The Birth of Venus: A Novel Audiobook

" Loved this story, all the element I look for, history, Italy, art.... Loved it. "

" Loved this book. Read it during my "Italy" phase. "

" Book about Florence around 1450 and the rule of Savonarola, a fundmentalist monk, that was finally hanged and burned by the Catholic Church. But it was mostly about a precocious girl that wanted to be a painter and her life. "

" This was gripping. And I didn't even realize it until I was halfway through, staying up reading until I could no longer keep my eyelids from falling down. "

" The book started out really well. I was very intrigued, but then it just got weird. The direction of the story took a turn way off the original story line. Hated it. "

" Beautifully written coming of age story set against 15th century Florence, Italy. A little taste of everything; love, art, politics, religion and the power to provoke introspection. "

" I couldn't finish it. It was too boring. "

" nice read. gives an inkling of history of florence. "

" Such a great book on so many different levels. As soon as I finished I flipped right to the begining to start it again. I have never done that before. Put this one on your to read list. "

" I'm a sucker for any story set in Florence, and this one, which takes place during Savonrola's four years of power in the 1400's, was a great bit of historical fiction. I cared about the characters, I enjoyed the plot, and I loved how it ended. "

" Incredible novel. It has definitely found a place in my favourites. "

" Gorgeous period detail - a great romp. "

" Read this book right after I came back from a trip to Florence, Italy. It was very cool to be able to visualize all the places they were mentioning in the book. I recommend it to anyone taking a trip to Florence! "

" Well-written and interesting because I like art history. But I was offended by the sexually explicit material. "

" Yes... Yes... Yes... This book has brought me hours of enjoyment. "

" One of the most sensual books I have ever read- amazing story and great plot. This is one of my favorite books! "

" A wonderfully complex piece of historical fiction that draws you into the world of 15th-century Florence; a city alive with the passions of art, religion, and politics. "

" This book is amazing. Very well written, intriguing, the main character is dynamic and very likable. It's pretty much right up my alley, because it takes place in Florence during the Renaissance and I love historical fiction. Lots of descriptions of painting and drawing, too, which I love. "

" I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy historical fiction, and particularly a female perspective on history, but it's also just a page turner. Seriously - we'd go for a drive and I'd just stay in the driveway finishing the chapter upon our return. Good story! "

" Interesting - and feels well researched "

" One of my all-time favorites "

" Interesting but not as good as other two in the trilogy "

" Just finished this book earlier this month..not such a fan of it. I found myself continually reading just to find a good point in the story. Will not read this book again, or recommend it. "

" Amazing! I knew nothing about this period in history before delving into the story and yet I was still fascinated at how Dunant captures this moment so vividly. "

" I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars, the historical aspect of this book was interesting. "

" Pretty good,not the best, but entertaining enough to justify reading. Ugh,,,that's a pretty weak recommendation ain't it??? "

" This is a fictional story of a young woman in Florence Italy, of love, life and art in the late 1400's. I would have given it a higher rating if it weren't so graphic. "

" Way too cheesy for me. Discussions of art marred by silly descriptions of wet folds. "

" just get through the first chapter (it's a little weird and you'll be like "what the hell am i reading!) and the rest will fall in place...........promise! "