Pretty silly, even for vacation reading.

Very similar to I, Mona Lisa. Almost to the point that at times I felt like I was reading the same book. The historical aspect is not as detailed as in I, Mona Lisa but the overall story was very good.

Hm, I seem to disagree with many of the reviews.
What I enjoyed: the long (tedious?) descriptions of art, fashion, what-have-you, pointless little moments. I also knew nothing of this time period or of Florence, so it made me feel like I was reading something vaguely educational.
What I disliked: the romance, the unrealistic friendships. Strangely, I would have been content if this novel had scarcely any plot at all, and just rambled about historical context and details of everyday life.

Thank God for historical romance novels that neatly coincide with my Art History course so I can feel simultaneously erudite and smutty.
That being said, I truly enjoyed this book. Admittedly, the first third failed to peak a page-turning fervor, but I was quick to forget the author's failure to quickly draw me in once the plot further blossomed. Because, once I was hooked, I was hook. After all, the slow beginning aside, what was there to dislike about the plot? Sodomy, adultery, betrayal, death, torture, court intrigue... I could expound, but I think you get the picture.
Oh, and the art. Oh my, the art. While some have (understandably) commented that the artistic references weighed down the plot, I just happen to be fresh from 1) completing my Intro to Art History course, thus rendering familiar names like Botticelli and Brunelleschi and 2) watching a four-part documentary on the Medici dynasty, a project of which dedicated an entire hour to the purging of Florence under the reign of the crazy, quasi-prophetic Savonarola.
Now, if I had read this book even two months earlier, I would likely be reporting a different reaction, but the fates seemed to align in order to allow me maximum enjoyment from the book.
That being said, my overall rating is 3.5: I just couldn't quite overcome the effort required to trudge through the first third of the book.

Parts of this book were exciting, page turning. And other parts were so boring I found myself skimming them. An unusual main character, some interesting plot twists, well researched art and religious history. But still felt mediocre to me.

Just gorgeous.

So much to love about this book. The prologue snared me right away. Descriptions of life in an upper class italian family of the middle ages makes you feel like you are there. The dialogue, although couched in the terminology of the time seems fresh and current.

I loved the beautiful handling of sex and desire within the realm of the middle ages.

Bravo, very well done.

Would of been so wonderful to have spent more time with Alessandra when she was older...youth is wasted on the young. Alessandra would of been of fabulous elder, yet we are deprived of any great detail pertaining to those years.

Its mis-titled. She wants nothing more than to draw and paint, but when marries a man who supports this, does not.