Books
by Sarah Dunant
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Blood and Beauty |
Given current portrayals of the Borgias, from TV series to computer games, what else can this book bring? Nothing new in terms of plot but its magic is in its depiction of this complex family as more than temptresses, venal priests and Machiavellian schemers. With an exquisite eye for detail, the author plunges you into Renaissance Italy - so much so that you might even forget you know how the story goes.
(Kate Ellis - bwl 73 Summer 2014) |
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In the Name of the Family |
Following Blood and Beauty (bwl 73), Dunant continues her story of the Borgias. While age lessens Pope Alexander's power, his son, Cesare, rampages through Italy gaining land and power. Lucrezia, though still young, is a 'political' bride for the third time. Machiavelli now has a role and the constant scheming will provide him with much for his own writing. Dunant enthrals this reader with her interpretation of the history and her research into even the smallest details of daily life.
(Christine Miller - bwl 85 Summer 2017) |
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The Birth of Venus |
Alessandra grows to womanhood in 15th century Florence - but what future is there for an independent-minded young woman with a talent for painting, under Savonarola's fundamentalist rule? Dunant knows her history and has used it to wonderfully evocative effect in this bewitching story of dangerous love, intrigue, art and politics, set in a Florence we can see, smell, hear and taste.
(Annabel Bedini - bwl 24 June 2004) |
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