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Leonardo's Swans
Sisters. Rivals. And the love of one man. Isabella and Beatrice d'Este are as different as night and day. Wordly and ambitious, Isabella's beauty and intellect are legendary across the courts of Europe, while her younger sister, a tomboy, prefers horses and the hunt. When Isabella is betrothed to the Marquis of Mantua, all her ambitions seem to come true - until Beatrice marries Ludovico, the powerful Duke of Milan. Suddenly, Isabella finds herself drawn to her sister's husband, a man as charismatic as he is dangerous. Once close, the sisters are now fierce rivals, for Ludovico's affections but also for the larger prize, to be immortalized by Milan's court painter, Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci's glittering genius is at its zenith, with such masterpieces as "The Last Supper" and the "Mona Lisa", but he constantly struggles not to let his noble patrons' incessant demands compromise his own artistic vision. Meanwhile, the black clouds of war are looming on the horizon. As Ludovico's gamble for power in Western Europe begins to fall apart, the sisters must choose - between passion and family, loyalty and survival.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
79 people are currently reading
8453 people want to read
About the author
Karen Essex
21 books378 followersI'm the author of RUN, DARLING, KLEOPATRA, PHARAOH, LEONARDO'S SWANS, STEALING ATHENA, DRACULA IN LOVE, AND BETTIE PAGE: LIFE OF A PINUP LEGEND--All featuring iconic women—powerful women that seduced the world. I am an active screenwriter and an award-winning journalist, dividing my time between Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Europe, where I soak in the atmosphere while writing historical fiction.
Follow me on Substack; History. Sex. Power. https://karenessex.substack.com/subsc...
Or join our chat group on Goodreads, Ask Karen Essex. http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...
I love hearing from you, Gentle Readers.
Follow me on Substack; History. Sex. Power. https://karenessex.substack.com/subsc...
Or join our chat group on Goodreads, Ask Karen Essex. http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...
I love hearing from you, Gentle Readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
September 2, 2020
Wow! This isn't your usual Historical Romance novel. Like all others I assumed that this would be another intense, serious, Historical Romance with the main lovers budding heads then falling in love towards the end. Although this plot is focused on every character, the slight judgment of others with their actions, and hilarious side comments. Karen Essex grabs hold of the reader with incredible vocabulary there is no words repeated. The chapters are an hour long each on Audible but there is so much being said that you don't want to stop listening. I give this book 5 stars and I am looking forward to reading her other novels after this one. I am very selective over Historical Romances and Karen Essex is now one of my favorites!
June 25, 2008
I'm on the fence about this book. Let's start with what I did like about it.
I loved the detailed descriptions of Leonardo da Vinci, his demeanor, his painting process, and his artwork. There were many quotations supposedly taken directly from his writings throughout the book and I loved that. He was my favorite character in the book.
I liked the way the relationship between the two sisters was portrayed, as intricate and complex- making it feel very real. They are frequently jealous and manipulative towards each other but eventually their mutual respect and love for each other enables them to reconcile and work together towards common goals. As the oldest of four sisters, I see this pattern occur frequently in my life. The two sisters in the book are flawed and make bad, selfish choices, but have good qualities too that keep the reader rooting for both of them throughout the story.
I also liked that the author took actual people in history and created characters from them, showing their possible thoughts and feelings during the historical experiences.
The main thing that I didn't like, and that practically ruined the book for me- was the tense that the author chose to write in. She used the present tense, but then frequently switched back to past tense to talk about events that had occured as recently as minutes ago or as long ago as a few months or years. My linear brain got very confused and I found myself getting distracted from the story. Because I couldn't keep track of the time frame very easily, this book started feeling like a chore to read. I truely couldn't wait for it to be over. And I felt like the ending was very abrupt and unsettling.
I'm still not sure how I feel about this book. Did I like it? Did I dislike it? Yes and yes.
I loved the detailed descriptions of Leonardo da Vinci, his demeanor, his painting process, and his artwork. There were many quotations supposedly taken directly from his writings throughout the book and I loved that. He was my favorite character in the book.
I liked the way the relationship between the two sisters was portrayed, as intricate and complex- making it feel very real. They are frequently jealous and manipulative towards each other but eventually their mutual respect and love for each other enables them to reconcile and work together towards common goals. As the oldest of four sisters, I see this pattern occur frequently in my life. The two sisters in the book are flawed and make bad, selfish choices, but have good qualities too that keep the reader rooting for both of them throughout the story.
I also liked that the author took actual people in history and created characters from them, showing their possible thoughts and feelings during the historical experiences.
The main thing that I didn't like, and that practically ruined the book for me- was the tense that the author chose to write in. She used the present tense, but then frequently switched back to past tense to talk about events that had occured as recently as minutes ago or as long ago as a few months or years. My linear brain got very confused and I found myself getting distracted from the story. Because I couldn't keep track of the time frame very easily, this book started feeling like a chore to read. I truely couldn't wait for it to be over. And I felt like the ending was very abrupt and unsettling.
I'm still not sure how I feel about this book. Did I like it? Did I dislike it? Yes and yes.
October 15, 2008
This review first appeared in the May 2006 issue of The Historical Novels Review, Editor's Choice)
Leonardo da Vinci has become quite popular these days, as has the historical novel featuring an intrepid woman ahead of her time, with an abiding interest in Art. Doubleday is clearly capitalizing on these facts in marketing Karen Essex's novel, LEONARDO'S SWANS. The strategy will undoubtedly sell books, but it does not begin to do justice to Essex's haunting account of the sibling rivalry between two princesses of the Renaissance--Isabella d'Este, Duchess of Mantua, and her younger sister, Beatrice, wife of Il Moro, Duke of Milan. Told from the eyes of both sisters, the novel starts with deceptive superficiality, as the elegantly adept Isabella engages in a competitive battle for supremacy with the wilder and less intellectually accomplished Beatrice. Through a mere matter of poor timing, Beatrice has wed a more powerful and intellectually stimulating man--an event that perplexes Isabella, for how can the vagaries of fortune have allowed someone of Beatrice's pedestrian aspirations to seize the prize that is Milan? Moreover, Milan commands the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, acclaimed court painter and engineer to Il Moro. Determined to outshine her sister, Isabella sets herself to be immortalized by Leonardo's brush, while Beatrice steers a resolute course to wealth and power. But larger political concerns soon overwhelm the oblivious self-aggrandizement and foibles of these Renaissance sisters. Both are tested to their limits and beyond, compelled to discover an inner strength that will ultimately exalt one and destroy the other. Threaded within their story is Leonardo's relentless pursuit for knowledge and reverence for the fragility of life, which elevates him from the ambitions of those he most serve. Despite a sometimes-distracting mix of past and present tense, this is a rare novel that captures an era of unparalleled personality, the like of which shall never be seen again.
Leonardo da Vinci has become quite popular these days, as has the historical novel featuring an intrepid woman ahead of her time, with an abiding interest in Art. Doubleday is clearly capitalizing on these facts in marketing Karen Essex's novel, LEONARDO'S SWANS. The strategy will undoubtedly sell books, but it does not begin to do justice to Essex's haunting account of the sibling rivalry between two princesses of the Renaissance--Isabella d'Este, Duchess of Mantua, and her younger sister, Beatrice, wife of Il Moro, Duke of Milan. Told from the eyes of both sisters, the novel starts with deceptive superficiality, as the elegantly adept Isabella engages in a competitive battle for supremacy with the wilder and less intellectually accomplished Beatrice. Through a mere matter of poor timing, Beatrice has wed a more powerful and intellectually stimulating man--an event that perplexes Isabella, for how can the vagaries of fortune have allowed someone of Beatrice's pedestrian aspirations to seize the prize that is Milan? Moreover, Milan commands the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, acclaimed court painter and engineer to Il Moro. Determined to outshine her sister, Isabella sets herself to be immortalized by Leonardo's brush, while Beatrice steers a resolute course to wealth and power. But larger political concerns soon overwhelm the oblivious self-aggrandizement and foibles of these Renaissance sisters. Both are tested to their limits and beyond, compelled to discover an inner strength that will ultimately exalt one and destroy the other. Threaded within their story is Leonardo's relentless pursuit for knowledge and reverence for the fragility of life, which elevates him from the ambitions of those he most serve. Despite a sometimes-distracting mix of past and present tense, this is a rare novel that captures an era of unparalleled personality, the like of which shall never be seen again.
July 19, 2009
While I loved learning about these women and their influence over some of the world's greatest art, I am tired of reading books that evolve so much around sex. Call me a simpleton if you must, but there it is.
May 27, 2015
"Il cigno sa quando è la sua ora, sa che tutte le cose di questo mondo non sono che un dono effimero. Questo fatto ineluttabile sfugge solo agli esseri umani. Non appena il povero mortale è sicuro del suo potere e del suo successo, viene distrutto da forze più grandi di lui."
Un bellissimo libro, che ricostruisce la vita di due sorelle che hanno fatto la storia del Rinascimento, Isabella e Beatrice D'Este, la prima signora di Mantova sposata a Francesco Gonzaga, la seconda signora di Milano sposata a Ludovico il Moro, entrambe sfruttando l'enorme fascino, l'eccezionale intelligenza e furbizia, riusciranno ad incantare ed affascinare uomini importanti dai quali riceveranno appoggio per la sicurezza dei loro ducati.
Il libro ci racconta dell'amore e dell'invidia che le due sorelle hanno una nei confronti dell'altra, Isabella in particolare pensa che Beatrice abbia avuto molta più fortuna di lei nell'essere andata in sposa al grande Ludovico, ma poi con lo scorrere delle vicende che sono costrette ad affrontare, dovrà ricredersi, Beatrice morirà presto a 21 anni, lascerà un segno profondo nella storia pur vivendo così poco e non sarà costretta a subire il tradimento che colpirà Ludovico anche da chi fino a poco prima aveva giurato eterna fedeltà nei suoi confronti.
"Beatrice, Beatrice, non è che non ti amassi. Tu eri come i cigni del tuo laghetto -nati goffi e brutti-, ma che poi crescendo diventano belli, portano la magia nel mondo e cantano nell'ora della morte. Creatura mitica, che poteva non amarti, sulla terra o al di sopra di essa? E' solo che per tanto tempo ho pensato che tu avessi rubato il mio destino...Invece, non lo sapevamo, ma me lo stavi preservando..."
Isabella è bella e affascinante, molto intelligente, legge libri ed ama circondarsi di splendide collezioni dei grandi artisti dell'epoca, Beatrice è una bravissima cavallerizza, è spericolata, piccola e non aggraziata, ma caparbia e testarda, con ostinazione ed amore riuscirà a conquistare Ludovico il Moro e tutta la sua corte, la prima agisce usando la mente la seconda ascoltando il suo cuore.
"Alcune donne non sanno stare al mondo, -dichiara Isabella-. Per altre è un istinto, come nutrirsi per un animale. Per quanto all'inizio di possa disgustare, conquisteremo re Luigi e ci vestiremo di gigli, finché non cambierà di nuovo la moda. Speravo che mia sorella fosse una come noi, ma credo proprio che alla fine abbia ceduto alla debolezza del suo cuore."
Alla corte del Moro, presta i suoi servizi il grande Leonardo da Vinci, altro fondamentale personaggio presente in questo libro, ripercorreremo la creazione di alcune tra le sue più importanti opere (La dama con l'ermellino, La vergine in grotta, L'ultima cena fino al misterioso quadro della Gioconda), leggeremo alcuni pensieri estratti dal suo taccuino, un uomo che non era solo un artista, ma anche un filosofo, un costruttore e un esperto di anatomia, che cercava costantemente l'anima, l'essenza, il mistero e la seduzione, tutto quello che poi racchiudeva nelle sue splendide opere.
Isabella donna che capisce quanto è importante l'opera svolta da questi grandi uomini/artisti cercherà di farsi immortalare in un quadro, sa che può aver fatto tanto nella sua vita, ma è necessario per rimanere nella storia farsi ritrarre in un quadro del grande Leonardo.
Un libro interessante nel quale ritroviamo grandi personaggi storici, ci sembrerà di vivere in quei palazzi e in quelle corti, dove continuamente si stringevano alleanze, si stabilivano tradimenti e si sognavano nuovi territori da conquistare, per diventare signori incontrastati, uomini avidi di potere, superbi e arroganti, donne astute, intelligenti che apprezzavano l'arte, la letteratura e la poesia del grande Rinascimento.
Il mio consiglio è di leggere questo libro una bel romanzo, con un'ottima ricostruzione storica.
Un bellissimo libro, che ricostruisce la vita di due sorelle che hanno fatto la storia del Rinascimento, Isabella e Beatrice D'Este, la prima signora di Mantova sposata a Francesco Gonzaga, la seconda signora di Milano sposata a Ludovico il Moro, entrambe sfruttando l'enorme fascino, l'eccezionale intelligenza e furbizia, riusciranno ad incantare ed affascinare uomini importanti dai quali riceveranno appoggio per la sicurezza dei loro ducati.
Il libro ci racconta dell'amore e dell'invidia che le due sorelle hanno una nei confronti dell'altra, Isabella in particolare pensa che Beatrice abbia avuto molta più fortuna di lei nell'essere andata in sposa al grande Ludovico, ma poi con lo scorrere delle vicende che sono costrette ad affrontare, dovrà ricredersi, Beatrice morirà presto a 21 anni, lascerà un segno profondo nella storia pur vivendo così poco e non sarà costretta a subire il tradimento che colpirà Ludovico anche da chi fino a poco prima aveva giurato eterna fedeltà nei suoi confronti.
"Beatrice, Beatrice, non è che non ti amassi. Tu eri come i cigni del tuo laghetto -nati goffi e brutti-, ma che poi crescendo diventano belli, portano la magia nel mondo e cantano nell'ora della morte. Creatura mitica, che poteva non amarti, sulla terra o al di sopra di essa? E' solo che per tanto tempo ho pensato che tu avessi rubato il mio destino...Invece, non lo sapevamo, ma me lo stavi preservando..."
Isabella è bella e affascinante, molto intelligente, legge libri ed ama circondarsi di splendide collezioni dei grandi artisti dell'epoca, Beatrice è una bravissima cavallerizza, è spericolata, piccola e non aggraziata, ma caparbia e testarda, con ostinazione ed amore riuscirà a conquistare Ludovico il Moro e tutta la sua corte, la prima agisce usando la mente la seconda ascoltando il suo cuore.
"Alcune donne non sanno stare al mondo, -dichiara Isabella-. Per altre è un istinto, come nutrirsi per un animale. Per quanto all'inizio di possa disgustare, conquisteremo re Luigi e ci vestiremo di gigli, finché non cambierà di nuovo la moda. Speravo che mia sorella fosse una come noi, ma credo proprio che alla fine abbia ceduto alla debolezza del suo cuore."
Alla corte del Moro, presta i suoi servizi il grande Leonardo da Vinci, altro fondamentale personaggio presente in questo libro, ripercorreremo la creazione di alcune tra le sue più importanti opere (La dama con l'ermellino, La vergine in grotta, L'ultima cena fino al misterioso quadro della Gioconda), leggeremo alcuni pensieri estratti dal suo taccuino, un uomo che non era solo un artista, ma anche un filosofo, un costruttore e un esperto di anatomia, che cercava costantemente l'anima, l'essenza, il mistero e la seduzione, tutto quello che poi racchiudeva nelle sue splendide opere.
Isabella donna che capisce quanto è importante l'opera svolta da questi grandi uomini/artisti cercherà di farsi immortalare in un quadro, sa che può aver fatto tanto nella sua vita, ma è necessario per rimanere nella storia farsi ritrarre in un quadro del grande Leonardo.
Un libro interessante nel quale ritroviamo grandi personaggi storici, ci sembrerà di vivere in quei palazzi e in quelle corti, dove continuamente si stringevano alleanze, si stabilivano tradimenti e si sognavano nuovi territori da conquistare, per diventare signori incontrastati, uomini avidi di potere, superbi e arroganti, donne astute, intelligenti che apprezzavano l'arte, la letteratura e la poesia del grande Rinascimento.
Il mio consiglio è di leggere questo libro una bel romanzo, con un'ottima ricostruzione storica.
March 17, 2019
One of the more popular periods during the Italian Renaissance is the reign of Ludovico Sforza over the duchy of Milan. During Ludovico’s lifetime he saw his father, Francesco Sforza, transform Milan into a regional power, lived through his older brother’s assassination, and served as regent to his dead brother’s underage son.
For the twenty-five years following his brother’s assassination, while regent over his nephew, Ludovico succeeded in consolidating power over Milan and in doing so, he brought a period of stability to the region. It was during this time that he married a young bride, the fifteen-year-old Beatrice d’Este who in her own right became a force of charm over Ludovico and wielded as much power over Milan as a woman could have at that time. It was through Ludovico Sforza’s patronage of Leonardo Da Vinci that Leonardo became famous for his art and engineering. Ludovico sforza finally survived his nephew’s suspiciously early death to become the Duke of Milan in his own right.
All of the above are facts of history, but Karen Essex, in Leonardo's Swans, achieves the difficult task of breathing life into this history. She takes the events and figures and weaves them together into a homogeneous story filled with human emotion. Yes, her words are supposition and at times speculation, but they serve to turn history into a painting of life where history alone provides only a sketch. While Leonardo's Swans may not be a means to learn history, it is certainly a way to feel the life of the history that you already know.
However, in addition to giving life to history, Karen Essex also imparts observations on the artworks of Leonardo Da Vinci. In equal focus with the characters, Essex gives insights into the Leonardo’s portraits and the people that they depict. This artistic commentary gives depth to the story and provides an excuse to explore Leonardo’s portraits and his famous altarpiece entitled Madonna of the Rocks. And given that the interpretation of art is everybody’s domain, Leonardo's Swans is a bit of a history book, all on its own.
For the twenty-five years following his brother’s assassination, while regent over his nephew, Ludovico succeeded in consolidating power over Milan and in doing so, he brought a period of stability to the region. It was during this time that he married a young bride, the fifteen-year-old Beatrice d’Este who in her own right became a force of charm over Ludovico and wielded as much power over Milan as a woman could have at that time. It was through Ludovico Sforza’s patronage of Leonardo Da Vinci that Leonardo became famous for his art and engineering. Ludovico sforza finally survived his nephew’s suspiciously early death to become the Duke of Milan in his own right.
All of the above are facts of history, but Karen Essex, in Leonardo's Swans, achieves the difficult task of breathing life into this history. She takes the events and figures and weaves them together into a homogeneous story filled with human emotion. Yes, her words are supposition and at times speculation, but they serve to turn history into a painting of life where history alone provides only a sketch. While Leonardo's Swans may not be a means to learn history, it is certainly a way to feel the life of the history that you already know.
However, in addition to giving life to history, Karen Essex also imparts observations on the artworks of Leonardo Da Vinci. In equal focus with the characters, Essex gives insights into the Leonardo’s portraits and the people that they depict. This artistic commentary gives depth to the story and provides an excuse to explore Leonardo’s portraits and his famous altarpiece entitled Madonna of the Rocks. And given that the interpretation of art is everybody’s domain, Leonardo's Swans is a bit of a history book, all on its own.
July 19, 2015
I loved the history and the insight into the life of Leonardo DaVinci when he was living in Milan under Il Moro, and getting a glimpse into the Italian Renaissance was a treat. I would have given this book higher than 3 stars because I love historical novels. However, I had a problem with the POV. It changed so abruptly so many times that I wasn't sure who was expressing their thought. The passage of time also could have been better weaved throughout the story, it ended sort of suddenly, and I would like to have seen more depth into the characters' personalities. There was not enough depth to sympathize with their motive, which prompted me to look for historical references. Not enough of DaVinci either, and too much bickering between the 2 sisters that at times sounded very immature and petty. I can understand that they were young (and this is fiction, after all) but it just sounded too childish. Another thing, when suddenly Beatrice becomes a sexy vixen in bed with Il Moro, which was also kind of weird. Could have been a better story but the descriptions of the luxury of Milan's castle and the dresses, paintings and art made up somewhat for the rest. The nice thing at the end was the real description of the historical figures and it's a treat to look for their paintings and see how they looked like in real life.
June 18, 2008
Disappointing. Glad I found it on the Barnes bargain table. The story of the D'Este sisters is lovely...so, how can you really mess up a European history novel for a Renaissance lover? Inconsistency in writing! It was rather aggravating to read Essex's transition from modern to period consistent vernacular. Honestly, do you think Beatrice D'Este would say "creepy?" Beyond the writing, the excerpts from Da Vinci's notebooks - I really wanted to understand how these added to the story, but that too fell short. I'm sure I'm being too hard in this review...but I really wanted to like this book. Thumbs down.
July 22, 2011
Set in Renaissance Italy, LEONARDO’S SWANS is an epic tale of sibling rivalry, ambition, politics, art, and love. Isabella d’Este is the primary point of view character. She is incredibly talented, beautiful, and shrewd. She is pleased with her betrothed until she realizes that the betrothed of her younger sister, Beatrice, is not only a better match for her in intellect and passions, but is also the patron of the genius Leonardo da Vinci. Isabella’s obsession with art makes her consumed with desire for a sitting with Leonardo so that she might be immortalized by his hands. In a tale that spans decades, Isabella plots and connives to attempt to control her fate and to make Italy a mecca for culture and wealth.
Isabella is a beguiling and fascinating protagonist. In spite of her schemes, I couldn’t help but enjoy her. Essex does a masterful job of showing the maturation of flawed characters, and the changing fates of the sisters play like an intricate chess game. Essex’s research and attention to historical detail is impressive but never oppressive.
LEONARDO’S SWANS is historical fiction at its finest. It is the perfect blend of story and history, and sent me searching the internet for hours afterward to learn about the characters and the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
If you are an art or history enthusiast, or if you enjoy writing in the style of Philippa Gregory, you will love LEONARDO’S SWANS.
Isabella is a beguiling and fascinating protagonist. In spite of her schemes, I couldn’t help but enjoy her. Essex does a masterful job of showing the maturation of flawed characters, and the changing fates of the sisters play like an intricate chess game. Essex’s research and attention to historical detail is impressive but never oppressive.
LEONARDO’S SWANS is historical fiction at its finest. It is the perfect blend of story and history, and sent me searching the internet for hours afterward to learn about the characters and the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
If you are an art or history enthusiast, or if you enjoy writing in the style of Philippa Gregory, you will love LEONARDO’S SWANS.
September 1, 2007
Eh. I usually really like books in this genre, but this one wasn't the best..it starts out really good but then it goes straight downhill and drags on and on...I was pretty disappointed all in all. I was excited to read this one, as its about DaVinci..but like I said, it wasn't what I had hoped for. If this is a genre you're interested in, let me know and I can recommend several that are much more entertaining and well written.
The story centers around two sisters and the seperate lives they lead during the struggle for power between France and Italy. Mixed in is the rise of Da Vinci as an artist and as a brilliant mind. The story has potential, but there's too much lull to it for my taste; and by lull I mean lots of words that didn't need to really be included.
Stick with Vreeland or Chevalier, if you want something along these lines..all of the books written by both of those women are incredible.
The story centers around two sisters and the seperate lives they lead during the struggle for power between France and Italy. Mixed in is the rise of Da Vinci as an artist and as a brilliant mind. The story has potential, but there's too much lull to it for my taste; and by lull I mean lots of words that didn't need to really be included.
Stick with Vreeland or Chevalier, if you want something along these lines..all of the books written by both of those women are incredible.
May 4, 2022
The story line was easy to follow and hard to put down. The details of the Sforza Castle, of Leonardo’s various works and his quirks, and the history of ruling families in Italy during the 1400s-1500’s were fascinating! Fabulous, meticulously researched historical fiction that keeps you turning pages. Full review you can find on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com
February 7, 2021
It's hard to get into a novel when you find the two main characters flat and uninteresting. Not even the character of da Vinci himself made the novel any more enticing.
July 23, 2015
Estos últimos días me encontraba en pleno Renacimiento al leer Matar a Leonardo Da Vinci, pero en vez de salir e ingresar a un nuevo lugar, decidí quedarme en esa época llena de cambios, con este libro, Los Cisnes de Leonardo (Leonardo's Swans) de Karen Essex, un libro que tenía pendiente desde hace mucho, pero que decidí leer apenas terminé el anterior para así seguir en sincronía. La verdad es que lo que llamó mi atención fue su exquisita portada del famoso cuadro Leda y el Cisne, pintado por Leonardo Da Vinci (Claro que el de la portada corresponde a la versión de la misma obra pintada por el artista lombardo Cesare da Sesto), así que comencé a leerlo. No es una historia sobre el famoso artista, aquí Leonardo queda relegado a un personaje secundario, pero no por ello menos importante, sino que es la historia de dos hermanas que tristemente la historia ha tenido en el anonimato, Beatrice e Isabelle d’Este, quienes lucharon por la atención de Ludovico Sforza, el marido de Beatrice y por ende, también la de Leonardo, a quien Isabella quería que retratara para ser inmortal.
Muchas veces he leído sobre rivalidades entre hermanas, algunas son discretas mientras que otras son bien peleadas, como lo fue en el caso de Ana Bolena y su hermana María Bolena, por conseguir la atención de Enrique VIII, siendo la indiscutida ganadora Ana, quien cambiando la monarquía de Inglaterra para siempre antes de su trágico final. La rivalidad de Isabelle y Beatrice tiene un poco de todo, es como el movimiento de las olas, a veces es bravo y otras suave y relajante. La novela comienza con las dos jóvenes hermanas en sus últimos días de soltería, ya que ambas están prometidas en matrimonio como suele suceder en las influyentes familias que buscan el apoyo militar y el poder más que el amor. El libro está narrado en tercera persona, pero de primeras enfocado en Isabelle, quien se siente en la gloria. Es joven, hermosa, su matrimonio ha sido finalmente concertado con el joven Francisco Gonzaga, quien se muestra encantado con ella, comparten aficiones artísticas y aparte de todo, su apariencia no le desagrada a la joven, sumado al hecho de que se convertirá en marquesa. Nada comparado con la suerte de Beatrice, quien ha sido prometida nada más ni nada menos que con Ludovico Sforza, conocido también como El Moro, un hombre con la edad suficiente para ser su padre, quien ni siquiera se muestra apresurado de concretar el compromiso o algún tipo de afecto por su joven novia, sino más bien enfocado en su amante, Cecilia Gallerani y en quedarse con el título de Duque de Milán. Hasta que ejercido por la presión, la boda finalmente se realiza. Y ahí es cuando todo cambia, en el reinado de Milán, Isabelle se da cuenta que la verdadera afortunada es Beatrice. Ludovico no es tan viejo como creían, sino un hombre en la plenitud de la vida y con mucha experiencia además, una fortuna superior a la de Francisco y mecenas de uno de los genios más importantes de la época, el maestro Leonardo Da Vinci. Será el comienzo de una singular rivalidad por la atención de Ludovico y por ende, la de Leonardo.
Esta novela fue una sorpresa, especialmente porque está muy bien escrita, me gusta como Karen cambia de personaje sin que la historia se altere totalmente, cada personaje está muy bien retratado en diversas descripciones y en sus diálogos, tanto que por un segundo olvidas que son personajes históricos para convertirse en personas reales y cercanas. La historia nos muestra a Isabelle y a Beatrice como dos grandes mujeres del Renacimiento, mecenas de diversos artistas, poderosas aliadas y muy inteligentes, pero muchas veces olvidamos que no eran mujeres, sino niñas, adolescentes en un mundo donde las etapas simplemente no existían y las mujeres son tratadas solo como objetos cuya finalidad es establecer alianzas a través de matrimonios, ignorando por completo sus sentimientos pero sumado a una enorme lista de deberes que nunca parece terminar, ser la esposa perfecta, dar hijos, principalmente herederos y nunca replicar si el marido no se comporta adecuadamente. La novela nos da varios ejemplos de ello, como el compromiso impuesto a Beatrice, la rígida educación de la que Isabelle tanto se vanagloriaba, como muchas veces los progenitores de pocos recursos buscan ascender de posición, si no por medio del matrimonio, a través del adulterio, ofreciendo a sus propias hijas como amantes de hombres poderosos. Es una pena, pero es la verdad.
Lo interesante también de este libro, es que a su modo, las hermanas d’Este rompen con el molde establecido conforme avanza la lectura, no conformes con el simple papel cuya época les asignaba a las mujeres, ambas buscarán la felicidad absoluta, tomando muchas veces las riendas de sus propias vidas, aunque ello pueda traer nefastas consecuencias (el que sabe de historia, sabrá de lo que hablo), y por eso mismo le doy a esta novela cinco estrellas bien merecidas, por su trama, sus personajes, creando un singular juego por la simpatía de cada hermana, que el mismo lector debe decidir, a veces puede simpatizarnos Beatrice y en otras Isabelle, así como al mismo tiempo podemos detestarlas, y el detalle de deleitarnos con documentos del propio Leonardo como metáfora de cada capítulo.
Muchas veces he leído sobre rivalidades entre hermanas, algunas son discretas mientras que otras son bien peleadas, como lo fue en el caso de Ana Bolena y su hermana María Bolena, por conseguir la atención de Enrique VIII, siendo la indiscutida ganadora Ana, quien cambiando la monarquía de Inglaterra para siempre antes de su trágico final. La rivalidad de Isabelle y Beatrice tiene un poco de todo, es como el movimiento de las olas, a veces es bravo y otras suave y relajante. La novela comienza con las dos jóvenes hermanas en sus últimos días de soltería, ya que ambas están prometidas en matrimonio como suele suceder en las influyentes familias que buscan el apoyo militar y el poder más que el amor. El libro está narrado en tercera persona, pero de primeras enfocado en Isabelle, quien se siente en la gloria. Es joven, hermosa, su matrimonio ha sido finalmente concertado con el joven Francisco Gonzaga, quien se muestra encantado con ella, comparten aficiones artísticas y aparte de todo, su apariencia no le desagrada a la joven, sumado al hecho de que se convertirá en marquesa. Nada comparado con la suerte de Beatrice, quien ha sido prometida nada más ni nada menos que con Ludovico Sforza, conocido también como El Moro, un hombre con la edad suficiente para ser su padre, quien ni siquiera se muestra apresurado de concretar el compromiso o algún tipo de afecto por su joven novia, sino más bien enfocado en su amante, Cecilia Gallerani y en quedarse con el título de Duque de Milán. Hasta que ejercido por la presión, la boda finalmente se realiza. Y ahí es cuando todo cambia, en el reinado de Milán, Isabelle se da cuenta que la verdadera afortunada es Beatrice. Ludovico no es tan viejo como creían, sino un hombre en la plenitud de la vida y con mucha experiencia además, una fortuna superior a la de Francisco y mecenas de uno de los genios más importantes de la época, el maestro Leonardo Da Vinci. Será el comienzo de una singular rivalidad por la atención de Ludovico y por ende, la de Leonardo.
Esta novela fue una sorpresa, especialmente porque está muy bien escrita, me gusta como Karen cambia de personaje sin que la historia se altere totalmente, cada personaje está muy bien retratado en diversas descripciones y en sus diálogos, tanto que por un segundo olvidas que son personajes históricos para convertirse en personas reales y cercanas. La historia nos muestra a Isabelle y a Beatrice como dos grandes mujeres del Renacimiento, mecenas de diversos artistas, poderosas aliadas y muy inteligentes, pero muchas veces olvidamos que no eran mujeres, sino niñas, adolescentes en un mundo donde las etapas simplemente no existían y las mujeres son tratadas solo como objetos cuya finalidad es establecer alianzas a través de matrimonios, ignorando por completo sus sentimientos pero sumado a una enorme lista de deberes que nunca parece terminar, ser la esposa perfecta, dar hijos, principalmente herederos y nunca replicar si el marido no se comporta adecuadamente. La novela nos da varios ejemplos de ello, como el compromiso impuesto a Beatrice, la rígida educación de la que Isabelle tanto se vanagloriaba, como muchas veces los progenitores de pocos recursos buscan ascender de posición, si no por medio del matrimonio, a través del adulterio, ofreciendo a sus propias hijas como amantes de hombres poderosos. Es una pena, pero es la verdad.
Lo interesante también de este libro, es que a su modo, las hermanas d’Este rompen con el molde establecido conforme avanza la lectura, no conformes con el simple papel cuya época les asignaba a las mujeres, ambas buscarán la felicidad absoluta, tomando muchas veces las riendas de sus propias vidas, aunque ello pueda traer nefastas consecuencias (el que sabe de historia, sabrá de lo que hablo), y por eso mismo le doy a esta novela cinco estrellas bien merecidas, por su trama, sus personajes, creando un singular juego por la simpatía de cada hermana, que el mismo lector debe decidir, a veces puede simpatizarnos Beatrice y en otras Isabelle, así como al mismo tiempo podemos detestarlas, y el detalle de deleitarnos con documentos del propio Leonardo como metáfora de cada capítulo.
July 27, 2016
Questo libro mi è piaciuto proprio tanto.
Isabella d'Este fu una delle più influenti donne del Rinascimento, definita ai suoi tempi "la prima donna del mondo". Ho letto una sua biografia e ne è emersa una donna forte ed intelligente, ma anche altezzosa e con un malcelato astio verso il destino che l'aveva fatta nascere femmina in un mondo di uomini, un disprezzo verso le debolezze del suo genere così forte da renderle impossibile gioire per la nascita delle figlie (curiosamente il marito era contentissimo delle bimbe, anche prima dell'arrivo del sospirato erede maschio).
Un personaggio storico verso cui provo ammirazione e che mi affascina, ma che non mi piace nel senso stretto del termine.
Il libro prende questa donna e sua sorella Beatrice e, alternando i due punti di vista, usa le loro vite per mostrarci l'Italia rinascimentale. Le guerre, gi intrighi, la politica.
L'arte.
La ricerca dell'immortalità attraverso le opere d'arte, in un periodo in cui di maestri in grado di consegnare alla Storia persone e nomi ce n'erano quasi troppi, e il tentativo di farsi immortalare dal più grande di tutti: Leonardo da Vinci, genio indiscusso ed insuperabile, ma sfuggente ed imprevedibile, che ha fatto alle amanti di Ludovico l'immenso onore di un ritratto, ma non riesce (e non ha voglia) di fare lo stesso per Beatrice ed Isabella.
E se a Beatrice importa il giusto e l'onesto, perchè lei vuole lasciare la sua impronta nel mondo in altri modi, per Isabella - amante del bello e in grado di comprendere al volo il peso che un'opera avrà nel tempo - essere immortalata da Leonardo diventa praticamente un'ossessione.
Ma il libro offre anche, e soprattutto, il ritratto di due sorelle e del loro rapporto ora conflittuale, ora di competizione.
Un destino quasi beffardo, che ha fatto della geniale Isabella la moglie di Francesco Gonzaga e di Beatrice la duchessa di Milano.
Isabella, che non capisce come la testarda sorellina possa essere la moglie di un'uomo come Ludovico il Moro, come possa essersi trasformata da bambina ribelle ed indisciplinata in una donna in grado di competere con lei - la sorella maggiore. Quella che è sempre stata la sorella intelligente, la sorella bella, la sorella perfetta.
E dall'altro lato Beatrice, quella che ha dovuto lottare per essere tutto ciò che veniva naturale all'amata rivale, per avere ciò che sarebbe stato semplicemente dato ad Isabella. Il gioco della politica e della seduzione non le viene né facile né naturale, ma quando si trova a dover scegliere tra subire un'esistenza che non le piace o lottare per ottenere il posto a fianco del marito e il riconoscimento che le spettano, non solo lotta ma vince. Perchè essere forti non è solo ribellarsi ad un destino che non si vuole, ma anche piegarlo e modificarlo finchè non diventa qualcosa che ci aggrada.
Nonostante il libro sia ambientato in un periodo storico estremamente turbolento, la narrazione è molto tranquilla: Isabella e Beatrice sono quasi sempre fuori dall'azione militare vera e propria, anche se al centro (o molto prossime al centro) della politica. Però è stato comunque molto interessante vedere i modi in cui l'autrice ha ricreato le reazioni, il senso di sgomento e l'incredulità, quando succedono cose che noi abbiamo letto o studiato, ma che per i personaggi sono invece eventi incredibili che stanno accadendo in quel momento.
Devo ammettere, però, che nonostante abbia apprezzato il libro davvero molto, dopo un inizio stellare ho fatto un po' fatica a superare la parte centrale, che per me si trascina un po'.
Isabella d'Este fu una delle più influenti donne del Rinascimento, definita ai suoi tempi "la prima donna del mondo". Ho letto una sua biografia e ne è emersa una donna forte ed intelligente, ma anche altezzosa e con un malcelato astio verso il destino che l'aveva fatta nascere femmina in un mondo di uomini, un disprezzo verso le debolezze del suo genere così forte da renderle impossibile gioire per la nascita delle figlie (curiosamente il marito era contentissimo delle bimbe, anche prima dell'arrivo del sospirato erede maschio).
Un personaggio storico verso cui provo ammirazione e che mi affascina, ma che non mi piace nel senso stretto del termine.
Il libro prende questa donna e sua sorella Beatrice e, alternando i due punti di vista, usa le loro vite per mostrarci l'Italia rinascimentale. Le guerre, gi intrighi, la politica.
L'arte.
La ricerca dell'immortalità attraverso le opere d'arte, in un periodo in cui di maestri in grado di consegnare alla Storia persone e nomi ce n'erano quasi troppi, e il tentativo di farsi immortalare dal più grande di tutti: Leonardo da Vinci, genio indiscusso ed insuperabile, ma sfuggente ed imprevedibile, che ha fatto alle amanti di Ludovico l'immenso onore di un ritratto, ma non riesce (e non ha voglia) di fare lo stesso per Beatrice ed Isabella.
E se a Beatrice importa il giusto e l'onesto, perchè lei vuole lasciare la sua impronta nel mondo in altri modi, per Isabella - amante del bello e in grado di comprendere al volo il peso che un'opera avrà nel tempo - essere immortalata da Leonardo diventa praticamente un'ossessione.
Ma il libro offre anche, e soprattutto, il ritratto di due sorelle e del loro rapporto ora conflittuale, ora di competizione.
Un destino quasi beffardo, che ha fatto della geniale Isabella la moglie di Francesco Gonzaga e di Beatrice la duchessa di Milano.
Isabella, che non capisce come la testarda sorellina possa essere la moglie di un'uomo come Ludovico il Moro, come possa essersi trasformata da bambina ribelle ed indisciplinata in una donna in grado di competere con lei - la sorella maggiore. Quella che è sempre stata la sorella intelligente, la sorella bella, la sorella perfetta.
E dall'altro lato Beatrice, quella che ha dovuto lottare per essere tutto ciò che veniva naturale all'amata rivale, per avere ciò che sarebbe stato semplicemente dato ad Isabella. Il gioco della politica e della seduzione non le viene né facile né naturale, ma quando si trova a dover scegliere tra subire un'esistenza che non le piace o lottare per ottenere il posto a fianco del marito e il riconoscimento che le spettano, non solo lotta ma vince. Perchè essere forti non è solo ribellarsi ad un destino che non si vuole, ma anche piegarlo e modificarlo finchè non diventa qualcosa che ci aggrada.
Nonostante il libro sia ambientato in un periodo storico estremamente turbolento, la narrazione è molto tranquilla: Isabella e Beatrice sono quasi sempre fuori dall'azione militare vera e propria, anche se al centro (o molto prossime al centro) della politica. Però è stato comunque molto interessante vedere i modi in cui l'autrice ha ricreato le reazioni, il senso di sgomento e l'incredulità, quando succedono cose che noi abbiamo letto o studiato, ma che per i personaggi sono invece eventi incredibili che stanno accadendo in quel momento.
Devo ammettere, però, che nonostante abbia apprezzato il libro davvero molto, dopo un inizio stellare ho fatto un po' fatica a superare la parte centrale, che per me si trascina un po'.
May 24, 2010
Read this review on my blog, here
Leonardo's Swans
by Karen Essex
Steeped in the excitement and dangers of 15th Century Renaissance Italy, Leonardo’s Swans was a fascinating book. It covered a vast array of historical events, from the rising tensions amongst the unstable Italian city-states, to the French invasion of Italy by Charles VIII, to the election of the corrupt Borgia Pope to the Vatican. The book had its occasional anachronism, but as a whole, I think fans of historical fiction who like a well researched book will really appreciate this intricate novel.
Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential “Renaissance man,” is a side character in this book, and I enjoyed learning the secrets and stories behind some of his most famous works, especially The Lady with an Ermine. His “swans” refers to the noble d’Este sisters: Isabella, who marries the future Duke of Mantua, and Beatrice, who marries “Il Moro,” the legendary Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza. Ludovico is also one of Leonardo’s greatest patrons, and his wife and her sister engage in a rivalry to be immortalized in oils by the great Maestro.
The only problem is that the fickle Leonardo begins many projects, yet finishes very few of them, as he is easily distracted by ideas of grandeur. Every time he begins one commission, another, more intriguing project manifests itself in his mind. One can see why Leonardo was so easily distracted, for he was not only a painter, but also Ludovico’s weapons mastermind, a scientist, an engineer, an inventor, a mathematician, an anatomist, a botanist...the list goes on. I really liked reading the excerpts from Leonardo’s notebooks on the first page of every chapter; little touches like these make this book special.
The d’Este sisters were both strong, opinionated females living in times when women were meant to be meek and appeasing. I could respect Isabella for her knowledge and love of the arts, but I felt like I kept waiting for one of these two women to emerge as my protagonist, and neither one of the d’Este sisters was truly likeable as a person. There was also a certain point through the book when I sensed a major disconnect in the relationship between Isabella and Beatrice that seemed inconsistent to me. Isabella goes from being Beatrice’s arch nemesis to her champion all too quickly; we don’t really see a strong impetus for this change of heart. I loved this book in the beginning, the storyline in the middle section got monotonous at points, but overall it is a very good read, and the book’s many strengths more than make up for the slower middle bits. If you like your hist-fic books heavy on the "hist," (I do!) then this book is for you!
Leonardo's Swans
by Karen Essex
Steeped in the excitement and dangers of 15th Century Renaissance Italy, Leonardo’s Swans was a fascinating book. It covered a vast array of historical events, from the rising tensions amongst the unstable Italian city-states, to the French invasion of Italy by Charles VIII, to the election of the corrupt Borgia Pope to the Vatican. The book had its occasional anachronism, but as a whole, I think fans of historical fiction who like a well researched book will really appreciate this intricate novel.
Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential “Renaissance man,” is a side character in this book, and I enjoyed learning the secrets and stories behind some of his most famous works, especially The Lady with an Ermine. His “swans” refers to the noble d’Este sisters: Isabella, who marries the future Duke of Mantua, and Beatrice, who marries “Il Moro,” the legendary Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza. Ludovico is also one of Leonardo’s greatest patrons, and his wife and her sister engage in a rivalry to be immortalized in oils by the great Maestro.
The only problem is that the fickle Leonardo begins many projects, yet finishes very few of them, as he is easily distracted by ideas of grandeur. Every time he begins one commission, another, more intriguing project manifests itself in his mind. One can see why Leonardo was so easily distracted, for he was not only a painter, but also Ludovico’s weapons mastermind, a scientist, an engineer, an inventor, a mathematician, an anatomist, a botanist...the list goes on. I really liked reading the excerpts from Leonardo’s notebooks on the first page of every chapter; little touches like these make this book special.
The d’Este sisters were both strong, opinionated females living in times when women were meant to be meek and appeasing. I could respect Isabella for her knowledge and love of the arts, but I felt like I kept waiting for one of these two women to emerge as my protagonist, and neither one of the d’Este sisters was truly likeable as a person. There was also a certain point through the book when I sensed a major disconnect in the relationship between Isabella and Beatrice that seemed inconsistent to me. Isabella goes from being Beatrice’s arch nemesis to her champion all too quickly; we don’t really see a strong impetus for this change of heart. I loved this book in the beginning, the storyline in the middle section got monotonous at points, but overall it is a very good read, and the book’s many strengths more than make up for the slower middle bits. If you like your hist-fic books heavy on the "hist," (I do!) then this book is for you!
June 20, 2009
Mundane, lackluster, cure for insomnia... this book was ridiculously BORING! How Essex managed to take intriguing people in a period of time that has inspired countless writers to genius and transformed it into a piece of work that worked like a sleeping pill is beyond me!
The book being entitled "Leonardo's Swans" is terribly deceptive. One would think that the novel would make this artist and true Renaissance man a leading character. One would be sadly mistaken. How can you take, arguably, the most fascinating personality in history and turn him into a minor character?
Alright, then, supposing the book were not entitled "Leonardo's Swans". Supposing it were "Beatrice and Isabella" or "The Sforzas and the Gonzagas" or what have you... it would still be subpar. I found the relationship between the sisters to be disjointed and awkward. First they love each other, then they hate each other, then they are jealous of each other, then they love and respect each other again. The author consistently changes how Beatrice and Isabella react to each other without explaining why, without giving background for the characters' development. At one moment they feel such a way about each other, then the next their emotions flip flop. Yes, sisters often have their moments of love and hate, but it is an author's job to explain what has changed... unless you want your readers to become hopelessly frustrated with you!
Altogether, not worth having picked up in the first place... a magnificent waste of four days!
The book being entitled "Leonardo's Swans" is terribly deceptive. One would think that the novel would make this artist and true Renaissance man a leading character. One would be sadly mistaken. How can you take, arguably, the most fascinating personality in history and turn him into a minor character?
Alright, then, supposing the book were not entitled "Leonardo's Swans". Supposing it were "Beatrice and Isabella" or "The Sforzas and the Gonzagas" or what have you... it would still be subpar. I found the relationship between the sisters to be disjointed and awkward. First they love each other, then they hate each other, then they are jealous of each other, then they love and respect each other again. The author consistently changes how Beatrice and Isabella react to each other without explaining why, without giving background for the characters' development. At one moment they feel such a way about each other, then the next their emotions flip flop. Yes, sisters often have their moments of love and hate, but it is an author's job to explain what has changed... unless you want your readers to become hopelessly frustrated with you!
Altogether, not worth having picked up in the first place... a magnificent waste of four days!
June 2, 2009
I enjoyed this book especially because I visited Milan and was awestruck by the Last Supper painting. Though I remember the mural opposite it in the same room and our guide pointed out the fact that the Sforza family was painted in the scene I am regretful that the mural opposite caused me to miss looking at it closely. Very informative book about the Renaissance but I long for perhaps a little more fictional approach to the characters. We don't have video/audio cameras from the 1400s so why not bring a little more life to the story?
February 26, 2018
Easy to read. Gave me an insight into these various northern Italian city states, Milan, Mantua, Venice, Ferrara. Also a very human portrayal of Leonardo, with all the foibles in amongst the genius. Loved Isabella's interpretations of his various paintings. But the characterisations were often distant - we got to share a character's interior world and then we only knew of subsequent actions in third person and relayed details. So there was a mix of closeness and distance. I felt it was hard to really get to know any of the characters in depth. The naming of the chapters is obscure -why does one start with 'X'? Is this a reference to Leonardo's diary system? This is not explained. The political maneuverings of the time were complex. Loved the way the wives were shown to be politically astute and with power and influence. Feel like I need to reread it to pick up on more of the subtleties of all the wheeling and dealing in the plot.
August 29, 2018
It may be because I read this as my real book while reading several Kindle books, but it wasn't until the last half that it grabbed me. I've read a bit about this period of time so it was fun to fill in gaps with characters who have been involved in the other stories I've read. What I ended up appreciating most was how Essex portrayed the women both competing with but also taking care of eachother. I thought she balanced the power & helplessness better than many historical writers do. She stayed in her time period while bringing their humanity to life.
May 3, 2021
This has been sitting on my shelf for ages, and I finally got to it. I really enjoyed it, mostly for the characterization of Isabella and her sister Beatrice d'Este, and also Ludovico Sforza. These people were not like us, and Essex manages to both convey this, and to make them compelling.
August 20, 2017
A good read but drags a bit toward the end. The characters are very alive though, you can see and hear them.
December 10, 2021
Perfecto estudio histórico de una época y excelso estudio de las obras del Magnífico Leonardo de Vinci.:)
June 8, 2025
Una bella ricostruzione storica del fine 1400 ed inizio 1500 fra le casate italiane Este, Sforza ecc... vicissitudini amori e fra gli artisti dell'epoca. Più di tutti Leonardo.
July 9, 2019
The descriptions of the art and design were beautiful, but unfortunately I found the storyline lacking. Makes me want to go to the Louvre again to see these works of art.
October 5, 2024
Still looking for a more immersive take on the Italian Renaissance... This book had some fragmentary descriptions and scenes that alluded to the past times and conspicuous consumption by the nobility of the time, but there's surprisingly little depth. I think the author might have wanted to make her setting tangible, but the style of the description and the characters' thoughts were oddly distancing, and her main focus was the two sisters and their rivalry/generally oppositional and passive-aggressive relationship. It was hard to feel invested in them for various reasons (below). She tried to compress many years into this book and might have erred by trying to balance both sisters' perspectives. Both of their character development and portrayals suffered.
The comparison/reference to the nature of swans was a promising concept. I wish the rest of the book had fleshed it out more convincingly. The first 60% of the book was a slog (and the source of most of the notes below). It started to pick up as the author finally began to allow the characters to receive news of impending war or events - second-hand, but much more consequential than their previously myopic thoughts - and do things rather than just reminisce.
Gripes:
Melodramatic, unnecessarily repetitive narration.
It starts in the prologue and then happens throughout the first half of the book. This contributes to a perception of slow pacing.
Everything interesting happens off-screen.
The story lingers too long on parts that are not that interesting or just viscerally unpleasant. In contrast, most of the character "development" or important beats either happen in summary, in time skips, or after the fact, and therefore don't have any weight.
Part of the reason why interesting events should be shown while they happen, not just in extended reveries (during which the characters literally do nothing at all in the present) is that nobody cares what you remember or wants to hear your anecdotes; the refrain is, "You had to be there." If it's important enough to think about, ask if it's worth taking the reader there. There's a very long set of interludes where Isabella gets on a boat because her sister suddenly insists that she visit only in this format, and then Isabella dips into a long memory, and then she wakes up from that nap, to reveal to the reader they are still on a boat, and then she goes into another memory, and then we come back to the boat, and we find out it's the same boat.
Arbitrary tense switching creates additional confusion when the least one could expect is an intentional use of them to clarify when we are.
No sense of structure (rising action/climax/falling action) in the narrative.
It's hard to discern any intention or coherence in the inclusion or exclusion of events. This is the above problem writ large. As a reader, I'm totally lost, not because of the complexity of what's happening but by how the story lurches here and there unpredictably. I'm not here for this narrative fartlek. We spend a long time with Beatrice, who finally starts taking a more active role in her life, to the point that her death implies a turning point in the narrative. The switch back to Isabella then covers a series of events that are arguably of great historical interest, but in the narrative adds up to an ending that drags and drags into nowhere.
Factual errors and questionable historical accuracy in the details.
Allusion to a family of swans and their fat white babies: Cygnets... are not white. I guess it could be a generalization of light gray, but aren't we supposed be obsessed with art and detail?
The bit about Beatrice wearing a pink dress... during that time period. Yes, it's possible that was a dark pink, but I got the impression that modern assumptions of youth/girl/innocence went into that descriptive choice, and from there on, everything started feeling suspicious and arbitrary. Unlike lightning, the pink dress also strikes twice.
Beatrice had some memorable escapades recorded in historical accounts (apocryphal or not) and that would have been more interesting to cover than that bizarro wolf shooting incident (and the melodramatic fade to black).
Why were the sisters discussing the clay model of the horse commission as if they didn't know that this was not the finished piece?!?! It comes up again later (with a conveniently present Da Vinci) but the manner in which that was discussed was so strange.
Very passive and self-absorbed characters (for at least 60% of the book).
Sisters who are both exhaustingly self-absorbed. Maybe the author meant for the self-centeredness to reflect the characters' youth, but she might have thought of striking a balance between showing immaturity and showing some narrative or developmental movement.
They're still ladies of their respective courts - do they not have actual work?!?!??? I want to know what they would do aside from wallowing in envy, narcissism, and adultery. Instead, everything they see or manage to admire is ultimately about themselves. In a "pivotal" turning point, Beatrice ends up having a mini-confrontation with her husband, but the substance of her confrontation comes about entirely because someone else literally told her everything, not because she figured out any of it. Neither sister convincingly engages her brain beyond her immediate interests for the first half of the book. Beatrice suddenly starts doing something when her husband is incapacitated in the middle of a war, but one wonders if she would have done anything if history hadn't dictated it.
Along the same lines, the main characters live in a time period full of interesting people and personalities, but perplexingly rarely notice anything interesting. This is possibly excellent technique at sticking within the viewpoint character's perspective (because it's Isabella) or just... not good. Isabella as characterized is particularly terrible - there's no portrait or piece of artwork with a face where she doesn't see her own (seriously, even the Mona Lisa...). But you end up on her side, at least some of the time, because the men in her life are portrayed as just that awful.
Neutral but weird authorial choices:
The "Leonardo's notebook" excerpts: What are they adding to this story?
Mathilda: Mixed feelings. I can somewhat accept that the strangeness (treatment, behavior, culture) is a helpful and somewhat accurate reflection of the times. It would help if the rest of the setting felt more reliable and solid.
A high/low light: Someone referring to the HRE as "Emperor Max" more than once. Eh???
On a positive note, some nice moments:
Beatrice summarizing the convoluted alliances and behaviors of the different sides during France's invasion of the Italian Peninsula.
Beatrice discovering the state of their finances when she visits the Treasure Tower for the second time: It's a moment of high emotion, a sudden, drastic shift in her understanding of the situation, and a realization that stems from her own initiative and action. And conflict!
Name-dropping some people I didn't know existed or think too much about. Galeazzo Sanseverino is described like some larger-than-life persona and random searches pull up more bizarre details (secret inspo for Da Vinci's David? Genuine himbo who was best friends with the Duke and trusted beyond the usual person of his stature? Also not actually good at military things, just good at jousting and courtly stuff?). Beatrice d'Este, although mostly dull within this rendition, also comes off as interesting and different in other sources.
Cecilia Gallerani and Galeazzo Sanseverino were the only two people who came off as somewhat pleasant.
The fact that I wrote this entire review and just now remembered there was supposed to be some focus on Da Vinci... He shows up and interacts with the people featured in this story, but somehow is a bit of a nonentity, or a passing curiosity, like tumbleweed.
The comparison/reference to the nature of swans was a promising concept. I wish the rest of the book had fleshed it out more convincingly. The first 60% of the book was a slog (and the source of most of the notes below). It started to pick up as the author finally began to allow the characters to receive news of impending war or events - second-hand, but much more consequential than their previously myopic thoughts - and do things rather than just reminisce.
Gripes:
Melodramatic, unnecessarily repetitive narration.
It starts in the prologue and then happens throughout the first half of the book. This contributes to a perception of slow pacing.
Everything interesting happens off-screen.
The story lingers too long on parts that are not that interesting or just viscerally unpleasant. In contrast, most of the character "development" or important beats either happen in summary, in time skips, or after the fact, and therefore don't have any weight.
Part of the reason why interesting events should be shown while they happen, not just in extended reveries (during which the characters literally do nothing at all in the present) is that nobody cares what you remember or wants to hear your anecdotes; the refrain is, "You had to be there." If it's important enough to think about, ask if it's worth taking the reader there. There's a very long set of interludes where Isabella gets on a boat because her sister suddenly insists that she visit only in this format, and then Isabella dips into a long memory, and then she wakes up from that nap, to reveal to the reader they are still on a boat, and then she goes into another memory, and then we come back to the boat, and we find out it's the same boat.
Arbitrary tense switching creates additional confusion when the least one could expect is an intentional use of them to clarify when we are.
No sense of structure (rising action/climax/falling action) in the narrative.
It's hard to discern any intention or coherence in the inclusion or exclusion of events. This is the above problem writ large. As a reader, I'm totally lost, not because of the complexity of what's happening but by how the story lurches here and there unpredictably. I'm not here for this narrative fartlek. We spend a long time with Beatrice, who finally starts taking a more active role in her life, to the point that her death implies a turning point in the narrative. The switch back to Isabella then covers a series of events that are arguably of great historical interest, but in the narrative adds up to an ending that drags and drags into nowhere.
Factual errors and questionable historical accuracy in the details.
Allusion to a family of swans and their fat white babies: Cygnets... are not white. I guess it could be a generalization of light gray, but aren't we supposed be obsessed with art and detail?
The bit about Beatrice wearing a pink dress... during that time period. Yes, it's possible that was a dark pink, but I got the impression that modern assumptions of youth/girl/innocence went into that descriptive choice, and from there on, everything started feeling suspicious and arbitrary. Unlike lightning, the pink dress also strikes twice.
Beatrice had some memorable escapades recorded in historical accounts (apocryphal or not) and that would have been more interesting to cover than that bizarro wolf shooting incident (and the melodramatic fade to black).
Why were the sisters discussing the clay model of the horse commission as if they didn't know that this was not the finished piece?!?! It comes up again later (with a conveniently present Da Vinci) but the manner in which that was discussed was so strange.
Very passive and self-absorbed characters (for at least 60% of the book).
Sisters who are both exhaustingly self-absorbed. Maybe the author meant for the self-centeredness to reflect the characters' youth, but she might have thought of striking a balance between showing immaturity and showing some narrative or developmental movement.
They're still ladies of their respective courts - do they not have actual work?!?!??? I want to know what they would do aside from wallowing in envy, narcissism, and adultery. Instead, everything they see or manage to admire is ultimately about themselves. In a "pivotal" turning point, Beatrice ends up having a mini-confrontation with her husband, but the substance of her confrontation comes about entirely because someone else literally told her everything, not because she figured out any of it. Neither sister convincingly engages her brain beyond her immediate interests for the first half of the book. Beatrice suddenly starts doing something when her husband is incapacitated in the middle of a war, but one wonders if she would have done anything if history hadn't dictated it.
Along the same lines, the main characters live in a time period full of interesting people and personalities, but perplexingly rarely notice anything interesting. This is possibly excellent technique at sticking within the viewpoint character's perspective (because it's Isabella) or just... not good. Isabella as characterized is particularly terrible - there's no portrait or piece of artwork with a face where she doesn't see her own (seriously, even the Mona Lisa...). But you end up on her side, at least some of the time, because the men in her life are portrayed as just that awful.
Neutral but weird authorial choices:
The "Leonardo's notebook" excerpts: What are they adding to this story?
Mathilda: Mixed feelings. I can somewhat accept that the strangeness (treatment, behavior, culture) is a helpful and somewhat accurate reflection of the times. It would help if the rest of the setting felt more reliable and solid.
A high/low light: Someone referring to the HRE as "Emperor Max" more than once. Eh???
On a positive note, some nice moments:
Beatrice summarizing the convoluted alliances and behaviors of the different sides during France's invasion of the Italian Peninsula.
Beatrice discovering the state of their finances when she visits the Treasure Tower for the second time: It's a moment of high emotion, a sudden, drastic shift in her understanding of the situation, and a realization that stems from her own initiative and action. And conflict!
Name-dropping some people I didn't know existed or think too much about. Galeazzo Sanseverino is described like some larger-than-life persona and random searches pull up more bizarre details (secret inspo for Da Vinci's David? Genuine himbo who was best friends with the Duke and trusted beyond the usual person of his stature? Also not actually good at military things, just good at jousting and courtly stuff?). Beatrice d'Este, although mostly dull within this rendition, also comes off as interesting and different in other sources.
Cecilia Gallerani and Galeazzo Sanseverino were the only two people who came off as somewhat pleasant.
The fact that I wrote this entire review and just now remembered there was supposed to be some focus on Da Vinci... He shows up and interacts with the people featured in this story, but somehow is a bit of a nonentity, or a passing curiosity, like tumbleweed.
June 9, 2010
Reading this recent historical fiction novel was a very strange experience – it's based on the same historical facts as another book, ‘Duchess of Milan' by Michael Ennis – which I love. So reading this book was almost like re-reading ‘Duchess'... but feeling that everything, has, somehow, changed... Although, I believe, factually accurate, Essex's book is much less flattering to her characters, I believe. Both focus on the two sisters, Beatrice and Isabella d'Este, who were prominent players in the Renaissance courts of Italy's late 15th century (and were patrons to Leonardo Da Vinci and many other artists of the day.) But while Ennis portrays these women as the well-educated, powerful, and savvy politicians that they likely were (without sacrificing a strong element of personal drama), Essex has the women be much more motivated by personal jealousy and vanity – their connivings are shown as more petty games than far-sighted political moves. They are constantly worrying about who is more beautiful than whom, who their husbands are sleeping with, and even Isabella's main goal of being painted by Da Vinci is equal parts vanity and desire to ‘get one over' on her sister. Isabella came across as shallow and irritating – which, I'm fairly sure, historically, she was not.
The other annoying thing about this book is that Essex obviously did some of the research for this book by looking at existing portraits and carvings of her characters, an she spends a great deal of time in the book describing in great detail her personal interpretations of these artworks. OK, so she got me to do a Google image search for some of the works she described, so I guess she succeeded in getting me to want to look at them. But it got to the point where at times I felt like I was reading a museum didactic, not a novel.
Overall, this wasn't bad – but I would definitely recommend ‘Duchess of Milan' over this book any day!
The other annoying thing about this book is that Essex obviously did some of the research for this book by looking at existing portraits and carvings of her characters, an she spends a great deal of time in the book describing in great detail her personal interpretations of these artworks. OK, so she got me to do a Google image search for some of the works she described, so I guess she succeeded in getting me to want to look at them. But it got to the point where at times I felt like I was reading a museum didactic, not a novel.
Overall, this wasn't bad – but I would definitely recommend ‘Duchess of Milan' over this book any day!
December 25, 2017
It's just that for so long, I imagined that you had stolen my Destiny, when all the while, unbeknownst to us, you were preserving it for me.
Beatrice and Isabella d'Este are destine for greatness. The daughters of the Duke of Ferrara both girls know their future is to marry well and promote the ambitions and honor of their families and great names. Isabella becomes the Duchess of Mantua, while her sister will become the Duchess of Milan. So begins the rivalry as Isabella realizes how everything she years for is now in the hands of her sister, including the dashing Il Moro. As the two sisters compete to outdo each other, intrigue and betrayal rise up all around in the states of Italy and fortune has a strange way of turning everything on its head.
I'm not entirely sure how to feel about this book. While the title implies a book around the muses of the great Leonardo DaVinci, the story is very different. The artist is really a minor player. The women of the story, though all painted by Leonardo, could hardly be argued to have been his inspiration for anything. The sisters were interesting characters, but I didn't really find anything to like about either. Isabella is entitled and vain. She is incredibly envious, and while parts of her life should inspire sympathy the author does not convey her as a sympathetic character. Beatrice, on the other hand, comes off as needy and has no ambition of her own. She admits that she will only find happiness in her husband and his love. This isn't bad, but I feel the real Beatrice d'Este had more going for her than just her husbands approval. I didn't feel a connection with the characters. The plot was interesting considering the political intrigue that was Italy at the time. Still, I slugged through this and had a difficult time staying engrossed.
Beatrice and Isabella d'Este are destine for greatness. The daughters of the Duke of Ferrara both girls know their future is to marry well and promote the ambitions and honor of their families and great names. Isabella becomes the Duchess of Mantua, while her sister will become the Duchess of Milan. So begins the rivalry as Isabella realizes how everything she years for is now in the hands of her sister, including the dashing Il Moro. As the two sisters compete to outdo each other, intrigue and betrayal rise up all around in the states of Italy and fortune has a strange way of turning everything on its head.
I'm not entirely sure how to feel about this book. While the title implies a book around the muses of the great Leonardo DaVinci, the story is very different. The artist is really a minor player. The women of the story, though all painted by Leonardo, could hardly be argued to have been his inspiration for anything. The sisters were interesting characters, but I didn't really find anything to like about either. Isabella is entitled and vain. She is incredibly envious, and while parts of her life should inspire sympathy the author does not convey her as a sympathetic character. Beatrice, on the other hand, comes off as needy and has no ambition of her own. She admits that she will only find happiness in her husband and his love. This isn't bad, but I feel the real Beatrice d'Este had more going for her than just her husbands approval. I didn't feel a connection with the characters. The plot was interesting considering the political intrigue that was Italy at the time. Still, I slugged through this and had a difficult time staying engrossed.
September 17, 2013
Nagyon tetszett ez a könyv. Minden olyan jellegű regényt szeretek, amiben történelmi alakokat ismertet meg az író és nem csupán száraz adatokat halmoz, hanem megpróbálja szemléltetni a mindennapjaikat, érzelmeiket, hisz így közelebb kerülnek az olvasóhoz, és nem pusztán egy híres halott lesz, hanem egy ember, emberi vonásokkal.
Két fantasztikus nőről olvashatunk a könyvben Isabelláról és Beatricéről és körülöttük megelevenedik az 1500-as évek Itáliája, művészek, hadvezérek, ruhadivat, szokások. Ludovico Sforza Leonardo legfőbb meccénásának politikai felemelkedését és bukását ismerhetjük meg, az egyszerű, laza nyelvezettel íródott történeten keresztül.Megismerhetjük Leonardo Da Vinci főbb műveit, lenyűgöző, ahogy ír róluk az írónő, megnevezve a modelleket, egy kicsit olyan érzést kelt, mintha tegnap készültek volna ezek a fantasztikus festmények, szobrok, találmányok.
Olvastam itt a két kritikát, amikkel nem igen értek egyet, hiszen Leonardo megbízásra dolgozott, mint a kor többi nagy művésze, így a könyvben pont annyira van jelen, ahogy abban a korban az előkelőségek közt maga a művész, hol felbukkan, hol hosszú időre eltűnik. Ez a kötet nem az ő életét dolgozza ki, a cím sem rá utal, hanem műveire, viszont annyira erős az ő jelenléte, hogy szinte minden esemény kapcsolatban áll vele.
Tetszik nagyon, ahogy az író Leonardo jegyzeteit használja a kötetben, mintegy jóslatként, vagy záró tanulságként egy-egy epizód előtt vagy után. Kétségkívül a művész világ legnagyszerűbb alakja, sőt az emberi történelem egyik legnagyobb alakja, hisz lángelméje szinte minden téren megmutatkozott.Nekem ő az első számú kedvenc festőm, a második Gauguin így nagyon élveztem ezt a könyvet, és mindenkinek ajánlom aki a történelmi alakokról és a művészetről szeret egy kötetben olvasni.
Két fantasztikus nőről olvashatunk a könyvben Isabelláról és Beatricéről és körülöttük megelevenedik az 1500-as évek Itáliája, művészek, hadvezérek, ruhadivat, szokások. Ludovico Sforza Leonardo legfőbb meccénásának politikai felemelkedését és bukását ismerhetjük meg, az egyszerű, laza nyelvezettel íródott történeten keresztül.Megismerhetjük Leonardo Da Vinci főbb műveit, lenyűgöző, ahogy ír róluk az írónő, megnevezve a modelleket, egy kicsit olyan érzést kelt, mintha tegnap készültek volna ezek a fantasztikus festmények, szobrok, találmányok.
Olvastam itt a két kritikát, amikkel nem igen értek egyet, hiszen Leonardo megbízásra dolgozott, mint a kor többi nagy művésze, így a könyvben pont annyira van jelen, ahogy abban a korban az előkelőségek közt maga a művész, hol felbukkan, hol hosszú időre eltűnik. Ez a kötet nem az ő életét dolgozza ki, a cím sem rá utal, hanem műveire, viszont annyira erős az ő jelenléte, hogy szinte minden esemény kapcsolatban áll vele.
Tetszik nagyon, ahogy az író Leonardo jegyzeteit használja a kötetben, mintegy jóslatként, vagy záró tanulságként egy-egy epizód előtt vagy után. Kétségkívül a művész világ legnagyszerűbb alakja, sőt az emberi történelem egyik legnagyobb alakja, hisz lángelméje szinte minden téren megmutatkozott.Nekem ő az első számú kedvenc festőm, a második Gauguin így nagyon élveztem ezt a könyvet, és mindenkinek ajánlom aki a történelmi alakokról és a művészetről szeret egy kötetben olvasni.
April 24, 2022
Leonardo’s Swans is set in Italy during the closing years of the fifteenth century. It was a time of great artistic renaissance and the Leonardo of the title is none other than Leonardo de Vinci. It was also a time of Machiavellian politics. One of the more astute practitioners was Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, and husband of one of the swans, Beatrice d’Este. Her beautiful sister, Isabelle, is another. What the latter wants more than anything is to be immortalized in a painting by Leonardo.
The book focuses on the love and rivalry between the sisters; the politics playing in the background shapes their lives but remains secondary to the sisters' relationship to each other and to art. Of all the characters, Leonardo is the most developed. The descriptions of his artwork add greatly to the story though I can't say the same for the quotations from his writing which are interspersed periodically throughout. They seem purposeless. Overall though, I found a lack of flow in the writing which muted my enjoyment of the whole.
The book focuses on the love and rivalry between the sisters; the politics playing in the background shapes their lives but remains secondary to the sisters' relationship to each other and to art. Of all the characters, Leonardo is the most developed. The descriptions of his artwork add greatly to the story though I can't say the same for the quotations from his writing which are interspersed periodically throughout. They seem purposeless. Overall though, I found a lack of flow in the writing which muted my enjoyment of the whole.
May 18, 2011
Isabella of Este was betrothed by fate to the wrong man. She believes her sister, Beatrice's husband Ludovico Sforza , was more suitable for her. Ludovico the Duke of Milan, loved power, art and wanted to be famous, just like Isabella. Beatrice on the other hand just wanted to be loved. I enjoyed this book because it takes you through the years of Leonardo da Vinci's best work. I enjoyed the relationship between Ludovico and Leonardo. I think the author did a great job bringing us the essence of the famous artist. Since I'm currently watching The Borgias, I liked seeing the "other side" of the famous French Invasion. I won't give you any spoiler alerts on that in case you are not familiar with that part of history. Why 3 stars? It is a light easy read. Some small parts dragged, but overall I enjoyed this and recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about Leonardo da Vinci or Renaissance Italy.
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