It's a wonderfully written book with rich language. I don't have much knowlage of the Renaissance but it makes to want to read more into it. The story also doesn't exist in a vaccume depending on the characters, the characters are effected by history and the world around them. They change in accordance to that.

one thing that is uncomfortable is the portrayal of homosexual relationships. Since this of course is a historical novel it's not the most inclusive. There is a large agegap both between the main character and her husband and the husband and her brother. Also talks of SA in uncomfortable ways. It fits into the work well but it's not for everyone