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The Birth of Venus
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Dunant, Sarah; The Birth of Venus "Buddy Read" (Start Date: June 22nd, 2013)
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~ “Buddy Reads” and the 7% Solution Challenge ~
With regards to the 7% Solution Challenge taking place within the Tower Teams Reading Challenge, the Mods have decided that you do NOT need to create a day’s worth of DQs to satisfy Category #4 - Books of the Month or any impromptu “buddy reads.”
As far as the current BOMs, the Mods would appreciate any help (and there might be a cupcake
or two in it for your Team, if you do a set). Note: We added start dates to the threads’ titles.
Requirement for 7% Completion
Nevertheless, we stipulate that members participating in that challenge need to give more than a two sentence statement. Something more than, “I loved it. But hated the cliffhanger at the end...” repeatedly, member after member.
One example we liked was a comment or two at the end of every chapter or two where people put these under “view spoiler” (view spoiler). This is fine with us, though that makes it difficult to access for members reading on their phones.
Therefore, there needs to be some kind of designated stopping points for discussion - by chapters with view spoilers, as mentioned, or defined sections - agreed upon or defined by someone willing to make the suggestion.
If you like, you may reserve a post that refers the Mods to your comments.
Example (For this example, they all go to the same post; hopefully, you get the idea.)
Steven - link to my comments 6/10 on The Hobbit
Steven - link to my comments 6/12 on The Hobbit
Steven - link to my comments 6/14 on The Hobbit
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I picked up this book recently and would love to join. May I?
Yes, we were Oo! For too short of a time!!
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I have this hardcover version
which is what my page numbers are based on, so if you have a different version, go with the chapters:
June 22 "Prologue" - chapter 7 (pages 1-72)
June 23 chapters 8 - 17 (pages 73-144)
June 24 chapters 18 - 26 (pages 145-229)
June 25 chapters 27-36 (pages 230-309)
June 26 chapters 37- end (pages 310-407)
Sounds good!! I'll be ready for this.
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Yay. I got this from the library today, can't wait to start :)
I'm excited to start this!
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The Duomo - such an iconic image of Firenze
Men's fashion in 16th centrury Florence. You can imagine Tomaso and his friends prowling around looking like this
The type of outfit Alessandra may be wearing
Looking out over the whole city
The inside of the Duomo
16th century Florence had many painters completing religious frescoes
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June 22 "Prologue" - chapter 7
1. So the prologue was interesting! Any predictions on the meaning of the pigs entrails and snake tattoo?!
2. Alessandra is quite fascinated with the painter. Do you think it is more about him or his profession?
3.The body of a girl that was found, and presumed killed on the night of the lightning strike, do you think we will learn more? I wondered if it was Tomaso and/or his friends (or perhaps even the painter) involved in the killing?
4. Thoughts on the book so far? How do you find the writing style?
June 22 "Prologue" - chapter 71. So the prologue was interesting! Any predictions on the meaning of the pigs entrails and snake tattoo?!
pig entrails - gross, some sort of punishment maybe. The snake tattoo with the man's face - maybe a secret lover. Also when I think about the snake the story of Adam & Eve and the snake in Eden who lures Eve to eat that apple comes to my mind ...
2. Alessandra is quite fascinated with the painter. Do you think it is more about him or his profession?
Of course she is curious who he is and what he is doing. I am as well. As she is interested in art, yay I like her attitude about educating herself as much as possible, I would presume she is both, interested in him as a person, a male because as unmarried woman in these times she does not know any other males beside her father & brothers (couldn't imagine that! would be boring without the boys!) From what I've heard so far, I image him as a rather pale and scrawny example of a man, not ugly but not beautiful either :)
3.The body of a girl that was found, and presumed killed on the night of the lightning strike, do you think we will learn more? I wondered if it was Tomaso and/or his friends (or perhaps even the painter) involved in the killing?
Awful scene but I think that Ms. Dunant will reveal some story later, maybe? Hopefully. Aw, I don't want that the painter having anything to do with the murder. Tomaso is kinda crude, ... I don't like the brothers but I hope not but then again, that would make an interesting plot (dark secrets - yay!).
4. Thoughts on the book so far? How do you find the writing style?
I like it, I was afraid that it would be rather slow, but it's not. I like following the story at this pace.
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And I like your theory on the tattoo!
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I remember going to see David and I had no idea how it would effect me. I literally choked up on seeing him! It took all my courage not to cry, the intensity of that experience was so unexpected and has remained seared into my memory :)
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5. I like how the writer describes the building, the gardens and life in Venice. Are you enjoying the historical aspect of the book?
6. More grotesque murders. Tomaso says "it seems we both have secrets now". What do you think he meant? Do you think the painter has anything to do with the murders? (seeing that he drew a picture of a, presumably, murdered man)
7.Alessandra's father is in his 50s and Christoforo is 48. I did a quick google and found the life expectancy for the time was in the 40s with about another 10 years for the upper classes. Christoforo seems to be marrying in order to have an heir, but Tomaso's comment (warning?) seems to hint at something "not right" with her future husband. Can you image being 15 and married to a man as old as your father? What do you think is the "issue" with Christoforo? I don't remember mention of him being married before so I wonder if he is known to be gay and that is what Tomaso meant by Alessandra having "freedom" when married to him?
8.There is many mentions about the heat. The only time I went to Florence it was winter (December) and I don't think I have EVER been that cold (even when I lived in Canada!). The winds were whipping straight through from Siberia and it was bitter! Have you ever been to Florence or Italy? Can you relate to the setting?
June 22 "Prologue" - chapter 7I was thinking some type of self-punishment for the pig entrails pretending to be a tumor. And it seemed like the snake represented the snake in the garden of eden and is somehow related to sex and women being the downfall of man.
2. Alessandra is quite fascinated with the painter. Do you think it is more about him or his profession? I think it is both. She is obviously an extremely curious young woman - he is something different. From another part of the world, smells different, looks different. A man outside her family that is within her world is very unusual, and so itnriguing. And then she discovers he can paint beautifully - so more intriguing.
3.The body of a girl that was found, and presumed killed on the night of the lightning strike, do you think we will learn more? I wondered if it was Tomaso and/or his friends (or perhaps even the painter) involved in the killing? I think we will definitely be hearing more about this and possibly other murders. Could be Tomaso and his buddies.
4. Thoughts on the book so far? How do you find the writing style? I'm really enjoying the book and the story. Love the writing. Grabs you right away and sucks you into 15th century Florence.
5. I like how the writer describes the building, the gardens and life in Venice. Are you enjoying the historical aspect of the book? Yes, I really like how I get sucked in and the pictures that are formed in my head :) 6. More grotesque murders. Tomaso says "it seems we both have secrets now". What do you think he meant? Do you think the painter has anything to do with the murders? (seeing that he drew a picture of a, presumably, murdered man)
The scenes with the murders are quite small in relation to everything else what's going on but I think these morph the book more in a whodunit and the pace seems to suit that plot well. I am really curious and want to know what happens next. Hope we hear that soon.
7.Alessandra's father is in his 50s and Christoforo is 48. I did a quick google and found the life expectancy for the time was in the 40s with about another 10 years for the upper classes. Christoforo seems to be marrying in order to have an heir, but Tomaso's comment (warning?) seems to hint at something "not right" with her future husband. Can you image being 15 and married to a man as old as your father? What do you think is the "issue" with Christoforo? I don't remember mention of him being married before so I wonder if he is known to be gay and that is what Tomaso meant by Alessandra having "freedom" when married to him?
Oh my God! The old geezer is marrying a 15 yo virgin. That's creepy. I don't want to imagine their wedding night nor him naked.
Ok, I thought there was something about him but it wasn't mentioned before that he was gay and his lover is Tomaso. Her own brother arranged for a marriage of his lover with his sister?
No no no. I don't want to marry a man who is the same or nearly the same age as my father. That's sick.
8.There is many mentions about the heat. The only time I went to Florence it was winter (December) and I don't think I have EVER been that cold (even when I lived in Canada!). The winds were whipping straight through from Siberia and it was bitter! Have you ever been to Florence or Italy? Can you relate to the setting? I have been in Italy 3 times, but only in summer and it was always hot. I've been to Venice, in Tuscany and in Grado. I love the Italian landscape and the nature, also the cuisine. I want to visit Florence but not when it's so hot, maybe autumn would be a good time.
Hi everyone, I've just started reading the book and I'm in 4% but the prologue gripped my attention greatly, and I find some of it really mysterious. For now I have more questions than possible answers, but those pig entrails remind me of self-inflicted punishment or a painful reminder. Also it seems that sister Lucretia (I read this book in Polish and I'm not sure about the spelling of some names in English, feel free to make corrections :)) had a colourful youth.
Yes, the prologue was quite gripping!
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2.lol that is true, she hasn't been exposed to any men. I like her motivation to educate herself too. She seems like such a strong young girl
I also imagine the painter as quite scrawny and dirty and kind of intriguing
3. (dark secrets - yay!). lol!
4. I agree, the story is moving along quite well
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1. Good theory. I wonder how often she changed the pig entrails or if they just remained there getting more and more rancid (imagine the smell!!)
2. True. I think she was first intigued by the profession, and now the man
3. Tomaso just seems like such a --you know what-- !
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Welcome!
I like the idea of the entrails being a painful reminder / self punishment. And she clearly did not want them to be found and she wanted to be buried with it....
And I agree that she must've had another life before becoming a sister in order to get a tattoo like that!
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9. I love it when I'm right, but I was sad at the same time for Alessandra. What a depressing wedding night! what do you think about this situation? Tomaso was awful to do this deliberately and lie behind her back, but at the same time she has gained what she always wanted which is her freedom
10. The descriptions of life after the invasion were interesting... billeting "enemy" soldiers, creating special performances for them, the French army promising (although not delivering) to pay for the soldiers keep. I can't image that happening in modern warfare. Did it surprise you?
11. Florence is on it's journey to "redemption" which makes atleast two interesting and dangerous storylines. Firstly Christoforo and Tomaso's relationship could be exposed by someone. I wonder if Alessandra will eventually be driven by so much jealousy (and loathing of her brother) to expose them?
Secondly, these new times made it even more dangerous for the painter to visit Alessandra, and so out of character for him. He obviously really wanted that sketch back. What is the significance? Is it linked to the murders or just a red herring?
12. Things are starting to connect together as we meet the wrestler and see the idea for the devil serpent tatoo came from. It sounded like a pretty painful experience for him. Do you have any tattoos?
June 23 chapters 8 - 17 5. I like how the writer describes the building, the gardens and life in Venice. Are you enjoying the historical aspect of the book? Love the historical aspects of the book. I feel like I'm there.
6. More grotesque murders. Tomaso says "it seems we both have secrets now". What do you think he meant? Do you think the painter has anything to do with the murders? (seeing that he drew a picture of a, presumably, murdered man)No I don't think he has anything to do with the murders. I think he is sketching dead people and cutting them up to see what their muscles look like so he can be a better artist. And Tomas is probably referring to his secret life when he goes out.
7.Alessandra's father is in his 50s and Christoforo is 48. I did a quick google and found the life expectancy for the time was in the 40s with about another 10 years for the upper classes. Christoforo seems to be marrying in order to have an heir, but Tomaso's comment (warning?) seems to hint at something "not right" with her future husband. Can you image being 15 and married to a man as old as your father? What do you think is the "issue" with Christoforo? I don't remember mention of him being married before so I wonder if he is known to be gay and that is what Tomaso meant by Alessandra having "freedom" when married to him?Yes, Tomaso was definitely hinting at him being gay. I can't imagine as sheltered as Alessandra is that she would understand this.
8.There is many mentions about the heat. The only time I went to Florence it was winter (December) and I don't think I have EVER been that cold (even when I lived in Canada!). The winds were whipping straight through from Siberia and it was bitter! Have you ever been to Florence or Italy? Can you relate to the setting? Never been to Europe at all. But since I'm from New Orleans, I can imagine the heat. But from what I understand it is the light in Florence that makes it so special.
@Karen, thank you for beautiful pictures, they allow me to feel the mood better.I have some ideas about questions 2, 3 and 4.
2. I think that Alessandra is fascinated with the painter for a few reasons. First of all, she is definitely fascinated by his profession. She has got some skills and knowledge about painting, but she repeats several times that she needs someone to teach her more. Moreover, she is generally very intelligent, observant, curious and ready to break rules to at least try to get what she wants, that is why she is trying to acquaint him. I also agree, that she is fascinated with the very presence of a man in her house (some other that her brothers and father), but also with the fact that he is from some other part of the world.
3. I'm intrigued by the murder, it is important in my opinion, but I don't have a clue how, yet.
4. I generally like the writing style and the fact that Alessandra narrates the story. I also appreciate descriptions of the city, social life and historical context, together with some technical information on painting. The book keeps my interest, but I have a hectic week, so I read a little bit slower than I have planned.
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6. The murders are just kind of "in the background" aren't they? I agree it suits the overall plot well
7. haha it is a bit creepy by today's standards, luckily we weren't born back then! lol!
8. Lovely. I haven't been to Tuscany or Grado. Perhaps some day.
Btw - you don't need to use the spoiler tags as we read by sections so people know which bits you are referring to and won't read the sections they aren't up to (and spoiler tags can't be opened when people use the app). But I appreciate you trying to help others :)
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5. Same here *sigh*
6. You may be right. That was known to happen in those times
7. I don't think she has been told anthing of the "world", but you would think if that was the case her parents would know this and warn her?
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You're welcome! I can't help but gogle images as I'm reading the book. I just want to be there...lol
2. I think you are right. He must be quite the novelty, and also a level of admiration from her because of his profession and skill
4. I agree. And it is nice it is one of those books you can take your time with too :)
Karen, I don't think given the time period, that there was anything her parents could have said to her. In many ways he is a good husband for her. He is wealthy and titled and he appreciates her learning. Marriage was a contract between families and they were both getting something from the other here. The parents would have had to acknowledge too many things that they didn't want to know about to enable them to talk to her.
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Oh, I definitely agree that it would have helped! I tend to be rather a stickler for historical accuracy if I'm reading historical fiction (as opposed to historical romance).
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13. (Question adapted from one provided by pubisher) Do you find it ironic that the only character in the novel who seems to have any real freedom is the slave Erila?
14. (Question adapted from one provided by pubisher)In 15th century there was no word for depression, only melancholy, and no treatment. How different would suffering depression have been in this time when all meaning was seen to stem from God? (or the devil). It seems both the Painter and Alessandra are suffering depression, although to different degrees, do you agree?
15. Alessandra risked so much being with the Painter. From my experience newborns always look like their dads (nature's way of having the father not desert them apparently!) Do you think it will become obvious who the father is of the child?
16. Is it wrong that I was glad Tomaso is covered in boils? lol We are only seeing Alessandra's perception of him so perhaps he is not as arrogant and cruel as she claims. Do you have any sympathy for him?
17. We are about to start the last reading section and there seems to be quite a bit to be answered!
What will happen to Tomaso and Christoforo? Who is the killer? Does Alessandra give birth to a live baby? Is Alessandra Sister Lucrezia and if so, how does that occur? What happens to the Painter? Does Erila gain her freedom?
Predictions for the ending?
Karen wrote: "Couldn't help myself... Some images of houses/gardens depicting 15th century Florence The pictures are beautiful. I really feel myself transported there right now. Thank you Karen!
"
June 24 Chapters 18-269. I love it when I'm right, but I was sad at the same time for Alessandra. What a depressing wedding night! what do you think about this situation? Tomaso was awful to do this deliberately and lie behind her back, but at the same time she has gained what she always wanted which is her freedom
I still think Tomaso is the worst. How could he do that? I mean would you want to know that your brother is having sex with your husband and had sex with him before you got married with him and arranged for the marriage? Okay, she has freedom to do what she wants now but seriously, I would not want to change places with Alessandra. Also, what will she do with her newly won freedom now? First, he more or less told her that she was "responsible" for her own lust -- so will she take the painter as her lover? I hope for passion, steamy hot romance, if that's possible at that time.
Second, does that freedom include that she can roam the streets alone and go to as many places as she wants, I don't think so. A life of solitude in her new home with books & art, then?
Although I am not religious, I would rather go to the monastery. But wait if we hear later, that they have to get up at 5 am and pray the whole day on their knees on a floor of stone tiles then again maybe not. Running away is not an option, huh?
10. The descriptions of life after the invasion were interesting... billeting "enemy" soldiers, creating special performances for them, the French army promising (although not delivering) to pay for the soldiers keep. I can't image that happening in modern warfare. Did it surprise you? No, I read historical fiction since a long time. However, I think it suits the atmosphere to learn about the day to day life, the gatherings and happenings of the town and people, at the market, the church etc. I like how the author really transports us there with these descriptions. At least I feel that when I close my eyes I could walk along the streets with Alessandra and Erila.
11. Florence is on it's journey to "redemption" which makes atleast two interesting and dangerous storylines. Firstly Christoforo and Tomaso's relationship could be exposed by someone. I wonder if Alessandra will eventually be driven by so much jealousy (and loathing of her brother) to expose them?
Secondly, these new times made it even more dangerous for the painter to visit Alessandra, and so out of character for him. He obviously really wanted that sketch back. What is the significance? Is it linked to the murders or just a red herring?
Christoforo as an older gentleman could/would be hanged and Tomaso would suffer from the whip. Will she really hate them that much in the future to "murder" her husband, degrade them in public, to ruin the family's name and herself as well in the process?
Maybe the painter was afraid that he could be compromised when Alessandra would tell someone about it but then again, who would she tell from her adventures at night? However, it's definitely not "normal" to paint dead people. But intriguing nevertheless and creepy and sick. I liked Alessandra's attitude that she did not shrink back and lied him right in the face that she did not have that sketch.
12. Things are starting to connect together as we meet the wrestler and see the idea for the devil serpent tatoo came from. It sounded like a pretty painful experience for him. Do you have any tattoos?
That was interesting indeed.
No tattoos, I am a scary cat, can't deal with pain. I like tattooed people :) My sister has a rose on her ankle and she said it hurt really good.
Karen wrote: "@Christine6. The murders are just kind of "in the background" aren't they? I agree it suits the overall plot well
7. haha it is a bit creepy by today's standards, luckily we weren't born back th..."
thanks, I did not know whether to set spoilers or not so I'll remove them again. I had seen them in other buddy reads ...
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June 25 chapters 27-3613. (Question adapted from one provided by pubisher) Do you find it ironic that the only character in the novel who seems to have any real freedom is the slave Erila?
It is. She is the only one who can come and go when she wants to and catches all the rumors in town firsthand.
14. (Question adapted from one provided by pubisher)In 15th century there was no word for depression, only melancholy, and no treatment. How different would suffering depression have been in this time when all meaning was seen to stem from God? (or the devil). It seems both the Painter and Alessandra are suffering depression, although to different degrees, do you agree?
It's awful what the painter did to himself without treatment and that he was neglected by the family he came to live with and more or less left to die. He must have felt very lonely. The depression of Alessandra is not less awful from not being loved and feeling jealous for the relationship of her brother with her husband Christoforo.
15. Alessandra risked so much being with the Painter. From my experience newborns always look like their dads (nature's way of having the father not desert them apparently!) Do you think it will become obvious who the father is of the child?
I don't know if Christoforo will see upon first sight that he is not the father of the child.
16. Is it wrong that I was glad Tomaso is covered in boils? lol We are only seeing Alessandra's perception of him so perhaps he is not as arrogant and cruel as she claims. Do you have any sympathy for him?
I was not sad that Tomaso got sick. When he met his sister in the chapel with the painter I thought some of his arrogance was gone due to the fact that he was less beautiful than before.
17. We are about to start the last reading section and there seems to be quite a bit to be answered!
What will happen to Tomaso and Christoforo? Who is the killer? Does Alessandra give birth to a live baby? Is Alessandra Sister Lucrezia and if so, how does that occur? What happens to the Painter? Does Erila gain her freedom?
Predictions for the ending?
I think Christoforo as he said that Tomaso was not his only lover will not continue their relationship. I am really curious who the killer is and if that has an impact on the end of the story. The big question is, will Christoforo find out that the baby is not his and what happens then? If the baby is not born alive hm no clue. Why would she have to go to the monastery if the baby is dead? The painter ... hm ... he will go somewhere else to find new work and paint. I wish for Erila that she goes free.
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9. I agree re: Tomaso. It is like brother and sister are married to the same man! I agree she doesn't seem to have the freedom she craved. LOL re: monastery! And I think her situation is actually better than running away as atleast she has money. If he was poor then that would just be the sting in the tail!
10. I agree, it feels so real
11. I'm not sure that she would want Christoforo hurt, but she really detests Tomaso. I just can't see it ending well! Alessandra does have a lot of spunk ;)
12. Same here...I only deal with necessary pain!... and I've never had anything I like enough to put on my body permanently
I have not decided whether or not to continue with the buddy read. It is nothing personal, I am just having some major problems with the book and am not sure whether I will finish it or not.
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(last edited Jun 25, 2013 10:29PM)
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18. I have really enjoyed how the writer describes the mood of Florence.
"Such was the colour and confidence of their reign that people felt as if they had "lived" under the Medici. Which was a different feeling from simply preparing to die".
How did the bonfires of all that beautiful artwork make you feel?
19.There was so much death and destruction in this last section. Were your surprised about Christoforo's choice?
20. How did you feel about the return of the painter and the daughter leaving Alessandra? I found it very sad that their letters stopped coming.
21. And so we discover the truth behind the pig entrails and the tattoo. I would never have guessed that! Did you understand her choice?
22. This book has so many themes - fear, faith, women, adultery etc. What are your overall thoughts on the book and how will you rate it?
23. Any other comments/questions?
Karen - I like the writing but I'm having some very specific problems with the story and with the character. I'm really disliking the book at this point. The themes that are mentioned in the last question - I feel the author is manipulating the reader toward a particular viewpoint and it really annoys me. I used to read alot of feminist literature until I got very tired of it and this reminds me of why I got so tired of it. I will probably finish it but not sure how quickly.
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I know I am answering these on the last day, but it took me this long to read the first section because I was helping my sister move over the past few days. The rest of the book should be quicker and it probably won't take me more than a couple more days to finish.June 22 "Prologue" - chapter 7
1. So the prologue was interesting! Any predictions on the meaning of the pigs entrails and snake tattoo?!
That was gross and the tattoo has to have something to do with temptation.
2. Alessandra is quite fascinated with the painter. Do you think it is more about him or his profession?
I think it is more about the profession but she thinks it is about him.
3.The body of a girl that was found, and presumed killed on the night of the lightning strike, do you think we will learn more? I wondered if it was Tomaso and/or his friends (or perhaps even the painter) involved in the killing?
I am afraid the painter will know something about this, but I'm not sure if he is involved in some way.
4. Thoughts on the book so far? How do you find the writing style?
It is a slower read for me due to the historical aspect, but I like the writing style. I am hoping it picks up a bit and I am curious to see what happens next.
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The pig entrails were totally gross. And I think you're right that she is confused with the painter about if it is more about him or his talents
I finished yesterday, but I just now have some time to write answers to the questions and some of my thoughts on the book.5. I really liked the style of descriptions both buildings and gardens. I think the meticulous pictures of the city add a lot to the atmosphere of the book.
6. At first I also thought that the secret of Tomasso was somehow connected to murders, but after the few scenes with Cristoforo I was almost certain that it was his sexuality. When it comes to painter, his behaviour was definitely peculiar and slightly frightening, but I was trying hard not to believe in his guilt. He seemed to be too "pure" to be a murderer, but I knew that he had some contact with the victim even if post mortem.
7. I think that this kind of relationship was a common thing at the time. I don't know what I feel about it. Nowadays, 50-year-old men are usually good-looking and fit, and often do not seem to be at that age at all. I can only try to imagine that in Alessandra's times they were like old, wise men. But Cristoforo doesn't repel Alessandra almost until she finds out about his sexuality, so it couldn't be all that bad I presume. But the situation changes greatly after the wedding night. What's more, I don't like their deal. He wants to have a heir, but doesn't want to share the bed and give pleasure to his wife, while he himself gets all he wants. But I think again that was a common practice at that times.
9. Well, when it comes to the marriage 'bargain' between Alessandra and Cristoforo, it seemed fair at the beginning, but all in all, it was rather poor gain for her. The times changed quickly and in fact she didn't have that much freedom. At the same time it turned out that her husband wasn't ready to tolerate Alessandra's needs and actions as he promised.
10. I was surprised how peaceful this 'invasion' came and went. The French soldiers are depicted as rather bored, lonesome people, eager to eat and drink and have some fun rather than fight, conquer and scavenge the land. It was interesting, but although I'm not a historian, I found rather opposite behaviour described in most of the books I've read so far. This vision however was far more optimistic. Still, I cannot imagine it nowadays.
11. Reading the part in which Florence become a God's city scared me. It reminded me of some totalitarian ideas, and most important dictators of various kinds that are met throughout the history books. I don't like strict ideas, I prefer tolerance and coexistance as a main mode for the sociaty, so it was a difficult part of the story. At the same time, it allowed me to see clearly how strong the relationship between Cristoforo and Tomasso was. The first was risking everything to meet with Alessandra's brother despite all the circumstances. I don't know whether I was angry that he risked so much and cheated on Alessandra or impressed by the power of his feelings.
12.I liked the scene with the wrestler. It was clear how Alessandra got the idea of her tatoo, I was only curious when and by whom it was done, and I was really surprised when it occured that she did it herself.
13. I think that Erila had so much freedom, because she was less bounded by the conventions of the times. She was 'outside' the rules.
14. I believe that both Alessandra and Painter suffered from depression. Somehow, even without the name for it, they found the way to overcome it. Alessandra started to paint freely and Painter finally understood his talent and fell in love that I think healed him.
15. Alessandra didn't consider the danger when she made love to Painter. Erila turned her attention to that problem and made her to make love with Cristoforo to cover her infidelity. I think that she had a fair chance to mix the genes, but we know from the next part of the book, that her daughter took after Painter and it was not only her talent but also her eyes, so all in all, I believe that Cristoforo decision, the plot he came up with and Alessandra's decision to go to the monastery were good ones.
The last part of the book.
I wasn't surprised that sister Lukrezia was the same person as Alessandra. I was only surprised how it happened. I repeat here my previous statement that it was a good solution for Alessandra after what Christoforo did to her. Or perhaps his actions gave her a real freedom to choose her future life. I have a difficulty with this part. I'm still in two minds about Christoforo choice. I understand that he loved Tomasso and wanted to take care of him. At the same time he acted seflishly. It must have crossed his mind that Alessandra had limited choices. On the other hand, if he had stayed with her, he would have hated her and not his child most probably and their life would have been miserable anyway.
I was really happy that Painter found Alessandra, but I was also really sad, when both he and her daughter left the monastery. I worried about them when the letters stopped coming, but the Erila's mission to find them gave some hope.
I was totally surprised by the deception, but I was also under huge impression of this decision. That must have been difficult for her especially in terms of her faith. But at the same time in my opinion Alessandra was very brave and craved for independence throughout her life, so this decision was confirmation of her previous actions.
I rated this book four stars. I liked it and I was moved by the plot, but also by the sociological background, its description and analysis of the times. I think that the book lacked some insight and psychological depth. Still it gave me some food for thoughts and moved me on emotional level. I have a strong feeling that just like Alessandra I would be incapable of following the conventions of that time, but I wouldn't have enough courage and faith to chose even the most liberal monastery. I really admire her attitude towards life and her great intelligence. I think she might be one of my favourite female characters this year.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Birth of Venus (other topics)The Birth of Venus (other topics)
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 interrupted when Alessandra’s parents arrange her marriage to a wealthy, much older man. Meanwhile, Florence is changing, increasingly subject to the growing suppression imposed by the fundamentalist monk Savonarola, who is seizing religious and political control. Alessandra and her native city are caught between the Medici state, with its love of luxury, learning, and dazzling art, and the hellfire preaching and increasing violence of Savonarola’s reactionary followers. Played out against this turbulent backdrop, Alessandra’s married life is a misery, except for the surprising freedom it allows her to pursue her powerful attraction to the young painter and his art.
The Birth of Venus is a tour de force, the first historical novel from one of Britain’s most innovative writers of literary suspense. It brings alive the history of Florence at its most dramatic period, telling a compulsively absorbing story of love, art, religion, and power through the passionate voice of Alessandra, a heroine with the same vibrancy of spirit as her beloved city.
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