[ 
Mood: Sleepy ]
[ Currently: Breastfeeding my son ]
Sarah Dunant used to write trillers. Then she wanted to write a novel about Renaissance Florence. Birth of Venus was the result.
The book tells the story of Alessandra, the youngest daughter of a merchant family. Alessandra is smart, well educated and shar tongued. She is also an artist. The problem is that women are still only supposed to be mothers, wives or whores. Alessandra fights against these fetters, flaunting her knowledge and studying art.
Dunant has created a rich, textured world for her novel, with vivid characterizations. The novel starts slowly, but that is a good thing. Like unwrapping a present wrapped in exquisite wrapping paper, the story unfolds with care and love.
Worth the time and effort.