Dunant, Sarah; The Birth of Venus "Buddy Read" (Start Date: June 22nd, 2013)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Anima

7&9 I agree that their marraige bargain seemed "fair" at first until Florence underwent it's "redemption" and then she had no freedom and was actually in danger through her association with him.

10. So true!

11. Good point. Christoforo clearly genuinely loved Tomaso

14. yes, he was such a different person when we met him later on!

End of the book
- That is true. It was selfish of Christoforo, but then he would have made her and the child miserable. And it meant Alessandra was able to live her life as she orginally intended. I just found it sad that it meant she could never have love or more children

- I like your summary. I think she is one of my favourite female characters too. I loved her independence without being too caustic.

Thanks for joining the discussion :)

[Christine]

June 26 chapters 37- end

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?

[Anima]

Thanks, Karen. I had a great time reading and discussing this book, and I haven't read similar story for some time, so it was a double pleasure. Thanks for recommendation and invitation to this buddy read :)