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.