- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: BEAUTIFUL BOOKS (14 May 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1905636431
- ISBN-13: 978-1905636433
- Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 13 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 115,542 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
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.Product Description
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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 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.
5 of 5 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.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
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 13 months ago by J. Baxter
Absorbing
If you are interested in Italian Renaissance history with a touch of romance and adventure, this is a fabulous book to read. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Barnes
A second stunner for Marina Fiorato
After reading The Glassblower of Murano, I wondered if a second book could possibly live up to it! Guess what? It did! Read more
Published on 10 July 2009 by Mrs. N. J. Walter
Fantastic summer read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book more so than the Glassblower of Murano. There were so many fascinating characters each with their own story to tell. Read more
Published on 1 Jun 2009 by Mrs. G. Appleton
A great comfort read of an historical romance
Lovers of historical romances will not be disappointed in Marina Fiorato's follow-up to her super debut The Glassblower of Murano. Read more
Published on 19 May 2009 by Annabel Gaskell
What happened???
I loved The Glassblower of Murano, so I had high hopes for Madonna of the Almonds. However, I was really, really disappointed by Marina Fiorato's second novel. Read more
Published on 17 May 2009 by K. Huff
Absolutely brilliant!!
Given that my passions are Italy and Renaissance art and my favourite drink is Amaretto this book had to be one of the most enjoyable that I have read for a long time. Read more
Published on 15 May 2009 by Jane Keightley
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