Young widow Simonetta tries to rebuild her family in 16th century Saronno, tuscany, following the death of her husband in one of the battles ravaging the land. In pursuit of a means to keep her estate together, she stumbles upon a new drink made by inffusing almonds with alcohol. At the same time, she encounters Bernadino, the protege of Leonardo da Vinci. What follows is a glorious story of passion, betrayal, warfare and bravery.
The Madonna of the Almonds
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Praise for Marina Fiorato:
'A great read'
'Captures the scents, passion and vigour of Italy'
(Books Quarterly )'Fiorato creates her own masterpiece'
(Booklist )'Mesmerising'
(Waterstones Books Quarterly )'Recommended'
(Good Book Guide )'A sizzling . . . read, and a must to pack in the suitcase'
(Italian Magazine )'The enchanting tale . . . is rich with passion, mystery and intrigue'
(Booktime ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.About the Author
Marina Fiorato is half-Venetian. She was born in Manchester and raised in the Yorkshire Dales. She is a history graduate of Oxford University and the University of Venice. After university she studied art and has worked as an illustrator, actress and film reviewer. Marina was married on the Grand Canal and lives in north London with her husband, son and daughter. She is the author of five novels: The Glassblower of Murano, The Madonna of the Almonds, The Botticelli Secret, Daughter of Siena and The Venetian Contract. You can follow Marina on Twitter at @MarinaFiorato and find out more about her and her writing at www.marinafiorato.com
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In the early 16th century, a brash, womanising but talented young artist studying under Da Vinci, has to leave town in a hurry, fleeing from a cuckolded husband. Twenty years later, he commences a great religious fresco using a reluctant and recently widowed beauty as his Madonna and a strange love affair develops. In a parallel story, a young orphan girl believes she has seen her future husband when his reflection appears in a well. She describes him to her `grandmother' and they bring the ragged mute to their home and here too, comes love. Each story is told in memorable scenes and the narrative contains many vivid characters. This story of art, beauty and love is suffused with all three for there is art and beauty in the writing and obvious love of her subject by this talented author. At the heart of the story lies truth for the artist is Bernadino Luini and the fresco and its Madona can still be seen in Saronna. Apart from a maybe doubtful climax which had echoes of 'Lord Jim' about it, this was a pair of love stories beautifully interwoven.
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this book on holiday.... It's a fantastic read. A great page turner. Couldn't put it down. It's really well researched and the art history became an interest all of its own alongside the storyline. The author has a vast knowledge of history, art history and religious history, it's gives the book an added layer, all too often a depth that's missing. She leads the reader through the story, explaining the context and history, not by way of distraction, but by way of moving the story forward, intriguing. Lads, there is a little romance in it, but it's not soppy at all so don't be put off. The author is not shy of character or dialogue. And the central character is a strong but human woman who you immediately relate to. I highly recommend it.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By M. Cherry
Format:Paperback
This is a beautifully writen novel set in Renaissance Italy and a skilful blend of fact and fiction. One of the attractions of the novel is the well researched setting and the weaving of the fiction into the factual historical background. The story is brilliantly constructed and the characters have depth and passion which makes the reader care about them. Fiorato introduces them skilfully and builds them for us so they are thoroughly believeable.
This is a story about love, art, the struggle against adversity, religious intollerance and about making sacrifices. Bernadino Luini, the apprentice of Leonardo da Vinci meets and falls in love with Simonetta di Saronno - a noblewoman who has been widowed by the wars. She has fallen upon hard times, so agrees to let Luini paint her as the Madonna in one of his frescoes. So the story begins. Fiorato crafts her story skilfully and it is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
This is a story about love, art, the struggle against adversity, religious intollerance and about making sacrifices. Bernadino Luini, the apprentice of Leonardo da Vinci meets and falls in love with Simonetta di Saronno - a noblewoman who has been widowed by the wars. She has fallen upon hard times, so agrees to let Luini paint her as the Madonna in one of his frescoes. So the story begins. Fiorato crafts her story skilfully and it is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
s smith
I enjoy Marina Fioratos books and this one is no exception. It is a pleasant romp, not too taxing but that's the beauty of it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping, beautiful, painful, amazing story telling at its best.
Gripping, beautiful, painful. amazing story telling at its best. This really is the most wonderful book based on history although fictional.
Published 4 months ago by Sarah Speed
3.0 out of 5 stars
As usual a good page turner
Marina Fiorato has again found the good balance between History and history. There is always a bit of love in the air to maintain our attention and it worked for me. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Lamaline
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ok story
Not as good as Mariana Fiorato's other books which kept my attention from start to finish. I didn't enjoy the story at all.
Published 4 months ago by mary
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable read
Mix of history and romance without being too heavy or gooey!
Looking forward to reading Glass Blower of Murano by same author
Looking forward to reading Glass Blower of Murano by same author
Published 5 months ago by Pauline, Bristol
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely Italian Historical Love story
I had just returnd from an Italian holiday when I read this. The central characters were charming but the story is not always believable. Read more
Published 6 months ago by daisy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Delicious escapism
Marina Fiorato's books are really good holiday fare. A gripping adventure and a romance. The Madonna of the Almonds is a bit like an Italian fairy story - including fairytale... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Ann E
2.0 out of 5 stars
Over-written
I enjoyed The Botticelli Secret but found Madonna of the Almonds rather tedious and finally gave up at around the 50% mark. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Venetia
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Madonna of the Almonds
By Marina Fiorato. Another of her fabulous novels. I have found it most entertaining, better than one or two of the others.
Published 7 months ago by Ann Old'n
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, well researched and enjoyable!
Throughly enjoyed this tale of Renaissance Italy. It is well thought out and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the double story line! Read more
Published on 15 April 2011 by J. Baxter
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