Leonardo's Swans Audiobook

" I actually picked this book completely at random, and didn't know what it was going to be about. I usually find that Historical Fiction is hit or miss, but I found this book very engaging. It offered a personal view of Leonardo, and inspired me to research Beatrice and her sister. "

" This book was fantastic! It's of two sisters who are complete opposites of one another. It about relationships and love. About an ugly duckling into a swan, hense the title. It was comical and heartbreaking and intertwining love stories between the characters. I recommend it to anyone who loved the birth of venus and in the company of the courtesan. "

" Planning a trip to Italy and reading everything I can to get a perspective of the period. This wonderful book gave me a peek into the political intrigues of Milan and some of the famous families at the time. We did visit the Sforza castle and see Da Vincini's Last Supper and tour the Duomo in Milan. I thrilled to be on the streets where these people once walked! "

" Since i am cocurrently reading books about english history during similar time periods, i am getting a different perspective on the same reality. In this case one that includes the collection of art as well as the rivalry between powerful sisters. Isabelle d'este sounds like an amazing woman; alert to the dangers of being a powerful woman in a time when women handled matters backstage rather than on the forefront like men. It is, as well, another view of the oft written about Leonardo da Vinci; seen through the eyes of women who were his contemporaries. At least how one person imagines he is perceived by women of his own time. The feudal system was an amazing way of life! "

" I did enjoy this book from the historical standpoint. It filled in some gaps from my other historical reading. The main problem I had with it was it just seemed slow. I was just waiting for more to happen. I also wish there were more breaks or chapters like other books. I like to take a break every once in a while to move around and rest my eyes but the chapters were very long and I would eventually just stop at the end of a paragraph. The story wasn't bad but it just didn't grab me. "

" Love historical fictionalized non-fiction! I learned a ton about the role of women in this era of Italy. Everything was for political purpose...quite eye-opening. Complex at times, but worth the rereading that I had to do every now and again. "

" Did not like this book. "

" I thought this book dragged a bit and I was disappointed that there was not more about Leonardo Da Vinci in the story line. A lot of the characters were not very likeable. "

" I've read this before, but the Leondardo Da Vinci exhibit at the Tech Museum inspired me to read it again. It's intriguing and engrossing. Leonardo hovers subtly, like Mona Lisa's smile, in the background of the novel, providing inspiration and mystery. "

" not my favorite. Hard to follow all the mnior characters. "

" Interesting historical fiction about two 15th-century Italian sisters Isabella and Beatrice d'Este sisters. Gives you a feeling for the life and the times of Leonard da Vinci. I enjoyed looking for the actual works of art that da Vinci painted of these two women. "

" Enjoyable and extremely well researched with a helpful general character history at the end. :) "

" Always enjoy these types of artist stories. Good story with art and intrigue. "

" Interesting book - notably the influence that these young women had, and the importance of "luck." "

" fictionalized account of the lives of isabella and beatrice d'Este, sisters who lived during the renaissance in italy - sibling rivalry played out with leonardo da vinci as a supporting character "

" Interesting book. I always love read reading about renaissance Italy and leonardo's life. "

" A fairly engaging historical fiction...although kept waiting for the Swans to make meaningful appearance. Characters mostly interesting but sisters' pettiness grew tiresome. "

" Interesting story about the 1400-1500's and the lifestyles of the rich and famous. One author's take on Leonardo's genius and how sister's could be so different, yet the same. "

" Interesting book. I always love read reading about renaissance Italy and leonardo's life. "

" Okay historical novel with Da Vinci and real life sisters who marry dukes of Italy. Isabella d'Este (sister in law to Lucrezia Borgia) and Beatrice. Sexual and political intrigue. Lively at first, then I had trouble finishing it. "

" Loved reading the story behind the famous paintings. "

" Entertaining fictionalized history, love that Leo, he made the book for me, I would have liked to get a little more of him here. "

" This historical fiction book really surprised me. I liked the little notes that Leonardo actually wrote...and the whole idea to form a story with sisters and their jealousy was pretty cool. Very informative, and you learn a lot about Leonardo's life and the art in the Louvre. "

" This book was so rich and textural. So well researched. Very inspirational, providing me with a wonderful context for a visit to Italy. A must-read. "