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Alchemy #1
Nonna's Book of Mysteries
At age fourteen, all Emilia Serafini wants is to learn to paint so that she can become an artist. But painters’ apprenticeships for young women don’t exist in the Florence of Renaissance Italy. The odds appear stacked against her until she receives a fascinating book, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy . It was once her grandmother’s and Emilia turns again and again to the Manual for guidance. When Emilia meets the wealthy, brooding Franco Villani, her life takes a thrilling, but dangerous turn. Franco will do anything to win a place in the court of the powerful Cosimo de’ Medici. Well aware that Cosimo prizes ancient manuscripts above all, Franco realizes Emilia’s Manual would be invaluable to him in more ways than one. Infused with the mysticism of alchemy, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an exciting portrait of a young woman who defies convention to seek her destiny. “ I loved Nonna’s Book of Mysteries ! It’s a wonder of a book– exciting, mysterious, and wise. I’ll long remember the courageous and determined Emilia who learns about choices and the consequences of choices, about the importance of struggle and perseverance, about loyalty, friendship, and love, amid the splendors of Renaissance Florence. I can’t wait for another from Mary Osborne.” Karen Cushman, Newberry Award Winner, author of The Midwife’s Apprentice.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Mary A. Osborne
3 books10 followersMary A. Osborne is the award-winning author of Alchemy’s Daughter and Nonna’s Book of Mysteries. Her stories were inspired by travels to Tuscany and the walled village of Certaldo—home of medieval author Giovanni Boccaccio—where Ms. Osborne envisioned her young heroines slipping through the narrow, cobbled streets and ancient piazzas. Reading about alchemy, including work by C.G. Jung, gave her the idea for A Manual to the Science of Alchemy, a fictitious book from which excerpts appear in both Alchemy’s Daughter and Nonna’s Book of Mysteries. An enchanting blend of history, alchemy, adventure, and romance, her writing appeals to adults as well as teens.
Ms. Osborne’s first novel, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries, was a Foreword Reviews 2010 Book of the Year winner and an American Library Association 2011 Amelia Bloomer nominee. Alchemy’s Daughter is the author’s second novel and the recipient of the gold award for both young adult fiction and young adult historical fiction in the 2014 Literary Classics Youth Media Competition. Her third book, The Last of the Magicians, is slated for release in 2018.
A graduate of Rush University and Knox College, where she was mentored in the Creative Writing Program, Ms. Osborne is a registered nurse and holds degrees in chemistry and nursing. Her freelance work has appeared in publications including Hektoen International, NewCity, and Examiner.com. She is a Chicago native.
Learn more about the author at MaryAOsborne.com. Learn more about the subject of alchemy at the author’s alchemy website, MysticFiction.com
Ms. Osborne’s first novel, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries, was a Foreword Reviews 2010 Book of the Year winner and an American Library Association 2011 Amelia Bloomer nominee. Alchemy’s Daughter is the author’s second novel and the recipient of the gold award for both young adult fiction and young adult historical fiction in the 2014 Literary Classics Youth Media Competition. Her third book, The Last of the Magicians, is slated for release in 2018.
A graduate of Rush University and Knox College, where she was mentored in the Creative Writing Program, Ms. Osborne is a registered nurse and holds degrees in chemistry and nursing. Her freelance work has appeared in publications including Hektoen International, NewCity, and Examiner.com. She is a Chicago native.
Learn more about the author at MaryAOsborne.com. Learn more about the subject of alchemy at the author’s alchemy website, MysticFiction.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 21, 2016
What I think I enjoyed the most about this book was how wonderfully strong, determined, and smart the protagonist is. Emilia Serafini is a fourteen year old girl coming of age in Renaissance Italy, and all she wants is to be a painter. This is not a typically achievable goal for a woman in that time period, but Emilia refuses to give up, even fighting against the marriage her father has already arranged for her.
To help her, Emilia relies on her book, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy, a tome that has been passed down the matrilineal line of her family for generations. This book, combined with Emilia's determination, grit, and talent, may just be enough to see her to her dreams.
Nonna's Book of Mysteries contains a delightfully varied cast of supporting characters, from villains, to love interests, to mentors and friends. But it is Emilia that is the real star of the story, and rightly so.
http://thebookkeepersapprentice.blogs...
To help her, Emilia relies on her book, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy, a tome that has been passed down the matrilineal line of her family for generations. This book, combined with Emilia's determination, grit, and talent, may just be enough to see her to her dreams.
Nonna's Book of Mysteries contains a delightfully varied cast of supporting characters, from villains, to love interests, to mentors and friends. But it is Emilia that is the real star of the story, and rightly so.
http://thebookkeepersapprentice.blogs...
February 4, 2018
Renaissance Italy is a perfect backdrop for a historical ya/romance with a strong, modern heroine because although there are proscriptions on women's behavior during this period, there is also an unusual amount of freedom. That combined with the intellectual, artistic and political richness of the period make the potential for plot and character development limitless. The author used the exciting history of 15th century Florence well, combining just the right amount of ambition, hope, intrigue and treachery.
As a teacher of yoga and a student of meditation, I was drawn in by the references to ancient teachings in the alchemy text central to the story. In some schools of meditation, one of the underlying thoughts is that we have to dig deep into ourselves to uncover our darkness or demons and work through that in order to achieve peace or in some cases enlightenment. We can argue about what those ultimately looks like, but I was impressed by the expression of similar sentiments, both by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians and, to some extent, by the early Christians. I am not by any means a religious person, but the author managed to convey the belief in saints and icons in such a way that I think everyone can appreciate the values of faith, morality and ethics.
Those heady historical, religious and philosophical references are intrinsic to the story of Emilia's ambition to be more than she is allowed to be, and those elements draw the reader in as much as the intrigue of her romances.
The writer has a good touch for comedy. I laughed out loud during a disastrous dinner scene. However, I found the first two or three chapters difficult to get into; it seemed Osborne wasn't exactly sure how to start or when to reveal certain things. The writing improved shortly after, and the charm of her character kept me reading.
While I appreciated the obvious care she took in her research, I was saddened to find an obvious historical error. There is no way a servant in Florence would have been harvesting potatoes in 1460 as they were not, to the best of my research, encountered by Europeans until 1537.
That's a small error, and it stands out because the rest of the story flows so well and requires relatively little suspension of disbelief.
A great read for young adults that will whet their appetites for history, religion, philosophy, art and politics.
As a teacher of yoga and a student of meditation, I was drawn in by the references to ancient teachings in the alchemy text central to the story. In some schools of meditation, one of the underlying thoughts is that we have to dig deep into ourselves to uncover our darkness or demons and work through that in order to achieve peace or in some cases enlightenment. We can argue about what those ultimately looks like, but I was impressed by the expression of similar sentiments, both by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians and, to some extent, by the early Christians. I am not by any means a religious person, but the author managed to convey the belief in saints and icons in such a way that I think everyone can appreciate the values of faith, morality and ethics.
Those heady historical, religious and philosophical references are intrinsic to the story of Emilia's ambition to be more than she is allowed to be, and those elements draw the reader in as much as the intrigue of her romances.
The writer has a good touch for comedy. I laughed out loud during a disastrous dinner scene. However, I found the first two or three chapters difficult to get into; it seemed Osborne wasn't exactly sure how to start or when to reveal certain things. The writing improved shortly after, and the charm of her character kept me reading.
While I appreciated the obvious care she took in her research, I was saddened to find an obvious historical error. There is no way a servant in Florence would have been harvesting potatoes in 1460 as they were not, to the best of my research, encountered by Europeans until 1537.
That's a small error, and it stands out because the rest of the story flows so well and requires relatively little suspension of disbelief.
A great read for young adults that will whet their appetites for history, religion, philosophy, art and politics.
June 9, 2010
Author Mary Osborne's trip to Florence inspired this engaging novel of Emilia, a young girl in 15th century Florence who dreams of becoming an artist. Very few women became artists at this time, and while her mother is supportive, her father is eager to have her understand "the way things are in the world." However, he indulges her and allows her to apprentice with a local artist, while disguised as a young boy. When her deception is revealed, she is dismissed, much to her dismay.
Emilia finds solace in a treasured book which has been in her family for generations, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy. This text, which Emilia considers to be little more than a family heirloom, contains passages from ancient texts that her mother assures her will help her get through difficult times. Throughout the novel, Emilia's story is interspersed with often mysterious quotations from this alchemy book.
When a grey-bearded man, a foreigner from Constantinople, finds her sketching in a Florence church, he offers her a position working with him at his workshop. While Makarios paints commissions for the Florentine gentry, he also creates ethereal icons from his own Orthodox tradition, and Emilia learns how to paint in this exotic tradition as well as in the Florentine style.
Emilia's head is soon turned by one of Makarios' patrons, a handsome and wealthy businessman from Genoa, Franco Villani. His flirtatious behavior makes Emilia believe that perhaps she could become his wife and the lady of his exquisite home. When they become engaged, it seems that all her dreams will come true. But when Emilia's friend Giacomo returns to Florence, she realizes she has romantic feelings for him as well when they exchange a passionate kiss. Giacomo warns her that we all have to make choices in life--will she choose Franco or Giacamo?
At the same time, Emilia's suspicions are aroused when her fiance Franco seems to take an inordinate interest in her ancient book of alchemy; when it disappears and other disasters begin to occur in her life, Emilia wonders if Franco could be to blame and how she can extricate herself from this marriage she once dreamed of. When she is asked to do a painting for the powerful Cosimo de' Medici, can he help her realize her dreams of being a successful artist and recover her family's treasured heritage as well?
This novel is the first of four in a series; the second, Alchemy's Daughter, is a prequel set about 100 years earlier.
As a former student of art history, I especially enjoyed the way Mary Osborne incorporated many well-researched details of painting and an artist's life during the Renaissance in her novel. She describes in detail everything from preparing walls for frescoes to grinding and mixing paints and preparing canvases. Teens who are used to picking up art supplies at the local Michaels or art store might be surprised at how time consuming painting was during this period.
While it may seem far-fetched to have a woman artist as the heroine in a novel set during the 15th century, there were a few women who succeeded in having artistic careers during the Renaissance (usually daughters of artists or members of the nobility), and certainly Osborne portrays how difficult it was for a young girl to pursue a path generally reserved for men.
Emilia finds solace in a treasured book which has been in her family for generations, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy. This text, which Emilia considers to be little more than a family heirloom, contains passages from ancient texts that her mother assures her will help her get through difficult times. Throughout the novel, Emilia's story is interspersed with often mysterious quotations from this alchemy book.
When a grey-bearded man, a foreigner from Constantinople, finds her sketching in a Florence church, he offers her a position working with him at his workshop. While Makarios paints commissions for the Florentine gentry, he also creates ethereal icons from his own Orthodox tradition, and Emilia learns how to paint in this exotic tradition as well as in the Florentine style.
Emilia's head is soon turned by one of Makarios' patrons, a handsome and wealthy businessman from Genoa, Franco Villani. His flirtatious behavior makes Emilia believe that perhaps she could become his wife and the lady of his exquisite home. When they become engaged, it seems that all her dreams will come true. But when Emilia's friend Giacomo returns to Florence, she realizes she has romantic feelings for him as well when they exchange a passionate kiss. Giacomo warns her that we all have to make choices in life--will she choose Franco or Giacamo?
At the same time, Emilia's suspicions are aroused when her fiance Franco seems to take an inordinate interest in her ancient book of alchemy; when it disappears and other disasters begin to occur in her life, Emilia wonders if Franco could be to blame and how she can extricate herself from this marriage she once dreamed of. When she is asked to do a painting for the powerful Cosimo de' Medici, can he help her realize her dreams of being a successful artist and recover her family's treasured heritage as well?
This novel is the first of four in a series; the second, Alchemy's Daughter, is a prequel set about 100 years earlier.
As a former student of art history, I especially enjoyed the way Mary Osborne incorporated many well-researched details of painting and an artist's life during the Renaissance in her novel. She describes in detail everything from preparing walls for frescoes to grinding and mixing paints and preparing canvases. Teens who are used to picking up art supplies at the local Michaels or art store might be surprised at how time consuming painting was during this period.
While it may seem far-fetched to have a woman artist as the heroine in a novel set during the 15th century, there were a few women who succeeded in having artistic careers during the Renaissance (usually daughters of artists or members of the nobility), and certainly Osborne portrays how difficult it was for a young girl to pursue a path generally reserved for men.
August 24, 2010
Florence in the 1400s was a world center for painting and culture. But the guild tightly controlled who could be licensed as a master painter, and girls and women were not allowed on their list. Still, fourteen-year-old Emilia Serafini lives for her art, and she’s desperate to find a way out of the marriage her father has planned for her. So she turns for guidance to a book her mother gives her that has been handed down through generations in her family: Manual to the Science of Alchemy.
But the book’s advice is not always easy to interpret, and sometimes Emilia doesn’t want to follow the advice she reads there. When she finds herself involved with a wealthy but unscrupulous businessman who covets the book, Emilia must call on all the magic she can muster from its pages to help her create the future she longs for.
In Nonna’s Book of Mysteries, author Mary Osborne paints a fascinating picture of Renaissance Italy and its thirst for beauty and knowledge. She includes enough historical details to bring the time period to life, but not so much that it overwhelms Emilia’s story. And Emilia is a great character who is rooted in her era with all the dreams of a girl far ahead of her time. Headstrong and determined, she also learns a lot about patience and tapping into wisdom passed down through the ages.
I also enjoyed reading about creating icons and frescoes and getting a taste for what life was like in a master artist’s studio of the period. Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is historical fiction at its best. I recommend it for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 14 and up.
But the book’s advice is not always easy to interpret, and sometimes Emilia doesn’t want to follow the advice she reads there. When she finds herself involved with a wealthy but unscrupulous businessman who covets the book, Emilia must call on all the magic she can muster from its pages to help her create the future she longs for.
In Nonna’s Book of Mysteries, author Mary Osborne paints a fascinating picture of Renaissance Italy and its thirst for beauty and knowledge. She includes enough historical details to bring the time period to life, but not so much that it overwhelms Emilia’s story. And Emilia is a great character who is rooted in her era with all the dreams of a girl far ahead of her time. Headstrong and determined, she also learns a lot about patience and tapping into wisdom passed down through the ages.
I also enjoyed reading about creating icons and frescoes and getting a taste for what life was like in a master artist’s studio of the period. Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is historical fiction at its best. I recommend it for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 14 and up.
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February 22, 2012Fourteen-year-old Emilia wants nothing but to become a painter, but during the fourteenth century in Italy, that’s near impossible. That is, impossible until Makarios, a foreign painter recognizes her talent and asks her to become his apprentice. As Makarios’s apprentice, Emilia gets more worldly exposure and maturity, and through an old family treasure, she gleans wisdom.
At first, this book seemed really interesting—it’s talking about Renaissance Italy! How could someone write a boring book in that time period? Apparently, Mary Osborne can. The author certainly did her research, and she tries to show this by cramming a copious amount to factual information into her novel. Did she really need to put Italian words in every other sentence? Not only that, the author has no writing style; as my English teacher would put it, she needs more showing and less telling. The book is a huge mix of clichéd storylines, and the plot is not captivating. She uses so many foreign names for the characters that I had a hard time remembering who is who. The author’s characterization is faulty; even her main character is flat. In her historical fiction novel, Mary Osborne’s certainly got the historical part down, just not the fiction.
At first, this book seemed really interesting—it’s talking about Renaissance Italy! How could someone write a boring book in that time period? Apparently, Mary Osborne can. The author certainly did her research, and she tries to show this by cramming a copious amount to factual information into her novel. Did she really need to put Italian words in every other sentence? Not only that, the author has no writing style; as my English teacher would put it, she needs more showing and less telling. The book is a huge mix of clichéd storylines, and the plot is not captivating. She uses so many foreign names for the characters that I had a hard time remembering who is who. The author’s characterization is faulty; even her main character is flat. In her historical fiction novel, Mary Osborne’s certainly got the historical part down, just not the fiction.
July 17, 2010
Emilia's dream of becoming a painter doesn't look promising, after all, it is only the 14th century and women did not have opportunities such as this. Emilia's parents decide to let her pursue her passion and take painting lessons. The only thing is, she has to pretend that she's a he.
She is emotionally shattered when her identity is uncovered and she can no longer take lessons. Her mother ends up giving her Nonna's Book of Mysteries and Emilia ends up learning a lot about herself and her family.
I loved Emilia. She's one of my favorite characters of all time and this is one of the best books I have ever read. I can't even begin to tell you how engrossed I was. This is one of those books that you have to read in one sitting.
She is emotionally shattered when her identity is uncovered and she can no longer take lessons. Her mother ends up giving her Nonna's Book of Mysteries and Emilia ends up learning a lot about herself and her family.
I loved Emilia. She's one of my favorite characters of all time and this is one of the best books I have ever read. I can't even begin to tell you how engrossed I was. This is one of those books that you have to read in one sitting.
February 23, 2012
I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is well researched in both art history and alchemy. The plot has some wonderful plot twists and I think the main character is a good and strong role model for girls. It is important to reinforce how far women have been able to advance with even basic rights. Emilia has great skill and should be allowed to paint like any boy.
September 12, 2019
I was going to Florence for vacation and found this book to read. It was a perfect companion for my trip. I even stayed on the same street that Emilia lived on! The story is predictable, but fun. I enjoyed the information about Renaissance lifestyle and painting. I will definitely read Alchemy #2.
July 8, 2021
It really is a fun read with humor but also very serious.
January 26, 2016
Strangely interesting book to read. Although I enjoyed it, it lost a star for me because it's historical fiction and yet the character and plot don't ring true. It's just too easy for the main character to shake off the shackles of being a woman and exploring her freedom. I think the time period was prettied up a little too much. But in any case, an interesting look at mysticism....
Book description:
At age fourteen, all Emilia Serafini wants is to learn to paint so that she can become an artist. But painters’ apprenticeships for young women don’t exist in the Florence of Renaissance Italy. The odds appear stacked against her until she receives a fascinating book, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy. It was once her grandmother’s and Emilia turns again and again to the Manual for guidance.
When Emilia meets the wealthy, brooding Franco Villani, her life takes a thrilling, but dangerous turn. Franco will do anything to win a place in the court of the powerful Cosimo de’ Medici. Well aware that Cosimo prizes ancient manuscripts above all, Franco realizes Emilia’s Manual would be invaluable to him in more ways than one.
Infused with the mysticism of alchemy, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an exciting portrait of a young woman who defies convention to seek her destiny.
“ I loved Nonna’s Book of Mysteries! It’s a wonder of a book– exciting, mysterious, and wise. I’ll long remember the courageous and determined Emilia who learns about choices and the consequences of choices, about the importance of struggle and perseverance, about loyalty, friendship, and love, amid the splendors of Renaissance Florence. I can’t wait for another from Mary Osborne.”
Karen Cushman, Newberry Award Winner, author of The Midwife’s Apprentice.
Book description:
At age fourteen, all Emilia Serafini wants is to learn to paint so that she can become an artist. But painters’ apprenticeships for young women don’t exist in the Florence of Renaissance Italy. The odds appear stacked against her until she receives a fascinating book, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy. It was once her grandmother’s and Emilia turns again and again to the Manual for guidance.
When Emilia meets the wealthy, brooding Franco Villani, her life takes a thrilling, but dangerous turn. Franco will do anything to win a place in the court of the powerful Cosimo de’ Medici. Well aware that Cosimo prizes ancient manuscripts above all, Franco realizes Emilia’s Manual would be invaluable to him in more ways than one.
Infused with the mysticism of alchemy, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an exciting portrait of a young woman who defies convention to seek her destiny.
“ I loved Nonna’s Book of Mysteries! It’s a wonder of a book– exciting, mysterious, and wise. I’ll long remember the courageous and determined Emilia who learns about choices and the consequences of choices, about the importance of struggle and perseverance, about loyalty, friendship, and love, amid the splendors of Renaissance Florence. I can’t wait for another from Mary Osborne.”
Karen Cushman, Newberry Award Winner, author of The Midwife’s Apprentice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2010
In Renaissance Italy, 14 year old Emilia doesn't really fit the mold of the other girls her age. While her father despairs of her ever marrying, Emilia longs to paint and be recognized like the male artist of her time. Emilia dresses like a boy just to get a chance to work under and learn from one of Italy's most revered talents. But when an accident reveals Emilia's true identity, she is fired and she is once again forced to face the fact that her dreams may be unattainable.
Shortly after another artist stumbles across Emilia and offers her an apprenticeship, with no disguises necessary. Emilia finds her way with the help of her unconventional and understanding mother and the aid of a century old family heirloom.
Nonna's Book of Mysteries is a coming of age story about a girl who defies convention at a time where there were very definite boundaries people, women especially, didn't cross. We get to see Emilia make mistakes and eventually find the path she was destined for all along. It's a fast paced young adult novel with an exciting glimpse of Renaissance Italy. I think it is a novel most adults would enjoy, as well. Emilia and the other cast of characters enrich the story and engage the reader. This looks to be the first book in the series, I would love to see what happens in the next book.
Cherise Everhard, August 2010
Shortly after another artist stumbles across Emilia and offers her an apprenticeship, with no disguises necessary. Emilia finds her way with the help of her unconventional and understanding mother and the aid of a century old family heirloom.
Nonna's Book of Mysteries is a coming of age story about a girl who defies convention at a time where there were very definite boundaries people, women especially, didn't cross. We get to see Emilia make mistakes and eventually find the path she was destined for all along. It's a fast paced young adult novel with an exciting glimpse of Renaissance Italy. I think it is a novel most adults would enjoy, as well. Emilia and the other cast of characters enrich the story and engage the reader. This looks to be the first book in the series, I would love to see what happens in the next book.
Cherise Everhard, August 2010
May 29, 2012
Anyone with an affinity for reading will greatly appreciate and enjoy Mary Osborne's testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the will to succeed. Main character, Emilia Serafini, combats a malicious and cunning villain, appropriately named Villani, for her freedom to express herself and her love for God. At odds against the social conventions of the 1400s, Emilia never looses her desire for and commitment to painting.
Nonna's Book of Mysteries is a delightful story accompanied by a few twists and turns, which are completely unexpected but artistically threaded into the plot. Aside from a thoroughly charming story, this novel introduces a new breakout author with particularly high literary skill. The author carefully and subtly communicates the mood and tonality of the story, as well as has an exceptional gift for imagery. Mary Osborne 'paints' a picture-perfect example of what young adult fiction should be: beautifully crafted entertainment with a valuable plot-line.
Nonna's Book of Mysteries is a delightful story accompanied by a few twists and turns, which are completely unexpected but artistically threaded into the plot. Aside from a thoroughly charming story, this novel introduces a new breakout author with particularly high literary skill. The author carefully and subtly communicates the mood and tonality of the story, as well as has an exceptional gift for imagery. Mary Osborne 'paints' a picture-perfect example of what young adult fiction should be: beautifully crafted entertainment with a valuable plot-line.
August 6, 2014
This book took me to places I never expected. Nonna's book of mystery is a wonderful story full of magic, courage, and love. this book narrates the story of a young lady named Emilia who dream with become a artist ( a painter) but there is only one problem: girls are not allow to be artist, as a profession.
Throughout the story Emilia had a lot of choices to make referring to her future as a painter, and also her love life. in her fourteenth birthday he received book of alchemy that has been from generation to generation in her family. this book help her understand a lot of secrets about life and death, and the secret of how to become an alchemist.
The setting of the story is Florence, Italy in the time of the renaissance. Nonna's book of mysteries is a reflection that when we want something with all our heart we are going to get it eventually.
The book was richly in vocabulary. I love the way the author described every character. I think Nonna's book of mysteries its and excellent summer read.
Throughout the story Emilia had a lot of choices to make referring to her future as a painter, and also her love life. in her fourteenth birthday he received book of alchemy that has been from generation to generation in her family. this book help her understand a lot of secrets about life and death, and the secret of how to become an alchemist.
The setting of the story is Florence, Italy in the time of the renaissance. Nonna's book of mysteries is a reflection that when we want something with all our heart we are going to get it eventually.
The book was richly in vocabulary. I love the way the author described every character. I think Nonna's book of mysteries its and excellent summer read.
February 21, 2013
I didn't feel the "historical" significance and vibe while reading the book. I think the characters were too flat and annoying. The progress of the story is too predictable usually very irritating. There were a lot of words that were used that I have reason to believe were not used during the Renaissance. The chemistry between the so-called love team seemed to be forced, naive and cheesy (in the not so good way.) I don't know maybe pedophilia is common by days but it just seemed weird that a fourteen-year-old girl is willing to marry a twenty to thirty-something year-old man.
The portrayal of religion here is also so...ugh. All that combined with the not-so convincing way art was expressed. I mean, I'm no artist so a better explanation that will lift me off my feet when it comes to art would've been more helpful right?
And the book is certainly not full of mystery.
The portrayal of religion here is also so...ugh. All that combined with the not-so convincing way art was expressed. I mean, I'm no artist so a better explanation that will lift me off my feet when it comes to art would've been more helpful right?
And the book is certainly not full of mystery.
October 4, 2010
Historical fiction , set in the late 15th century in Cosimo de Medici's Florence, Italy. Young Emilia is passionate abut becoming a painter. Her mother concocts a plan, Emilia disguises herself as Alsandro and apprentices to a local painter. All is good until a fellow apprentice makes a mistake that (literally) lands on Emilia's head and she is disclosed as a maiden and sent packing.
A chance encounter with another master secures a new apprenticeship while Emilia plots ways to evade a truly unpleasant marriage her father has arranged for her.
Steeped in Florence's medieval ways, once past the rocky start the book moves right along as we trip and turn along with Emilia as she navigates her headstrong way in a man's world.
A chance encounter with another master secures a new apprenticeship while Emilia plots ways to evade a truly unpleasant marriage her father has arranged for her.
Steeped in Florence's medieval ways, once past the rocky start the book moves right along as we trip and turn along with Emilia as she navigates her headstrong way in a man's world.
June 16, 2010
A great YA historical novel with a timeless message about figuring out who you are and going up against the odds to be yourself. Our spirited protagonist Emilia wants to be a painter in Renaissance Italy, and finds encouragement in her grandmother's book of alchemy. The role of the book is a juxtaposition I think many readers can relate to: Emilia's means of connecting with her roots, i.e. her grandmother and family history, and a kind of guiding force enabling her to be her own person. Ultimately, NBoM is a novel as much about legacy and deriving strength from your family as it is about coming-of-age and finding strength within yourself.
January 7, 2011
Historical Fiction, takes place in the 15th century. Emilia, 14, has one desire - to become a painter, but at this time in history...girls were not allowed to choose this type of occupation. Fortunately with a lot of luck Emilia found Makarios and he took her on as his apprentice. Emilia receives her grandmother's book, "A Manual to the Science of Alchemy" and she uses it for guidance. Then when the ancient text is stolen, she realizes that the person she is planning to marry is involved in the theft. Good story with strong characters. The short "blurps" from the manual are very interesting.
July 4, 2010
awesome characters, wonderful writing and very captivating!
October 13, 2010
A great historical fiction piece for young adults and the author has had an amazing journey herself, working to publish and publicize her first novel.
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March 17, 2013Story was just too slow getting started. Couldn't stay with it...
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews