(I've read this book and I can recommend it highly. It
brought me into the 16th century Florentine life, with all it's warts,
humanity, politics and art. A very enjoyable read. It's set
during the time of Cosimo de' Medici, and features the artist Bronzino. Candida
Martinelli)
The books featured here are historical novels set in Italy.
I've included some featuring:
Famous works of art
Ancient Roman warfare
World War II in Italy
15th Century Italy
Each book is linked via a click on the book cover, to Amazon.com's
page for the book. Some allow you to Search Inside
the book.
There you can find excerpts, sometimes
links to the first chapter, back cover text,
and prices for new and used copies,
but ignore the "reader reviews" which have been
largely co-opted by shills for the writer and publisher.
Many of these books are available as paperbacks, so be sure to
check before deciding one's too expensive.
These links go directly to Amazon.com's pages for Kindle books.
The
Murano glassmakers of Venice are celebrated and revered. But now three
are dead, killed for attempting to leave the city that both prized their
work and kept them prisoner.
For in this, the 17th century, the secret of their craft must, by
law, never leave Venetian shores. Yet there is someone who keeps the
secret while defying tradition. She is Sophia Fiolario, and she, too, is
a glassmaker. Her crime is being a woman…
In
1775 Venice–known to outsiders as “the brothel of Europe”–the tradition
of mask-wearing has allowed adultery and debauchery to flourish. But
Marietta and Elena, two dear friends at the Ospedale della Pietà, a
world-famous orphanage and music school for girls, know little of that
milieu–until they come of age.
Elena is forced to wed the head of the Celano clan, a jealous, brutal
man, while Marietta marries Domenico Torrisi, whose family vendetta with
the Celanos is centuries old. Tradition dictates that the friends should
never speak again, but their bond is too strong to break.
Kindle
book: (other editions also available)
One of the great joys in
literature is finding a novel that invests us in the formative years of
a child and follows her life, the twists and turns, the unexpected
roadblocks, the ingenuity of an original mind at work, leading to
triumph, despair or tragedy.
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is one of those rare
pleasures. Penned by the sure hand of C. W. Gortner, there is never a
missed step. Confident gestures, psychological insights, the terror of
fighting a nation-altering change in consciousness are all handled
masterfully.
Kindle
book: (other editions also available)
History can be dry and
uninspiring, but Kalogridis infuses Catherine de Medici's life from
1527-1572 with the unique characteristics of a Medici and the unfolding
events of history, the melding of politics and superstition.
Although it is impossible to include all the nuances of these
turbulent years, the author focuses on Catherine's life from her
imprisonment in Florence to her regency in France and the gruesome St.
Bartholomew's Day Massacre of 1572.
Kindle
book:
In a city-state known for magnificence, where love affairs and
conspiracies play out amidst brilliant painters, poets and musicians,
the powerful and ambitious Alfonso d'Este, duke of Ferrara, takes a new
bride. Half of Europe is certain he murdered his first wife, Lucrezia,
the luminous child of the Medici. But no one dares accuse him, and no
one has proof-least of all his second duchess, the far less beautiful
but delightfully clever Barbara of Austria.
At first determined to ignore the rumors about her new husband,
Barbara embraces the pleasures of the Ferrarese court. Yet wherever she
turns she hears whispers of the first duchess's wayward life and
mysterious death. Barbara asks questions-a dangerous mistake for a
duchess of Ferrara. Suddenly, to save her own life, Barbara has no
choice but to risk the duke's terrifying displeasure and discover the
truth of Lucrezia's death-or she will share her fate.
Kindle book:
This vividly rendered historical takes readers to tempestuous
Renaissance Italy, where city-states and noble families battle for
supremacy over Italy and, through the papacy, the world.
Caterina Sforza comes into power by marrying the illegitimate son of
Pope Sixtus, and while her husband is slothful and suspicious, Caterina
is clever and ambitious, allying herself with powerful men to ensure her
family's success throughout tumultuous times.
Poole’s
novel begins this historical-mystery series starring Francesca
Giordano, a young woman who takes over her father’s job as head poisoner
for the Borgia family.
Working for Cardinal Borgia as he attempts to become pope is a deadly
and dangerous business—Francesca’s father is already dead in mysterious
circumstances, and threats lurk everywhere. But Francesca has one key advantage; no one takes a
woman seriously. That’s unfortunate because Francesca happens to be one
of the greatest poisoners in late-fifteenth-century Rome.
These are the books in the (Poisoner Mystery) series so far:
Poison - a Novel of the Renaissance
The Borgia Betrayal
The Borgia Mistress
The Botticelli Trilogy by Linda Proud (A Tabernacle for the
Sun, Pallas and the Centaur, The Rebirth of Venus)
This trilogy by historian/novelist Linda Proud is a real
accomplishment. She manages to bring to life Lorenzo de'
Medici's Italy through characters key to the Italian Renaissance,
but never loses sight of the human aspect of that time of clashing
ideas from the Medieval and from the rebirth of classic knowledge and
philosophy.
I link to her publisher's site,
Godstow Press, where you can read about the books and
enjoy excerpts from the three novels. You can purchase the books
via Amazon.uk.
A
Tabernacle for the Sun is told by Tommaso de' Maffei, whose
story involves the Pazzi Conspiracy against the de' Medici, and many
thinkers and artists of the time including Marsilio Ficino, Angelo
Poliziano, Lorenzo de' Medici, Botticelli and Filipino Lippi.
Excerpt.
My review on this site.
Pallas and the
Centaur takes up where the first book leaves off and is told by
Angelo Poliziano, poet and intellectual. The Pazzi Wars follow the
assassination attempt on the de' Medici, which took the life of
Lorenzo's brother, Giuliano. But there is a war of ideas that is
just as heated, between superstitious Medieval, God and church centered
Europe, and the new Europe of the rational, man-centered neo-Platonists.
Excerpt.
The Rebirth of
Venus is a chronicle by Tommaso de' Maffei written for Erasmus, whom
he will accompany to Florence. It details Tommaso's life in
Florence under Lorenzo de' Medici's rule, after the Pazzi Wars are over.
Tommaso becomes a printer and eventually moves to Venice, then to
London. He is in exile because be became too closely involved with
the charismatic, religious extremist Savonarola.
Excerpt (pdf).
Visit Ms. Proud's website
for some itineraries to consult before your next visit to Florence.
And there is an entry
at Wikipedia about her, too.
For a brief history of the De' Medici
dynasty, visit my Medici pages.
Read
my review of A Tabernacle for the Sun
here on this site.
From Amazon.com:
Mary Doria Russell's extraordinary and
complex historical novel, A Thread of Grace, is the kind of book
that you will find yourself haunted by long after finishing the last
page. It opens with a group of Jewish refugees being escorted to
safe-keeping by Italian soldiers. After making the arduous journey over
a steep mountain pass, they are welcomed into a small village with warm
food and clean beds. They have barely laid their heads to rest when news
is received that Mussolini has just surrendered Italy to Hitler, putting
them in danger yet again. This opening sequence is a grim foreshadowing
of the heart-breaking journey these characters will experience in their
struggle for survival.
The rich fictional narrative is woven through the factual military
maneuvers and political games at the end of WW II, sharing a
little-known story of a group of Italian citizens that sheltered more
than 40,000 Jews from grueling work camp executions. Rather than the
bleak and hopeless feeling that might be expected, the novel has the
opposite effect; it reminds us that just as there will always be war,
crime, and death, so too will there be good people who selflessly
sacrifice themselves to ease the suffering of others. Perhaps best of
all, Russell succinctly opens and closes her writing with short pieces
that bookend the story with the force of a freight train. Her moving
finale wraps up her narrative in the present day, with a death bed scene
that's sure to rip the heart out of readers of every faith and ancestry.
Madonna of the Seven Hills by Jean Plaidy and
Light on Lucrezia by Jean Plaidy
Fifteenth-century Rome. The Borgia family is on the rise.
Lucrezia’s father, Pope Alexander VI, places his illegitimate daughter
and her only brothers, Cesare, Giovanni, and Goffredo, in the jeweled
splendor—and scandal—of his court.
A family epic legend
replete with passion, intrigue, and murder.
This is the first in a series of historical mysteries set in 1700s
Venice featuring an opera singer as the amateur detective. Tito
Amato is no ordinary opera singer. He is a castrato, a male
soprano, created by a surgeon's knife. His multi-octave voice has
a power that female sopranos can only envy. The price? He
can never marry in a Catholic ceremony, nor can he father children.
From a Reader Review: "Filled with lush description of Venice
during Carnivale, its political and social structure, the inner workings
of the opera company and Tito's relationships with his family, friends,
colleagues and himself, this is a rich, wonderful book. I also found it a good mystery with a couple of twists and some good
suspense. This is a series I shall definitely follow."
Here
are links to the other entries in the "Tito Amato" series at Amazon.com:
Tito Amato Series Books in order of publication:
Interrupted Aria
Painted Veil
Cruel Music
The Iron Tongue of Midnight
Her Deadly Mischief
I have read all the books in this series and I
recommend them highly.
The author is a wonderful writer who manages to create vivid
characters set in an era long ago that comes to life in the writer's
capable and erudite hands.
While at times the mysteries are not so mysterious, I've read each
book to the end, if only to enjoy the characters, setting, and
delightful writing.
Some of the books end on a very somber note, which I didn't enjoy, but
the journey getting there was always entertaining.
I especially respect the writer for writing the books in the
1st-person-narrative style, as if we were reading her character Tito
Amato's memoirs about his amateur detective cases.
So many writers these days use the 3rd-person-limited style (the "I"
turned to "he"), that it is refreshing to read a book in an undisguised
1st-person-narrative style. It brings us closer to her unique
protagonist.
My favorite book in the series is the last one, published in 2009,
Her Deadly Mischief. On the author's
website, she says she
is busy writing the next book in the series. I certainly hope that
is true. I look forward to its release!
Note:
The links I offer are to Amazon.com. But I recommend you look
for these books either at the
Poisoned Pen Press website, or for
great prices, secondhand, from
Better World Books, who
ship worldwide for free.
The
Fall of Rome by Michael Curtis Ford
From Amazon.com:
"In his riveting novel The Sword of Attila,
Michael Curtis Ford thrilled readers with his recounting
of a cataclysmic clash of ancient civilizations. Now, in
The Fall of Rome, he takes on the bloody twilight
of empire, as the legacy of Attila---once thought
destroyed on the battlefield---emerges again to defy the
power of the Western World.
'In this powerful saga of Roman warfare, the sons of
Attila’s great officers wage battle with one another as
the dramatic confrontation between Rome’s last emperor
and Rome’s barbarian conqueror leads to the thrilling
dénouement that becomes the fall of a mighty empire.
'Pulsing with intrigue, saturated with historical
detail, The Fall of Rome brings readers to new
places—pressed into the trenches as catapult bolts fly
overhead, lurking within the palace where betrayal is
plotted, imprisoned in a tower stronghold where an
emperor turns mad."
Imperium
by Robert Harris
From Publisher's Weekly:
Bestselling British author Harris (Pompeii; Enigma)
returns to ancient Rome for this entertaining and enlightening novel of
Marcus Cicero's rise to power.
Narrated by a household slave named Tiro, who actually served as
Cicero's "confidential secretary" for 36 years, this fictional biography
follows the statesman and orator from his early career as an outsider—a
"new man" from the provinces—to his election to the consulship, Rome's
highest office, in 64 B.C.
The author's newest novel, Lustrum, continues the Cicero story
to it's sad conclusion. It is not yet on release everywhere.
When I can put a direct link, I shall.
Pompeii
by Robert Harris
From A Reader's Review:
It is August of 79 A.D. in the Bay of Naples and the Aqua Augusta,
the aqueduct carrying water to the cities of the area, begins to dry up.
Fish are mysteriously dying in their ponds. There are ground tremors and
rock falls in the cities surrounding Mount Vesuvius.
Some residents attribute these things to giants or to the wrath of
the gods. But Marcus Attilius Primus, the aquarius, or water engineer of
the Aqua Augusta, who is sent to Misenum to research and repair the
problem, knows that there is a scientific explanation.
As he tracks the aqueduct from its terminus in Misenum to Pompeii and
then onward to the vicinity of Mount Vesuvius, he observes unusual
natural phenomena, discovers the upheaval that disrupted the water flow,
and realizes that an inevitable cataclysmic event is about to occur.
Immortal
by Traci L. Slatton
From a Reader Review: "The setting, for me,
couldn't be better: the city of Florence and its environs during the
Italian Renaissance.
'This is a period of history that I continue to study with particular
interest. Combining a fictional protagonist, Luca Bastardo ("Luca the
bastard"), with actual historical personalities, such as Giotto di
Bondone, Leonardo da Vinci, the Medicis, and so forth, along with actual
historical events such as the Inquisition and the terrible medieval
plague..."
For a brief history of the De' Medici dynasty, visit
my Medici pages.
The
Master of Verona by David Blixt
From a Reader Review: "Have
you ever wondered why the Montagues and Capulets of Romeo and Juliet
began their famous feud? David Blixt has, and in answer, he gives us The
Master of Verona.
'Yet, The Master of Verona isn't so much about the feud (though it is in
there) as it is about Congrand della Scala. Told through the perspective
of Pietro Alagheri, son of Dante (The Inferno), we catch a slice of
Veronese life on the brink of Renaissance.
'The cast of characters is enormous (and, thankfully, it is provided at
the beginning of the book). Fictional characters intermingle with
historical figures as well as Shakespearian figures. They all have names
like Gargano Montecchio and Marsilio Da Carrara, and if it isn't enough
that most of the names sound like someone else's, they all have
nicknames as well. All that is said to say that to read this book is a
commitment. But if you'll hang in there for a few chapters (and refer
regularly to the cast), it will be worth it."
The
Stars Dispose by Michela Roessner
Set in Renaissance Florence and
featuring the de' Medici's cooks!
From Library Journal: "The Befanini family rules the kitchens
of the de Medici and their allies, serving well by fortifying their
patrons' reputations and influence with all the power that a brilliant
meal can supply.
'Young Ginevra Befanini serves more directly as companion and
confidante to Caterina de Medici, while Ginevra's brother Tommaso is
learning his family's craft and enhancing it with his own ideas and
talents.
'The political forces of Renaissance Florence pull and push at them;
plague stalks them; and other alien forces move through the kitchens and
the city, menacing Caterina and her friends."
For a brief history of the De' Medici dynasty, visit
my Medici pages.
The
Master of all Desires by Judith Merkle Riley
(While set in France,
it deals with Italy's de' Medici family.
For a brief history of the De' Medici dynasty, visit
my Medici pages.)
From Amazon.com:
"While Catherine de Medici, Queen of France, uses her sorcerous talents
to oust royal mistress Diane de Poitiers from her favored position in
the French court, the true future of France rests in the hands of a
young poetess who possesses a powerful and dangerous magical relic.
'Riley laces her portrayal of 16th-century France with liberal doses
of magic (including the enchanted head of a dead wizard), politics,
poison, and prophecy. The author of The Serpent Garden once again
approaches historical fantasy with her characteristic flair for
intrigue, humor, and the unpredictable workings of the human heart."
Daughter
of Silk by Linda Lee Chaikin
(While
set in France, it deals with Italy's de' Medici family.
For a brief history of the De' Medici dynasty, visit my
Medici pages.)
From a Reader Review: "This story
is one of the best researched, well-written books I have ever read.
'The fictional characters are very believable and representative of
the people who had really lived during the time of Catherine de Medici's
rule over France.
'The history is very accurate and Linda portrays the schemes of the
Queen Mother so accurately that I felt shivers ever time she enters her
mind..."
Duchessina
by Carolyn Meyer
A novelized account of Caterina de' Medici's early
years.
From Amazon.com: "Young Catherine de' Medici is the sole
heiress to the entire fortune of the wealthy Medici family. But
her life is far from luxurious.
'After a childhood spent locked away behind the walls of a
convent, she joins the household of the pope, where at last she
can be united with her true love.
'But, all too soon, that love is replaced with an engagement
to a boy who is cold and aloof. It soon becomes clear that
Catherine will need all the cunning she can muster to command
the respect she deserves as one of France's most powerful
queens.
For a brief history of the De' Medici dynasty, visit
my Medici pages.
The Courtesan by Susan Carroll
(While
set in France, it deals with Italy's de' Medici family.
For a brief history of the De' Medici dynasty, visit my
Medici pages.)
From Amazon.com: "Paris, 1575. The consort of some of Europe’s
most influential men, Gabrielle Cheney is determined to secure her
future by winning the heart of Henry, the Huguenot king of Navarre. As
his mistress, Gabrielle hopes she might one day become the power behind
the French throne.
'But her plans are jeopardized by Captain Nicolas Rémy, a devoted
warrior whose love Gabrielle desires–and fears–above all. She will also
incur the malevolence of the Dark Queen, Catherine de’ Medici, whose
spies and witch-hunters are legion, and who will summon the black arts
to maintain her authority."
The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll
(While
set in France, it deals with Italy's de' Medici family.
For a brief history of the De' Medici dynasty, visit my
Medici pages.)
From a Reader Review: "I stumbled upon this book one day looking
for a book to get lost in in between semesters of grad school and I am
extremely happy that I did so. The first couple of chapters were a
little slow for me, but it really picked up around the 7th or 8th
chapters. I can't believe I read 500 pages so quickly!
'It's not rocket science or anything, but if you are looking for above
average historical fiction with plenty of romantic scenes in which to
escape and the ever popular battle between good and evil,than this is
the novel for you.
'Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am on my way to get the
Cortesan as I type. Oh, and by the way, the way this woman describes
kisses is simply delicious."
This historical fiction deals with Caterina de' Medici when she was
Queen of France and her machinations to marry off her daughter,
including murder.
Artemisia
by Alexandra Lapierre
From Publisher's Weekly: "LaPierre's
heavily researched but racy historical novel covers the passionate life
of Italian Renaissance artist Artemisia Gentileschi (1592-1653), who
survived rape, ostracism and public scandal and went on to imagine
powerful women in her energetic paintings. Artemisia's father was
the much-in-demand Roman painter Orazio Gentileschi, who took the
unusual steps of making his daughter both his apprentice and his model.
As Artemisia entered her late teens, Orazio grew extremely protective,
then arranged for her to marry his unscrupulous associate, painter
Agostino Tassi. When Artemisia refused Tassi... Rave reviews
by readers who love art, the Italian Renaissance and great drama all
tied into an historical novel."
Leonardo's
Swans by Karen Essex
From the Washington Post: "The
novel centers on two sisters in late 15th-century Italy: Isabella
and Beatrice d'Este of Ferrara. As the book opens, the sisters
prepare for marriage: the beautiful Isabella to the handsome Francesco
Gonzaga, and the tomboyish Beatrice to the rakish and scheming Ludovico
Sforza, regent to the duke of Milan. Isabella is very happy with
this arrangement. Francesco may not be the most influential man in
Italy, but he's a looker and an important soldier. Ludovico,
however, is reputed (the girls have never seen him) to be ancient
(nearly 40), dissolute and morally repulsive." More rave reviews
for this book that delves deeply into the lives and surrounding history,
including Leonardo da Vinci, of these important persons from Italy's
Renaissance.
In
the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant
From Publisher's
Weekly: "...Dunant crafts a vivid vision of Venetian life: the
weave of politics and religion; the layers of class; the rituals,
intrigue, superstitions and betrayals. Dunant's characters—the
steely courtesan whose glimpse of true love nearly brings her to ruin;
the shrewd and passionate dwarf who turns his abnormalities into
triumph; and the healer whose mysterious powers and secrets leave an
indelible mark on the duo—are irresistible throughout their shifting
fortunes."
There is another Sarah Dunant book further down this page.
I,
Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis
From a Reader's Review:
"After having loved "The Borgia Bride" by Jeanne Kalogridis, I was
looking forward to "I, Mona Lisa" with high expectations and was
delighted to pour through this wonderful novel filled with historical
fact blended with innovative fiction, and twists and turns galore. Set
in Florence in the 1490s, the novel tells the story of Madonna Lisa, the
woman behind Leondardo DiVinci's masterpiece. The story is a clever and
romantic possibility of the reason behind that famous smile (or lack
thereof?).
'If you enjoy historical fiction, "I, Mona Lisa" and "The Borgia Bride"
are two examples of the genre at its finest: wonderful character
development, rich plots, a studied knowledge of the place, times and
characters (you will recognise famous historical figures throughout both
novels), a careful weaving of fact and fiction, and just enough twists
and turns to keep the modern reader both interested and engaged. I
highly recommend both novels!
'P.S. DO NOT READ THE BACK OF THE BOOK PRIOR TO READING IT!!!! Whomever
wrote the blurb on the back of this novel certainly didn't want the
readers to be shocked about one of the interesting plot-twists more than
halfway through the novel. If you want to be surprised and enjoy this
book to its fullest, I highly recommend NOT reading the back of the
book!"
There is another Jeanne Kalogridis book below on this page.
Memoirs
of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar
From Amazon.com: "Both an
exploration of character and a reflection on the meaning of history,
Memoirs of Hadrian has received international acclaim since its
first publication in France in 1951. In it, Marguerite Yourcenar
reimagines the Emperor Hadrian's arduous boyhood, his triumphs and
reversals, and finally, as emperor, his gradual reordering of a war-torn
world, writing with the imaginative insight of a great writer of the
twentieth century while crafting a prose style as elegant and precise as
those of the Latin stylists of Hadrian's own era.
"...captures the atmosphere of sixteenth-century Florence and
the world of the artists excellently. this is a fascinating
imaginative reconstruction of the events during the painting of Allegory
with Venus and Cupid." Marina Oliver, historical novelist.
"A witty and entertaining romp set in the seedy world of Italian
Renaissance artists." Elizabeth Chadwick, award-winning historical
novelist.
You can read
the first chapter on-line, and reviews from other authors. The
painting on the cover, and described in the book, is by Bronzino and is
currently in the collection at the National
Gallery in London. Another look at the painting...
I've read this book and I can recommend it highly. It
brought me into the 16th century Florentine life, with all it's warts,
humanity, politics and art. A very enjoyable read.
It's set during the time of Cosimo de' Medici, and features
the artist Bronzino. The author traces Bronzino's work on the
famous Cupid and the Silent Goddess making the figures in the painting
characters in his novel. I didn't want the book to end! The
characters were so interesting, I wanted the story to just keep on
going. Candida Martinelli
From a Reader Review: "This true story reads like a novel,
fast and full of intrigue. It takes you through the streets of Rome,
both in the present as well as 400 years ago. Harr brilliantly explores
the science of art history through the eyes of a student, then throws
you into a world of art restoration, with the suspense of a murder
mystery. It's a book you can't put down from the opening paragraph.
Definitely a must read for any interest." Very positive
reviews and high rating!
Lucifer's
Shadow by David Hewson
From Booklist: "This
intelligent and highly detailed thriller by British author Hewson (A
Season for the Dead, 2003) rivals Perez-Reverte's The Flanders
Panel (1994) in historical intricacy, complexity of motive, and
multileveled storytelling. Masterfully plotted, the novel alternates
between present-day and eighteenth-century Venice, following flawed and
unwary innocents down the devil's path, tempted by visions of fame,
personal glory, and love."
From the Publisher: "The Mona Lisa... Why did Leonardo da
Vinci lavish three years on a painting of the second wife of an
unimportant merchant when all the nobles of Europe were begging for a
portrait by his hand?
No one knows for sure. But this story of Leonardo, his wayward
apprentice Salai, and the Duke of Milan's plain young wife, Beatrice
d'Este, may hold the clue to the most famous -- and puzzling -- painting
of all time."
From Booklist: "It is the year 42 AD, and Centurion Macro,
battle-scarred and fearless, is in the heart of Germany with the Second
Legion, the toughest in the Roman army. Cato, a new recruit and the
newly appointed second-in-command to Macro, will have more to prove than
most. In a bloody skirmish with local tribes, Cato gets his first chance
to prove that he's more than a callow, privileged youth. As their next
campaign takes them to a land of unparalleled barbarity - Britain - a
special mission unfolds, thrusting Cato and Macro headlong into a
conspiracy that threatens to topple the Emperor himself."
From Amazon.com: "Banished to the Empire’s farthest
outpost, veteran warrior Paulinus Maximus defends The Wall of Britannia
from the constant onslaught of belligerent barbarian tribes. Bravery,
loyalty, experience, and success lead to Maximus’ appointment as
"General of the West" by the Roman emperor, the ambition of a
lifetime. But with the title comes a caveat: Maximus needs to muster and
command a single legion to defend the perilous Rhine frontier."
While not set in Rome, it is about the fall of the Roman Empire.
I've more about this book, which was used
as inspiration for the film Gladiator, and a profile
of Mr. Breem.
From Publisher's Weekly: "...chronicles the Italian
resistance to the Germans during the last two years of WWII. Three
cultures mingle uneasily in Porto Sant'Andrea on the Ligurian coast of
northwest Italy—the Italian Jews of the village, headed by the chief
rabbi Iacopo Soncini; the Italian Catholics, like Sant'Andrea's priest
Don Osvaldo Tomitz, who befriend and shelter the Jews; and the occupying
Germans invited by Mussolini's crumbling regime..."
Reviews of this modern classic: "A kind a gray El Greco
beauty." --Lewis Gannett, New York Herald Tribune "Has
been called in turn a diary, an album of sketches, a novelette, a
sociological study and a political essay. It has more than a trait of
each genre; yet it remains as hard to classify as every beautiful book,
or as the man who wrote this one." --The New York Times Book
Review "A sensitive and gifted writer with
a great sense of style . . . Perhaps the best thing in [Levi's] book is
the detachment by which he avoids sentimentalizing the peasants and at
the same time renders their undestroyed feelings for human values."
--Alfred Kazin
From The Economist: "When General Montgomery's stepson,
Richard Carver, was captured by the Afrika Korps two days after the
battle of El Alamein in November 1942, he had every reason to be
worried. If the Germans had established the family connection, he
would have been sent to Colditz, with other prominent allied prisoners.
yet they never discovered the link, so instead he was sent to a prison
camp in northern italy, from where he and 600 other allied prisoners
werre released, minutes before the Wehrmacht arrived, by the commandant
when Italy left the axis in September 1943.
"Richard Carver's grueling
three-month journey of over 400 miles (650 km) on foot, from the prison
north of Parma to the allied lines south of the Sangro river, forms the
meat of this book written by his son, Tom, a former BBC correspondent.
he had to dodge German pursuers, sleep in caves, rely on the hospitality
(and courage) of Italian villagers, go hungry for days, sleep rough and
trust his home-made compass to get him back to safety. When he was
reunited with his stepfather (General Montgomery) over a year after he
had gone missing, Monty's first words were 'Where the hell have you
been?'"
From Amazon.com: "Sarah Dunant's gorgeous and mesmerizing novel,
Birth of Venus, draws readers into a turbulent 15th-century
Florence, a time when the lavish city, steeped in years of Medici family
luxury, is suddenly besieged by plague, threat of invasion, and the
righteous wrath of a fundamentalist monk. Dunant masterfully blends fact
and fiction, seamlessly interweaving Florentine history with the
coming-of-age story of a spirited 14-year-old girl..."
For a brief history of the De' Medici dynasty, visit
my Medici pages.
From Publisher's Weekly: "Against the backdrop of 15th-century
Italian internecine feuds, debauchery and Vatican corruption, Kalogridis's
latest historical novel (after The Burning Times) chronicles with
compelling sweep the story of the ravishing and iron-willed Sancha de
Aragon, princess of Naples. Illegitimate daughter to the coldhearted duke
of Calabria (briefly king of Naples), she is used to establish ties to the
feared and influential House of Borgia when her father betroths her to the
younger scion, Jofre..."
The
Murano glassmakers of Venice are celebrated and revered. But now three
are dead, killed for attempting to leave the city that both prized their
work and kept them prisoner.
In
1775 Venice–known to outsiders as “the brothel of Europe”–the tradition
of mask-wearing has allowed adultery and debauchery to flourish. But
Marietta and Elena, two dear friends at the Ospedale della Pietà, a
world-famous orphanage and music school for girls, know little of that
milieu–until they come of age.
Kindle
book: (other editions also available)
Kindle
book: (other editions also available)
Kindle
book:
Poison
by Sara Poole
A
Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell
Interrupted
Aria by Beverle Graves Myers
The
Fall of Rome by Michael Curtis Ford
Imperium
by Robert Harris
Pompeii
by Robert Harris
Immortal
by Traci L. Slatton
The
Master of Verona by David Blixt
The
Stars Dispose by Michela Roessner
The
Master of all Desires by Judith Merkle Riley
Daughter
of Silk by Linda Lee Chaikin
Duchessina
by Carolyn Meyer
Artemisia
by Alexandra Lapierre
Leonardo's
Swans by Karen Essex
In
the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant
I,
Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis
Memoirs
of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar
Cupid and the Silent Goddess
by Alan Fisk
The Lost Painting: The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece
The Second Mrs. Gioconda
Under the Eagle
Eagle in the Snow
A Thread of Grace
Christ Stopped at Eboli
The Birth of Venus
The Borgia Bride
