Signora da Vinci: A Novel Audiobook

" I really thought this book was well written and interesting, however I was horribly disappointed at the end to find out there was no basis for the story. I know that historical fiction can take whatever path the author chooses, but to find out that there was nothing in history that even hinted at the relationships that were developed was very disappointing. "

" Engaging and thought provoking. I am always a little disturbed by the attempt to blend real history with fiction, and this affected me predictably. That said, it's well researched and for anyone with an Art History background, a good story. "

" Very well written and well executed. Maxwell wrote about the period and da Vinci so vividly that now I want to read more about the Medici family as well as Leonardo da Vinci himself. "

" A good book about Leonardo da Vinci's mother. Not the next great American novel or anything, but very well written, interesting, captivating, etc. and I would definitely recommend it. Along the same line of books as The Red Tent and The Other Bolyn Girl - historical fiction. "

" Historical fiction...I have read better, but worse...interesting religious happenings in the book and a decent read. "

" Worth checking out if you like historical figures being interwined into fictional situations. This is my kind of novel. It gives cameo appearances from famous Renaissance artists and possibility of outcomes/explanations as to how certain historical events transpired. Really interesting and well written. "

" I'm not a great fan of fictionalized non-fiction, yet this book was quite full of interesting facts about the era and Michelangelo. "

" Well written, but the plot was unbelievable - a cross-dressing, lover of Lorenzo de Medici who also happrns to be the mother of Leonardo da Vinci! Too much to beleive! "

" A well written story, although I did struggle to believe that Caterina went undiscovered for such a long time, and that she was such an erudite. But overall - a very entertaining story. "

" Excellent writing, but purely fictional . . . not keen on the concept of discrediting the shroud of Turin, but again, this is fiction. "

" 3.5 stars ... Good historical fiction that tells the back story of Leonardo da Vinci's mother. Populated with real people from the era - Lorenzo de Medici, Botticelli, Savanarolla, Pope Innocent, etc. A good read, and I learned a little more about this time and place in history. "

" I listened to this on audiobook. It did spark my interest in learning more about Leonardo da Vinci and his life but wish the novel had been a little bit more realistic. "

" Thoroughly enjoyed reading of the times told from the viewpoint of Leonardo DaVinci's mother. Beautiful tale. "

" I love historical fiction. Although the book is highly implausible, I liked the way the author wrote about the facts surrounding DaVinci's life. The historical setting was very interesting. I recommend it , esp. if you like historical fiction. "

" This was a great story of historical fiction. "

" Not one of my favorite reads, but there were definitely enough parts that were really interesting to learn, even if embellished. "

" not a particularly hard read, but an interesting and fun concept... "

" Fun novel loosely based on the life of Leonardo da Vinci's mother. I love anything about Leonardo and this novel about his mother fit my perception of the type of woman who could raise and encourage such a genius. "

" Although I enjoyed the overall storyline and plot of this book, told by Leonardo da Vinci's mother, I found her life as a man a major distraction. I think had the author picked another POV and/or mechanism by which to tell the story, I would have liked it more. "

" loved the book and the recipe for the compote. "

" Liked the first 1/3. Just wanted to finish the 2/3. "

" One of the best books Ive ever read. I would recommend this to anyone. very interesting spin I didnt expect AT ALL! "

" I enjoyed this fascinating fictional tale about the life of Leonardo's mother. Many of the characters and events are not fictional and the author did a wonderful job bringing Signora Da Vinci to life and including her in those events. "

" This historical novel hooked me from the beginning and I could not put it down!!!! "

" I'm sucked in. So far a very good light read. "

" 3.5 stars really. Beautifully written, so interesting, but I felt like the author played it safe when it came to passions and conflicts. A lovely read regardless. "

" Reasonable writing and interesting background. Not my favourite "

" Loved this book. Love stories about brave, "out there" women who do whatever it takes to get what they want. And, it includes a fabulous recipe at the end. "

" Fascinating story! I was overwheled by the history, the story, the depth of character. I wish I was alive in Florence during the age of great thinkers...oh yes, and a man:) "

" Liked the first 1/3. Just wanted to finish the 2/3. "

" Writing style really annoyed me. Couldn't get past it. Overall the book has some interesting content but is extremely long winded. I would not have finished it if it weren't a book club selection. "

" Interesting topic but writing was dull--took months to get through it. "

" Really enjoyed this book, although is got a little slow part way towards the end. But I loved the idea Maxwell came up with as to how Caterina's life could have gone. Great description of life in Florence at this time. "

" I love historical fiction. Although the book is highly implausible, I liked the way the author wrote about the facts surrounding DaVinci's life. The historical setting was very interesting. I recommend it , esp. if you like historical fiction. "

" Well written, but the plot was unbelievable - a cross-dressing, lover of Lorenzo de Medici who also happrns to be the mother of Leonardo da Vinci! Too much to beleive! "

" Fun read around Tuscany and a mother's struggles with a gifted son. "

" 3.5 stars ... Good historical fiction that tells the back story of Leonardo da Vinci's mother. Populated with real people from the era - Lorenzo de Medici, Botticelli, Savanarolla, Pope Innocent, etc. A good read, and I learned a little more about this time and place in history. "