The review from the Observer says: "As soon as I finished this book I wanted to go straight back and read it all over again".

Started yesterday (10th July at 12:30am - wait, that makes it 11th July), putting that review to the test.

Finished this off last night while waiting for my heater to warm me up enough to send me off to sleep.

The verdict? Well, I don't know if it made me want to read it again straight away, but the entire story is told as a flashback, which does make you want to check in again at the start of the book. And yes, the whole book does dovetail quite neatly together.

This book fits into the genre of historical women and art that Tracey Chevalier has made so popular recently (Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Lady and the Unicorn, to name a few). It is a very easy read, a feast for the senses, & though I'm not familiar with Florence of the Renaissance it is strongly evocative. Is it just my naivety though or does Alessandra seem a bit 'modern'?

Looking forward to sending this book out on its merry way sometime soon.

Caught at the James Squire Brew House. I quite enjoyed Tracy Chevalier's "Lady and the Unicorn", and the added promise of a Bonfire of the Vanities background (the historical event, not the book) made me pick this up. Thanks, Miss-Owl.

Didn't get around to reading this, I'm afraid. (I blame those five bookrings which are glaring at me from the bookshelf.) Popped it into a package for Fushmush.

A filler RABCK. Thanks Fleebo!

Very readable.

Plan to release at March meetup.