swans” he paints, sisters Isabella d’Este and Beatrice d’Este, will become the Marchesa of Mantua and the Duchess of Milan. In those positions, they will patronize the arts, run city-states, set fashion, bear children and control, contrive and contribute to the
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May 30, 2008
Susan
rated it:
Leonardo's Swans is the engrossing tale of the d'Este sisters, Isabella and Beatrice, daughters of the Duke of Ferrara. They were competitors in everything, from art to fashion to love.
The book takes place primarily in the late 1400s in Italy. Isabella is married off to Francesco, Duke of Mantua while Beatrice is sent to be the wife of Ludovico Sforza, regent to his nephew, the Duke of Milan.
Even after their marriages, the girls are still great riv More...
The book takes place primarily in the late 1400s in Italy. Isabella is married off to Francesco, Duke of Mantua while Beatrice is sent to be the wife of Ludovico Sforza, regent to his nephew, the Duke of Milan.
Even after their marriages, the girls are still great riv More...
Aug 12, 2011
Daniela
rated it:
It was a bit different from what I was expecting... I was expecting more Leonardo and, I guess, more depth. It's an ok book, easy read, but it focuses too much on romance for my taste. As far as historical fiction goes, it's a bit cheesy, albeit with good reasearch and some psychological insight here and there. It's an obviously feminist novel, in that it concentrates on women and their (not often acknowledged) role in history. Sadly, however, it did feel like a "pink novel" and pretty
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Jul 23, 2009
Nancy
rated it:
This historical novel is fine, but doesn't sparkle in any way. Here we are with beautiful women; arranged marriages; court intrigue and the history of Renaissance painting---and, the sum of the parts is still hum-drum. It was fun to read a bit (I hesitate to say learn. . .) about Leonardo DaVinci's eccentric behaviour and manipulation of his patrons but I finished the book (as other reviewer's have mentioned) expecting more. This would be a fine airport or beach read, but not much beyond that.
Apr 01, 2011
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5004...
Not very good. I must get back to my own books and leave Bookcrossing for the short term, I'm getting really annoyed to not enjoy what I read. This was not a total clunker, well, maybe. Essex just seemed in way over her head. She was trying to make some grand statements about the works of Leonardo da Vinci via the d'Este sisters, Isabella and Beatrica, but it just didn't work. There was high flown prose about art tossed in with crude sex and d More...
Not very good. I must get back to my own books and leave Bookcrossing for the short term, I'm getting really annoyed to not enjoy what I read. This was not a total clunker, well, maybe. Essex just seemed in way over her head. She was trying to make some grand statements about the works of Leonardo da Vinci via the d'Este sisters, Isabella and Beatrica, but it just didn't work. There was high flown prose about art tossed in with crude sex and d More...
Apr 06, 2009
Diane
rated it:
I'm not usually a reader of historical fiction, so the fact that I liked this book three stars worth says something. I liked the feisty sisters and the peek into the era. I skimmed over most of the lengthy descriptions of art and riches. Just not my thing. I thought it was well-done for the genre and was thoroughly engrossed until about the final quarter, when I thought we were mostly getting a recitation of historical events instead of the story of the characters.
May 05, 2010
Hooma
rated it:
Did not think that this book was too great. The only thing I learned was the Leonardo Da Vinci was a procrastinator and did not finish many of his artistic projects during his lifetime. The book, however, did provide nice insight into the lifestyle's of the Italian nobility.
I think there was too much details about political and diplomatic manuevering that at times made it difficult to get through the novel and made the reader lose interest.
Overall, if you pass up reading More...
I think there was too much details about political and diplomatic manuevering that at times made it difficult to get through the novel and made the reader lose interest.
Overall, if you pass up reading More...
Dec 08, 2009
Amanda
rated it:
I enjoyed this book for a couple of reasons. The way the author wove in descriptions of Leonardo's sketches and paintings was great fun for me as an art lover. Bringing this volatile time of Italy's past to life, as well as the artist Leonardo, was very captivating. What was even more enjoyable about this book was thinking about it after I finished it. The author often mentions how easily the lives of the main characters could of been switched and it was just the fates which lead them on the
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Jul 09, 2011
Maydayeve
rated it:
Essex weaved an intriguing historical fiction set in renaissance Italy regarding the lives of the D'Este sisters. She threaded love, power, politics and arts seamlessly. The story developed a realistic ambivalent relationship of Isabella and Beatrice D'Este amidst the power struggle existing in europe and putting as backdrop the works of art and genius of Leonardo Da Vinci. It also shows a different side of a life of an artists, a master like Leonardo. although the story did not have an impressi
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Oct 14, 2011
RevMaggie
rated it:
In typical Karen Essex style, I learned so much about "The Magistro" and the culture, history and nuances of the Italian courts, churches and centers in which he flourished. Spoken from the voice of the Duke of Milan's sister-in-law, I appreciated the female perspective. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical novels and is enthralled by Renaissance art.
May 04, 2008
Mauricio
rated it:
Its a cute story. I love fictional history , love traingles and machiavelian telenovelas so it seemed like a natural fit. Im emjoying it but not impressed,you can feel the author trying to make the Ethos (or was the Pathos, whichever is the feeling we are supposed to get from the reading) very renaissance sensual with thick descriptions of "rich, rich , rich" things..and trying so hard begins killing my suspension of disbelief and see the author going through museums and doing her rese
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Aug 13, 2010
Carol
rated it:
Well, I had to push through to finish this one. Just not as interesting as I was hoping it would be. Mainly a lot of back and forth between two sisters trying to one-up eachother in regards to their marriages, children, husbands, and who had the best outfits....yet, all set in 15th century Italy. Not very well written, and the many vignettes involving Leonardo were really not necessary, and hardly fit into the story. Oh well.
