Birth of Venus
Alessandra Cechi is the main protagonist of this historical novel that eloquently describes the Florentine Renaissance. For someone whose experience in art criticism is limited to Da Vinci Code, this novel has carefully baited and stroked my interest in art and history. Alessandra is a woman artist who hides her skills (and talent) because she was born in a period where women were limited to 3 roles — mother, wife and perhaps, a nun.
Sarah Dunant carefully weaves in a murder and love story with debates about art, religion and politics. It was a “rich” story. It wasn’t something that I read in one sitting but despite having taking my time and reading other books in between, I was continually drawn to the book and its characters.
How the beginning and the ending intertwines makes this a very worthy reading. I will not tell you the spoiler but that main spoiler was quite a good twist that really caught me offguard.
weng said,
February 13, 2007 at 5:35 am
will definitely put this in my reading list. got no time right now (finishing my thesis. argh!). i’ve only got the chance of reading chic lit in between my required readings (China! China! China!). again, love your blog dear. keep it going. teach me how to start one too! advance happy hearts day.
amelita said,
February 13, 2007 at 6:51 am
thanks! just start one here at wordpress. It’s really easy to get started here and we can be on each other’s blogroll. I can just picture you blogging away!! It’s a great way to keep people (frinds, family, strangers alike) updated about your activities, trips and just about anything you feel like writing about.