The Birth of Venus: A Novel

Written by Sarah Dunant

Narrated by Kathe Mazur

Alessandra Cecchi is not quite fifteen when her father, a prosperous cloth merchant, brings a young painter back from northern Europe to decorate the chapel walls in the family's Florentine palazzo. A child of the Renaissance, with a precocious mind and a talent for drawing, Alessandra is intoxicated by the painter's abilities.

But their burgeoning relationship is interrupted when Alessandra's parents arrange her marriage to a wealthy, much older man. Meanwhile, Florence is changing, increasingly subject to the growing suppression imposed by the fundamentalist monk Savonarola, who is seizing religious and political control. Alessandra and her native city are caught between the Medici state, with its love of luxury, learning, and dazzling art, and the hellfire preaching and increasing violence of Savonarola's reactionary followers. Played out against this turbulent backdrop, Alessandra's married life is a misery, except for the surprising freedom it allows her to pursue her powerful attraction to the young painter and his art.

The Birth of Venus is a tour de force, the first historical novel from one of Britain's most innovative writers of literary suspense. It brings alive the history of Florence at its most dramatic period, telling a compulsively absorbing story of love, art, religion, and power through the passionate voice of Alessandra, a heroine with the same vibrancy of spirit as her beloved city.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
• Release date: Nov 12, 2003
• ISBN: 9781415902332

Sarah Dunant

Sarah Dunant has written eight novels, including The Birth of Venus and three Hannah Wolfe novels—Birth Marks, Fatlands, and Under My Skin. She has worked widely in print, television, and radio. Now a full-time writer, she lives in London and Florence.

Reviews for The Birth of Venus

[xicanti_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A young girl in Renaissance Florence must choose between her artistic aspirations and society's demands.The first hundred pages of this book annoyed the bloody hell out of me. Dunant flits between past and present tense, seemingly at random. She starts off in past tense. She quickly shifts to present tense and stays there for quite some time before switching back to past tense in the middle of a paragraph. Repeat x22. (Which is probably an exaggeration, but you get my drift).And then, about a hundred pages in, she stops doing it. Bam. Suddenly the entire book is in the past tense, with occasional present-tense references to the other characters. (Not all of these make sense in context, but they're not as jarring as the back and forth was).I've got to say, it was quite readable from thereon out. Dunant's prose is smooth and straightforward when she's not playing dodgy games with tense, and I appreciated the way she developed the historical setting. I do love Renaissance Italy, and it was nice to be back there. I felt that Dunant did a good job of capturing just what it would have felt like to be a young woman in Savonarola's Florence. I also enjoyed all the artistic references, though I must say I was expecting more of them in a book named after one of the most famous paintings in Western art.So it wasn't a bad book after those first hundred pages, but I didn't find it particularly compelling. I never came to feel for Alessandra, and I felt like Dunant could have done a lot more with the rest of the characters. She introduces some really interesting scenarios, then fails to do much with them. I'd have loved some more insight into everything that passed between Alessandra and Cristoforo, in particular; it's a shame that Dunant mostly glosses over their relationship. The romance, too, fell flat for me, and I was disappointed with the way the murder subplot was resolved.So that's that. It's a readable book with a nicely developed setting, but the rest of it leaves something to be desired. If you'd like to take a short jaunt through Renaissance Florence, it's worth borrowing from the library, but I wouldn't say it's one to buy.(A longer version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).

[cindywho-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It wasn't a work of great literature, but it gave me a window into a small part of the history of Florence - the time of the Bonfire of the Vanities. A young woman of a wealthy family must be married off even though she'd really rather run off and be a painter. She does the best she can within the confines of her life to notice what's going on around her and to have an opinion on it. Though the story is sad and melodramatic, it was a good listen.

[justagirlwithabook · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a book I wanted to be really good, and in many ways it was, but I found it dragging along at times. Sarah Dunant does a great job of embedding rich historical events and information into the storyline, but at times the description overshadowed the plot and one hundred pages would go by without much seemingly happening. Aside from the lulls here and there, the story was interesting with a strong female protagonist figuring out her place in the world during this time period.

[catzkc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed immersing myself in the Savonarola years in Florence. An interesting time period, and I don't know many HF books specifically set in that time/place. I thought I knew in the beginning how the plot would play out, but I was happy to be wrong. The author threw in quite a few twists and turns. I initially rated this higher, but as it's marinated in my brain, I've adjusted down. There were a few too many things that kept bothering me.

SPOILER ALERT

One of those was how Alessandra reacted to her husbands marriage bargain. I can understand it should be a shock, but she waffles between seeming acceptance and awful bitterness. Later on when talking with her mother, her mother asks her if she had known would it have made any difference, and she replies that she hadn't thought about that before. I can't believe a woman in her situation would not have gravely considered the alternatives right off the bat! But maybe I'm too pragmatic. I could see some might expect her to express a mourning at the prospect of never having a deep and loving relationship with her husband, but this is very early 16th century Italy - women didn't have those sorts of expectations in a marriage at that time. I think they knew the realities well enough to know just how bad a marriage could really be. Your husband taking up with your brother - well, not good, but it could definitely be much worse.

There was also the way she waffled between disgust at her husbands actions with her brother and acceptance. At one point she experiences pangs of religious piety - wondering what sacrifices she must make to save her husband's and brother's souls - but then a page or two later she says or does something to make it seem like she's not really bothered by it. Alessandra mostly seems to object to the marriage arrangements mostly out of jealousy than anything else. That just doesn't quite ring true of the era for me, but I'm hardly a historical scholar, so I could be wrong about that.

I also cannot believe the part where Erila takes her out in the middle of the night she she is 8 months pregnant on a wild errand to hopefully meet the painter at the gates. She always discouraged Alessandra's relationship with him, and she's going to pick that moment to change her mind?

So, a few flaws, but overall very enjoyable.

[goth_marionette · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! I plan on reading more by this author. I felt the characters were believable and interesting. I was impelled to keep reading. Sarah Dunant portrayed the period well and provided an interesting view on life at the time.

[moirastirling · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very enjoyable. Beautiful imagery.

[lisahistory · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Takes place during Savanarola's rule of Florence, featuring a woman painter who marries a genteel man who turns out to be not only gay but in a relationship with her brother. Very effective at showing the brutality of life under Savanarola, though its intention seems to be focused on art. It's more about the way she handles the challenges life throws at her. Well written.

[cemagoc · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Alessandra is one of the most inconsistent characters I've ever had the pleasure of joining. At times overly compliant with the wishes of her superiors, at other times so disrespectful to the same people that even I wanted to smack her, she is a less than animated strong female heroine. When I started this novel, I very much hoped I'd fall in love with its lead, but I was so disappointed I found myself wanting to hit my own head with the book.

Like other readers, I was confused by the title. As someone with an interest in art history, I expected to find out some long hidden (fiction or not) secrets about the true workmanship of the painting, The Birth of Venus. Perhaps the daughter of Alessandra would be the great and beautiful model for Venus, a woman whose long cornflower hair sharply contrasts the main character's (overly emphasized) raven-black tresses. No, that would be too much to ask: a twist. I was sorely disappointed. The only connection is one line, a reference to the similarities between the groundbreaking nature of the painting and the nerve-breaking personality of Alessandra. A misnomer. Beware, art fans everywhere.

When I reached the marriage of Alessandra to her much older husband, I was not surprised to find out the truth of his sexuality. Shocker. But it's been done before, and I was not all that impressed with the handling of the entire scene. I also could not understand why an author would use such words as "member" to describe a man's penis, when this is language far newer to our English vocabulary. Forgive me, but, even though this would have been in an entirely different language, a girl who has just reached the onset of puberty would not have in her vocabulary the Italian equivalent in slang. The handling and utter vulgarity of this scene did not seem to belong in this novel. However, I realized at this point in the novel that it was not what I thought it was.

Though this (rambling) review seems to completely condemn the novel, I must offer my praises to Dunant. For such a short novel, she did considerable research into the world of the Renaissance, and clearly knows much about the culture among artists and patrons of this period. The initial ideas of the novel--an unusual woman and a prodigal artist--could have made it a successful and interesting work, if more care had been taken.

[kimlarae · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Wooden. Highly unbelievable.

[lberriman_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful tale.

[boomchick_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book!

[futuremrsjoshgroban · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This could have been so fabulous. And it was NOT. I constantly found myself looking up from the page and going, "And WHY am I even trying to finish this thing?"

[victoriajz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyed this book - set in Renaissance Italy - a period I have not read many novels about.

[nwieme-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great story, hard read. Overall I enjoyed it.

[sheriawilkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Birth of Venus by Sarah DunantSet in Renaissance Florence fourteen year old Alessandra falls for an Artist but she is promised to a much older man. She turns to art for solace as she comes to terms with her often turbulent life. A powerful coming of age story of a young lady wise beyond her years.The characters are well developed with attention to detail, vivid and true to the era. Overall I enjoyed The Birth of Venus and feel those who love historical stories with a female protagonist will enjoy it as well.

[smits_52 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Since I have just returned from Italy and did visit Florence, this book captivated me. I loved learning about the art of the time and the history that inspired it. This was all done through a very readable story about a unconventional young artist Alessandra who falls for a young painter ( Michaelangelo we later discover) commissioned to paint a fresco in the family's chapel. Her story takes us through Florence during the Medici's, the French occupation, the years ruled by the wild monk Savonarola , ,and the bonfire of the vanities , marriage and family life and convent life.

[mbmackay · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an enjoyable book. Set in Florence in the late 1400s, it follows the life of a smart and well educated woman of an affluent family. The book is well structured - starting with the death of the main character as a short teaser, then relating the story of her life as a first person narrative in the bulk of the book. The teaser is graphic and compelling, and the reader is naturally drawn to the details of the life to explain the information given at the start.I had one quibble: in telling the mismatch between a smart and assertive woman and the expectations of her contemporary society, the author occasionally seems to give her a 21st century voice. While there are constants in human nature, I doubt that their expressions will be as anachronistic as this.But, minor objection, I found the book a page turner and a great read.Read Jan 2015.

[olongbourn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good read... interesting characters, interesting time in history, slightly different ending wished for, one that's a bit more positive.

[kat_hooper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wish there were more writers like Sarah Dunant -- Her writing is lush and beautiful. Dialogue sounds real, descriptions are vivid, characters act in realistic ways (not as caricatures), endings aren't always predictable or happy. Also, her work is well-researched and educational.

I was enthralled with this book from the very first page (that's unusual for me) -- I loved it. I also enjoyed "In the Company of the Courtesan".

[morgtini · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For lovers of historical fiction and stories of women finding themselves amid oppression and self-doubt, Sarah Dunant delivers. The Birth of Venus is set in Medici Florence, and focuses on the young Alessandra as she discovers the unfairness of a world run by men, in which she has very few choices. She manages to carve out some happiness for herself, however taboo it might be. This is absolutely an enthralling, intelligent story about a strong woman who finds her place in life amid a struggling, tumultuous time in history. I would recommend any Sarah Dunant book, but particularly this one to any friends.

[petreaburchard · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I like the descriptions of Florence, the politics, etc. And what a great premise for a novel! But for me it fell flat. It's hard to care about the characters when you can't get to know them. For example, we're told the protagonist is headstrong, a spitfire, etc...but we don't see it. In short, a lot of telling, not much showing.

[cat1ballou · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I don't have much of an excuse for this one: I was away from my bookshelves of better choices. I had just finished This is Where I Leave You, I had nothing to read with me at that exact moment in time, and this was around. I picked it up because I didn't hate hate her more recent book, Sacred Hearts. At least it was a quick read.

[iwriteinbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I hate to say it but more often than not, I am underwhelmed by a book when I close it. I don’t, generally, fall in love with stories like I used to. I don’t know if that is a result of reading too much or living too much but regardless of reason, it’s true. I haven’t, for a while, found a book that I will recommend around to a large audience on different subjects depending on the person.I’d like to say a big “thank you” to Sarah Dunant for breaking my losing streak. I just finished her Birth of Venus and it’s exquisite. Not only is the time period expertly researched but she manages to hit on those emotions that were felt so deeply then and still ring true, today. Themes of sexuality, both general and orientation, are explored in an unabashed, dare I say, naked way that leaves the reader feeling less exposed and more unburdened.Her tale follows Florentine and budding artist, Alessandra, the youngest daughter of a wealthy cloth merchant, from girlhood to twilight, tripping along through history on her way. As Alessandra is coming of age, Florence is coming to grips with the Medici murders and the rise of crazed Dominican priest, Savonarola. It is a time between flourishing culture and the horrific Bonfire of the Vanities. Michelangelo and Da Vinci are young men, virtually unknown but it is already a culture of beauty and freedom that takes a strong dislike to the pulpit thumping of the man of the hour.Through the trouble and strife, Alessandra encounters several great figures from history, laying claim to several as lovers and relatives in her wake. To say much more about the actual story woven would do a disservice to Dunant’s beautifully crafted masterpiece. The writing is flawless but not the most impressive part. The overall story itself is the stronger aspect. She is able to capture the tone of the time in a way that makes it parallel in many ways to our own. Closeted heads of state, teen angst, young love, tortured starving artists, corruption, censorship and abuse of power are all intertwined to create a tapestry that, with a few tweaks could take place several hundred years in the future.As I mentioned before, this is a must read and my new recommendation. If you like art, love, history, sex, violence or any combination thereof, The Birth of Venus is well worth diving in to.

[ladyambrosia · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really tried to like this book, I wanted to like this book as it has been on my to read pile for a long time but it was one I thought sounded really good. Sadly I just could not get into this one and while I read the whole thing it really was not one I probably should have finished.

The core things that I look for in a good historical fiction were there. The history was solid and I liked the time period as well as the location. You can not get much better then a story in Florence during the Renaissance after all. I love hearing about all the art of the time, after all some of the finest art came out of that time. However there was just something about this one that I could not get myself to like. I suspect it was the general writing style as it just did not connect well with me. There is also the fact that after the initial introduction (which I enjoyed) most of the book becomes rather predictable.

While I can look past mistakes in form and technical aspect of things if the story grips me because this one didn't I tended to find the mistakes in this one easier and it bothered me. I know others have enjoyed the book and I would love for them to perhaps tell me the key to what I am missing here although perhaps I am not missing anything at all, I just did not care for it much. If you like predictable plot, and a lot of art talk this may be a read for you, otherwise I wouldn’t read it.

[marlene9nl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have read and really enjoyed it. This book got me really interested in fresco's and I'd love to visit Florence. Great story.

[lindap69 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Strong female in 15th century Florence chooses marriage so as to be free to paint. Well blended history and story from one of my favorite time periods.

[comixminx · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyed this though it was a slower start / slower read than other books I've been reading recently (which have been more plot-driven, to be fair). However - the blurb called this "erotic" - not at all! Colourful, yes, and intriguing; but not erotic at all.

[elysianfield_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

2.5/5 stars

I have to say that I wanted to like this more than I did. I don’t know much about Italy and I wish I’d knew more about the things that happened in the book. I didn’t feel connected to the characters and the only one that I wanted to read about was the painter, who isn’t mentioned by name. I did some skipping in the beginning but it did get better towards the end.

[harrymacdonald · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Good intentions and above-average research fail to elevate this very far above what is archly called "chick-lit". About ten years ago the High Renaissance became Hot Property for the sorry tribe of historical fictionistas. The wave seems to have broken and passed, though what will follow it -- in the manner of the plagues in EXODUS -- is anybody's guess. Meanwhile, I woud like to think that those who found some interest in this novel might graduate to some of the many fine -- and readable -- non-fictions works in this subject-area, or maybe even George Eliot's ROMOLA.

[lara335 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sarah Dunant has created a complex, appealing character in Alessandra, a young woman seeking personal freedom in Renaissance Florence. As the Medici family falls and Savonarola calls for a 'bonfire of the vanities', art and love are threatened.This is a brilliant recreation of a fascinating historical period, full of well-drawn characters, art and colour, and a compelling, moving story of a vibrant woman who lives a confined life but is never a victim.