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The Towers of Tuscany
Set amid the twisting streets and sunlit piazzas of medieval Italy, the Towers of Tuscany tells the story of a woman who dares to follow her own path in the all-male domain of the painter's workshop. Sofia Barducci is born into a world where a woman is only as good as the man who cares for her, but she still claims the right to make her own mistakes. Her first mistake is convincing her father to let her marry Giorgio Carelli, a wealthy saffron merchant in San Gimignano, the Tuscan city of towers. Trained in secret by her father to create the beautifully-crafted panels and altarpieces acclaimed today as masterpieces of late medieval art, Sofia's desire for freedom from her father's workshop leads her to betray her passion and sink into a life of loveless drudgery with a husband who comes to despise her when she does not produce a son.
In an attack motivated by vendetta, Sofia's father is crushed by his own fresco, compelling Sofia to act or risk the death of her soul. The choice she makes takes her on a journey from misery to the heights of passion-both as a painter and as a woman. Sofia escapes to Siena where, disguised as a boy, she paints again. When her work attracts the notice of a nobleman who discovers the woman under the dirty smock, Sofia is faced with a choice that nearly destroys her.
The Towers of Tuscany unites a strong heroine with meticulously researched settings and compelling characters drawn from the rich tapestry of medieval Italy during one of Europe's most turbulent centuries. The stylishly written plot is packed with enough twists and turns to keep readers up long past their bedtimes.
In an attack motivated by vendetta, Sofia's father is crushed by his own fresco, compelling Sofia to act or risk the death of her soul. The choice she makes takes her on a journey from misery to the heights of passion-both as a painter and as a woman. Sofia escapes to Siena where, disguised as a boy, she paints again. When her work attracts the notice of a nobleman who discovers the woman under the dirty smock, Sofia is faced with a choice that nearly destroys her.
The Towers of Tuscany unites a strong heroine with meticulously researched settings and compelling characters drawn from the rich tapestry of medieval Italy during one of Europe's most turbulent centuries. The stylishly written plot is packed with enough twists and turns to keep readers up long past their bedtimes.
388 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2014
563 people are currently reading
2243 people want to read
About the author
Carol M. Cram
13 books71 followersCarol M. Cram is the author of five novels including her latest "The Choir", an historical novel set in Yorkshire in the 1809s.
In her beautifully wrought novel, The Choir, set in 1890s England, Carol Cram deftly composes a lyrical portrait of courage, forgiveness, and the redemptive power of music. This story is rich with history and heart, and will remain with you like a favorite song. (Herb Williams-Dalgart, author of The Jingle Boys and The French Girl's War
Cram has also written a contemporary novel ("Love Among the Recipes" that received a Publishers Weekly starred review and three award-winning historical novels about women in the arts. "The Towers of Tuscany" was published by Lake Union Publishing in 2014. The novel was awarded the Chaucer Award (Chanticleer Reviews) for best historical fiction and Editor's Choice by the Historical Novel Review. "The Towers of Tuscany" tells the story of a woman painter in fourteenth century Italy. "A Woman of Note" was published in 2015 by Lake Union Publishing and was awarded the Goethe Award for Best in Category (Chanticleer Reviews) and Editor's Choice by the Historical Novel Society. The novel is set in Vienna in the 1830s and tells the story of a woman composer. Carol's third novel, "A Muse of Fire" (Kindle Books & New Arcadia Publishing 2018) received a Bronze for Best Historical Fiction from the Independent Publishers Book Awards and the Goethe Award for Best in Category. Set in 1809 in London, the novel delves into the riotous world of early 19th Century theater.
Carol is podcaster and travel blogger. She hosts The Art In Fiction Podcast on which she interviews novelists inspired by the arts. Her travel website Artsy Traveler (www.artsy-traveler.com) features artsy travel experiences throughout Europe, North America and beyond.
Carol has enjoyed a great career as an educator, teaching at Capilano University in North Vancouver for over twenty years and authoring fifty-plus bestselling textbooks on business communications and software applications for Cengage Learning. She holds an MA in Drama from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. She and her husband, painter Gregg Simpson, share a life on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, Canada.
In her beautifully wrought novel, The Choir, set in 1890s England, Carol Cram deftly composes a lyrical portrait of courage, forgiveness, and the redemptive power of music. This story is rich with history and heart, and will remain with you like a favorite song. (Herb Williams-Dalgart, author of The Jingle Boys and The French Girl's War
Cram has also written a contemporary novel ("Love Among the Recipes" that received a Publishers Weekly starred review and three award-winning historical novels about women in the arts. "The Towers of Tuscany" was published by Lake Union Publishing in 2014. The novel was awarded the Chaucer Award (Chanticleer Reviews) for best historical fiction and Editor's Choice by the Historical Novel Review. "The Towers of Tuscany" tells the story of a woman painter in fourteenth century Italy. "A Woman of Note" was published in 2015 by Lake Union Publishing and was awarded the Goethe Award for Best in Category (Chanticleer Reviews) and Editor's Choice by the Historical Novel Society. The novel is set in Vienna in the 1830s and tells the story of a woman composer. Carol's third novel, "A Muse of Fire" (Kindle Books & New Arcadia Publishing 2018) received a Bronze for Best Historical Fiction from the Independent Publishers Book Awards and the Goethe Award for Best in Category. Set in 1809 in London, the novel delves into the riotous world of early 19th Century theater.
Carol is podcaster and travel blogger. She hosts The Art In Fiction Podcast on which she interviews novelists inspired by the arts. Her travel website Artsy Traveler (www.artsy-traveler.com) features artsy travel experiences throughout Europe, North America and beyond.
Carol has enjoyed a great career as an educator, teaching at Capilano University in North Vancouver for over twenty years and authoring fifty-plus bestselling textbooks on business communications and software applications for Cengage Learning. She holds an MA in Drama from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. She and her husband, painter Gregg Simpson, share a life on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
September 10, 2016
I enjoyed the details of the artistic process and of historic San Gimignano, but this book was effectively ruined for me by a repugnant main character. Sofia is arrogant and selfish, something that I was willing to overlook in the early parts of the book when she is a young girl - but she never grows up or learns. She doesn't care who gets hurt, or who she puts in danger as long as she gets what she wants. . It was difficult to generate any sympathy for her when bad things happen, as of course they're going to, because she brings most of them on herself with her arrogance. To make it worse, she always blames someone else when things go bad . Sure, she may halfheartedly take responsibility but usually in the form of "Yes, I did something wrong but that's only because I am such a special snowflake that can't be expected to follow the rules!"
Still, I was going to give the book three stars because of the aforementioned artistic/history stuff - then came the rushed ending and the big WTF epilogue. Done.
Still, I was going to give the book three stars because of the aforementioned artistic/history stuff - then came the rushed ending and the big WTF epilogue. Done.
February 1, 2015
The Towers Of Tuscany by Carol M. Cram blends fact with fiction to give us a captivating tale set in medieval Italy.
This is the story of Sophia, whose artistic talent was passed down to her from her father, a well known and extremely talented painter. However, painting is forbidden for women and we are taken through her fight to be allowed to paint, the treatment of women during that time period and also the devastating black plague.
Very well researched the author does an outstanding job of describing the artistic process of creating frescoes and panels during the 1300's.
A enjoyable, well-written historical novel.
This is the story of Sophia, whose artistic talent was passed down to her from her father, a well known and extremely talented painter. However, painting is forbidden for women and we are taken through her fight to be allowed to paint, the treatment of women during that time period and also the devastating black plague.
Very well researched the author does an outstanding job of describing the artistic process of creating frescoes and panels during the 1300's.
A enjoyable, well-written historical novel.
April 11, 2014
This is a remarkable and impressive historical novel from a debut writer who has rich facts at her fingertips and the skill to weave them unobtrusively into a compelling story.
I received a free review copy of this book on its launch, and the synopsis instantly hit a lot of hot buttons for me - a historical novel, an interesting setting (medieval Tuscany) and an intriguing theme (a female painter who must conceal her gender to be allowed to practise her art).
The author creates a compelling sense of the era, which saw an extraordinary combination of reverence for great art and high religion and disdain and disregard for the common man. Higher social classes thought nothing of striking round the head a peasant who deigned to approach them in the street, for example. Yet even the nobility are not immune from the harsh realities of medieval daily life - rampant rats all around, and the easy spread of disease which pays no heed to social class.
Amidst this fascinating setting, the author has placed Sofia, an interesting, feisty heroine who is determined to succeed and live as a painter. Following her journey is fascinating for the 21st century reader.
The story never over-idealises Sofia's situation, nor gives in to the temptation to turn the lush setting into an obvious romance. Without wishing to spoil the plot, the ending is unpredictable, appropriate and satisfying.
All in all, an intelligent, informed and thought-provoking novel. I hope there will be more of such quality to come from this promising new novelist. I passed my paperback on to my historian cousin to enjoy, and will be buying more copies for friends and relations.
I received a free review copy of this book on its launch, and the synopsis instantly hit a lot of hot buttons for me - a historical novel, an interesting setting (medieval Tuscany) and an intriguing theme (a female painter who must conceal her gender to be allowed to practise her art).
The author creates a compelling sense of the era, which saw an extraordinary combination of reverence for great art and high religion and disdain and disregard for the common man. Higher social classes thought nothing of striking round the head a peasant who deigned to approach them in the street, for example. Yet even the nobility are not immune from the harsh realities of medieval daily life - rampant rats all around, and the easy spread of disease which pays no heed to social class.
Amidst this fascinating setting, the author has placed Sofia, an interesting, feisty heroine who is determined to succeed and live as a painter. Following her journey is fascinating for the 21st century reader.
The story never over-idealises Sofia's situation, nor gives in to the temptation to turn the lush setting into an obvious romance. Without wishing to spoil the plot, the ending is unpredictable, appropriate and satisfying.
All in all, an intelligent, informed and thought-provoking novel. I hope there will be more of such quality to come from this promising new novelist. I passed my paperback on to my historian cousin to enjoy, and will be buying more copies for friends and relations.
April 7, 2014
The Towers of Tuscany is an excellent example of historical fiction at its finest. The story takes place in 14th century San Gimignano, Italy. Sofia is the heroine. Her father is a painter, but from a young age, she showed greater talent. But in medieval Italy, women were forbidden to paint. Her father takes credit for her work and sells them to the wealthiest citizens. As the story progresses, there are flashbacks into Sofia's past to the lessons she learned from her father. These words of wisdom have a far reaching effect, also providing wonderful life advice to the reader. Sofia suffers through an unhappy marriage with an abusive husband who only wants a son. She plans an escape and succeeds, creating a new life for herself which is not always without its own problems.
The author has done a phenomenal amount of research not only into the period, but also into the location and the art of paint and mixing paints. The storyline has plenty of engaging twists and turns, while the heroine is completely believable and portrayed with credibility. There is plenty of depth in the writing and a good steady pace that will take the reader to a very satisfying ending. This is one book I very highly recommend! Especially for those who love the arts! Love, adversity, and a woman who chases her dream. What more could anyone want in a ripping good yarn.
The author has done a phenomenal amount of research not only into the period, but also into the location and the art of paint and mixing paints. The storyline has plenty of engaging twists and turns, while the heroine is completely believable and portrayed with credibility. There is plenty of depth in the writing and a good steady pace that will take the reader to a very satisfying ending. This is one book I very highly recommend! Especially for those who love the arts! Love, adversity, and a woman who chases her dream. What more could anyone want in a ripping good yarn.
April 23, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Carol M. Cram's The Towers of Tuscany is a tough book for me to review. It's a nice story, with strong themes and I think it offers interesting insight to the painter's trade, but it is an emotion driven drama which was something of a challenge as I am naturally drawn to conflict based narratives or complex political intrigues. I say this so that readers might understand my point of view and take my rating with a grain of salt.
My favorite aspect of the piece were the details regarding Sofia's trade. The creation of the panels and frescos, from their earliest design to the mixing of the colors, Cram's illustration of technique captured my imagination and more than once sent me in search of examples from the period. Art is about passion and the intricate details and descriptions found here forced Sofia's enthusiasm and zeal from the page in a display of spirit that even one such as myself couldn't help but appreciate.
I also liked the depth Cram created within these pages. The flashbacks in particular allow the reader a deep understanding of Sofia's background and experience while adding significant perspective to the decisions she makes later in life. The larger picture develops slowly, but like a painting, the layers build on one another, each added texture and dimension to the finished product.
The characters themselves didn't speak to me, but that probably has more to do with my background and interests than it does anything else. Again, I have trouble with deeply personal themes and ask that be taken into account when considering this particular review.
Pleasantly enjoyable and well-researched, The Towers of Tuscany delves into the trials faced by centuries of women as they struggle to be heard in a male dominated society.
Carol M. Cram's The Towers of Tuscany is a tough book for me to review. It's a nice story, with strong themes and I think it offers interesting insight to the painter's trade, but it is an emotion driven drama which was something of a challenge as I am naturally drawn to conflict based narratives or complex political intrigues. I say this so that readers might understand my point of view and take my rating with a grain of salt.
My favorite aspect of the piece were the details regarding Sofia's trade. The creation of the panels and frescos, from their earliest design to the mixing of the colors, Cram's illustration of technique captured my imagination and more than once sent me in search of examples from the period. Art is about passion and the intricate details and descriptions found here forced Sofia's enthusiasm and zeal from the page in a display of spirit that even one such as myself couldn't help but appreciate.
I also liked the depth Cram created within these pages. The flashbacks in particular allow the reader a deep understanding of Sofia's background and experience while adding significant perspective to the decisions she makes later in life. The larger picture develops slowly, but like a painting, the layers build on one another, each added texture and dimension to the finished product.
The characters themselves didn't speak to me, but that probably has more to do with my background and interests than it does anything else. Again, I have trouble with deeply personal themes and ask that be taken into account when considering this particular review.
Pleasantly enjoyable and well-researched, The Towers of Tuscany delves into the trials faced by centuries of women as they struggle to be heard in a male dominated society.
March 24, 2015
I’m pretty ambivalent on this book. I adored the details on the ins and outs of medieval painting in 1330’s Italy; some of the historical details I got were lovely. But that main character really needs to be go.
The author did an incredible job at world-building and got the details right for her main character’s chosen profession. From the smaller details on how painting armor was done to the massively labor intensive work that went into one simple panel, I was kept spellbound by this world of color and design. The emerging world of Renaissance painting came to life under this author’s pen with wonderful detail.
However, the author lost me quickly with her main character. I admired Sofia’s passion for painting and her spunk in actually going through with cross-dressing to be able to paint. But that’s where my liking the main character ended and quickly. She’s brash, stuck-up, and frankly a bitch. I felt that she was only focused on her art and being able to do it; God protect the poor fools who were trying to help her hide her identity so she could do so. She didn't appreciate them at all. In one scene in particular that I remember, she actually bemoans the fact that a character has “abandoned” her as he fights for his life against brigands. WTF?!
I think in the end the book evens out to somewhere in the middle. The author does a good job in showcasing the emerging world of Italian Renaissance painting and in describing the grueling work to create such beauty. However, I felt she fell off the cliff in her characterization department. I enjoyed some of the secondary characters, but Sofia just needs to fall off that same cliff… It was a good read but I don’t feel I’d recommend it unless you’re very hard up for medieval/Renaissance Italy historical fiction.
Note: Book received for free from publisher via GoodReads First Reads program in exchange for honest review.
The author did an incredible job at world-building and got the details right for her main character’s chosen profession. From the smaller details on how painting armor was done to the massively labor intensive work that went into one simple panel, I was kept spellbound by this world of color and design. The emerging world of Renaissance painting came to life under this author’s pen with wonderful detail.
However, the author lost me quickly with her main character. I admired Sofia’s passion for painting and her spunk in actually going through with cross-dressing to be able to paint. But that’s where my liking the main character ended and quickly. She’s brash, stuck-up, and frankly a bitch. I felt that she was only focused on her art and being able to do it; God protect the poor fools who were trying to help her hide her identity so she could do so. She didn't appreciate them at all. In one scene in particular that I remember, she actually bemoans the fact that a character has “abandoned” her as he fights for his life against brigands. WTF?!
I think in the end the book evens out to somewhere in the middle. The author does a good job in showcasing the emerging world of Italian Renaissance painting and in describing the grueling work to create such beauty. However, I felt she fell off the cliff in her characterization department. I enjoyed some of the secondary characters, but Sofia just needs to fall off that same cliff… It was a good read but I don’t feel I’d recommend it unless you’re very hard up for medieval/Renaissance Italy historical fiction.
Note: Book received for free from publisher via GoodReads First Reads program in exchange for honest review.
August 20, 2014
The Towers of Tuscany is a fictional biography of an Italian woman born in the early years of the Italian Renaissance, or the late years of the Middle Ages, depending on your classification.
The sense of place, San Gimignano and Siena, is very strong in The Towers of Tuscany. Reading the book, I felt I was walking the streets of the medieval towns, and looking at the art that adorns them. The book is rich with historical detail, and rich with artistic detail.
Art is the driving force of The Towers of Tuscany, and for the character of Sophia. I felt compassion for the woman and sympathy, but overall, I did not like Sophia, just as it is difficult to like driven people in any time and any place.
Like most women in her misogynistically repressive time, Sophia's life was limited, difficult, and at times horrendous. She suffers violence and rape at the hand of her husband.
Early on in The Towers of Tuscany we learn that Sophia is suffering severely from her loveless and violent situation. When a chance to escape her situation occurs, Sophia is forced into living in another psychologically damaging situation. There really is no escape for this poor woman.
At a certain point I found myself thinking of the French film The Return of martin Guerre, that was made in English, by and starring Jodie Foster, as Sommersby. If you enjoyed those films, and you enjoy historical novels with female protagonists, you should like The Towers of Tuscany.
Please read my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews.
http://italophilebookreviews.blogspot...
The sense of place, San Gimignano and Siena, is very strong in The Towers of Tuscany. Reading the book, I felt I was walking the streets of the medieval towns, and looking at the art that adorns them. The book is rich with historical detail, and rich with artistic detail.
Art is the driving force of The Towers of Tuscany, and for the character of Sophia. I felt compassion for the woman and sympathy, but overall, I did not like Sophia, just as it is difficult to like driven people in any time and any place.
Like most women in her misogynistically repressive time, Sophia's life was limited, difficult, and at times horrendous. She suffers violence and rape at the hand of her husband.
Early on in The Towers of Tuscany we learn that Sophia is suffering severely from her loveless and violent situation. When a chance to escape her situation occurs, Sophia is forced into living in another psychologically damaging situation. There really is no escape for this poor woman.
At a certain point I found myself thinking of the French film The Return of martin Guerre, that was made in English, by and starring Jodie Foster, as Sommersby. If you enjoyed those films, and you enjoy historical novels with female protagonists, you should like The Towers of Tuscany.
Please read my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews.
http://italophilebookreviews.blogspot...
March 5, 2014
Carol artistically sculpts imagery and atmosphere for The Towers of Tuscany with charming, well-crafted metaphors that effectively sketched me into the landscape and weaved the very essence of her characters into my being. I became so personally invested in the story I resisted putting it down. When I did put it down, her characters continued to occupy my thoughts.
The Towers of Tuscany is both entertaining and educational. Masterfully written and well researched, this work of historical fiction transported me to fourteenth-century Tuscany and into the life of Sofia, a determined and stubborn young woman who expressed her passion for painting in secrecy, a passion that eventually threatened her survival. The parallel between her father's plight and her own particularly fascinated and delighted me.
The triumphs and sorrows that Sofia endured, the strength of her spirit and the colourful men and women who supported and/or tormented her entertained and satisfied my sense of adventure and thirst for love and passion. Magnificently written, Carol!
The Towers of Tuscany is both entertaining and educational. Masterfully written and well researched, this work of historical fiction transported me to fourteenth-century Tuscany and into the life of Sofia, a determined and stubborn young woman who expressed her passion for painting in secrecy, a passion that eventually threatened her survival. The parallel between her father's plight and her own particularly fascinated and delighted me.
The triumphs and sorrows that Sofia endured, the strength of her spirit and the colourful men and women who supported and/or tormented her entertained and satisfied my sense of adventure and thirst for love and passion. Magnificently written, Carol!
May 6, 2014
It's been two weeks since I finished Towers of Tuscany and I still can't get this entrancing novel off my mind. Carol Cram transports the reader to a living, breathing fourteenth-century San Gimignano, reaching into all of the senses. The protagonist, Sophia, is a passionate artist who risks everything to pursue her art in a world where women are forbidden to pick up a brush. This captivating story is flush with fascinating characters and it builds with exciting, unexpected twists. I couldn't put it down.
April 29, 2014
The Towers of Tuscany, by Carol Cram, was a beautifully written book that really highlights the era in Tuscany just prior to the Renaissance period in Italy. It brings us gorgeous descriptions of the area, which is still very lovely today, and takes us back in time to when its natural vibrancy was an artist’s delight. The magnificent painter, Sophia, is the main character in the book, who though taught by trade to be a painter by her father, was not accepted as an artist for being a woman. Of course, strong women with independent outlooks who follow their dreams always make winning books for me and this offered an amazing story that I really loved.
But there isn’t only the story of her being a painter in a time period that made it difficult for women to work or be creative. There is also romance, intrigue, twists, suspense, and action. Her plot, writing intricacies, and the details of the art performed (think all those amazing Italian frescos from the medieval ages) were engaging, absorbing, and educational. Cram’s character development was emotional. I could feel how Sophia felt as all she wanted to do was be allowed to paint!! Amazing to think in our times now that a woman would not even be allowed to let her talents shine. The medieval times were depressing, from living conditions to social and societal issues, but there was also so much hidden creativity that appeared within that. Sophia’s stories is one of those lost tales that brings light to the time period. It makes me think of all the women who truly lived such things.
I also learned a lot about painting in the 14th century of Italy. This really added to the story and made it authentic. It’s a wonderful ode to women of the past, artists, and Italy. It showcases the familial control, both within a person’s family, yet also families vying for control between each other as families governed. It showed the class struggles between the rich and the poor, and I love historical novels that bring this to the forefront. It was a great viewing of the Italian countryside and a look into its past. For all that, it’s a great resource, but above that it’s an entertaining read that was hard to put down last week.
As Sophia not only endures being forbidden to paint, having her father sell what she does paint as his own, and then suffers an abusive marriage, she plans an escape. I applaud her passion and fearlessness and I think that Cram really developed the emotions very well, creating accurate and authentic feelings, and I felt connected to the story. I was really pulling for Sophia to find her happiness in life.
I love art history; it’s one of my favorite subjects, as well as medieval history. I can safely say I’ll be putting this book on my art history in fiction shelf here at home. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves art history, art, medieval Italy, or Italian history! Superb read well-worth your time.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
But there isn’t only the story of her being a painter in a time period that made it difficult for women to work or be creative. There is also romance, intrigue, twists, suspense, and action. Her plot, writing intricacies, and the details of the art performed (think all those amazing Italian frescos from the medieval ages) were engaging, absorbing, and educational. Cram’s character development was emotional. I could feel how Sophia felt as all she wanted to do was be allowed to paint!! Amazing to think in our times now that a woman would not even be allowed to let her talents shine. The medieval times were depressing, from living conditions to social and societal issues, but there was also so much hidden creativity that appeared within that. Sophia’s stories is one of those lost tales that brings light to the time period. It makes me think of all the women who truly lived such things.
I also learned a lot about painting in the 14th century of Italy. This really added to the story and made it authentic. It’s a wonderful ode to women of the past, artists, and Italy. It showcases the familial control, both within a person’s family, yet also families vying for control between each other as families governed. It showed the class struggles between the rich and the poor, and I love historical novels that bring this to the forefront. It was a great viewing of the Italian countryside and a look into its past. For all that, it’s a great resource, but above that it’s an entertaining read that was hard to put down last week.
As Sophia not only endures being forbidden to paint, having her father sell what she does paint as his own, and then suffers an abusive marriage, she plans an escape. I applaud her passion and fearlessness and I think that Cram really developed the emotions very well, creating accurate and authentic feelings, and I felt connected to the story. I was really pulling for Sophia to find her happiness in life.
I love art history; it’s one of my favorite subjects, as well as medieval history. I can safely say I’ll be putting this book on my art history in fiction shelf here at home. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves art history, art, medieval Italy, or Italian history! Superb read well-worth your time.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2014
I was instantly swept off my feet as I vigorously turned every page of this impressive novel. I was so taken by Cram's authorship I devoured this lovely story in a few hours. Trust me, you won't be able to put The Towers of Tuscany down.
Cram certainly accomplishes the task of transporting the reader to 14th century Tuscany with her lush and detailed descriptions. You feel the cobblestones beneath your feet, you envision the rolling golden hills, the deep thick forests, the offensive smell of dung in the air, and towers straining to touch heaven. You also comprehend the harshness of the time period, the many challenges women faced, the unkind treatment females tolerated and endured.
I was instantly drawn to Sophia. She's stubborn, possesses the strength of a thousand men, her passion and endless devotion to painting will affect you greatly. Her love for painting consumes her soul, she takes great risks to pursue and continue her enthusiasm. As Sophia paints she loses herself in her efforts as she reflects on the lessons her beloved father taught her at an impressionable age. Cram's intricate depictions of creating the art and the how to's allow the reader a vivid glimpse of the lush prose so vividly detailed enabling imagery to appear before your eyes. Sophia is a memorable character, emotionally compelling.
The narrative is full of suspense with a fair share of twists and turns. It is fast paced and you won't be able to stop reading once you begin. As you follow Sophia in the dicey pursuit of her passion you will be anxious to discover what transpires with every turn of the page.
Cram has certainly impressed me with this outstanding debut effort. She is an authoress to keep your eye on, no doubt a promising career ahead of her. I anxiously await her next novel, if this is an indicator of what's to follow, we are in for wonderful reading adventures.
Lovers of art and painting you will thoroughly enjoy this book. A story filled with drama, suspense, romance and plenty of turbulence you will not want to miss reading this truly affecting novel. Highly highly recommend. Wonderful story from beginning to end.
Cram certainly accomplishes the task of transporting the reader to 14th century Tuscany with her lush and detailed descriptions. You feel the cobblestones beneath your feet, you envision the rolling golden hills, the deep thick forests, the offensive smell of dung in the air, and towers straining to touch heaven. You also comprehend the harshness of the time period, the many challenges women faced, the unkind treatment females tolerated and endured.
I was instantly drawn to Sophia. She's stubborn, possesses the strength of a thousand men, her passion and endless devotion to painting will affect you greatly. Her love for painting consumes her soul, she takes great risks to pursue and continue her enthusiasm. As Sophia paints she loses herself in her efforts as she reflects on the lessons her beloved father taught her at an impressionable age. Cram's intricate depictions of creating the art and the how to's allow the reader a vivid glimpse of the lush prose so vividly detailed enabling imagery to appear before your eyes. Sophia is a memorable character, emotionally compelling.
The narrative is full of suspense with a fair share of twists and turns. It is fast paced and you won't be able to stop reading once you begin. As you follow Sophia in the dicey pursuit of her passion you will be anxious to discover what transpires with every turn of the page.
Cram has certainly impressed me with this outstanding debut effort. She is an authoress to keep your eye on, no doubt a promising career ahead of her. I anxiously await her next novel, if this is an indicator of what's to follow, we are in for wonderful reading adventures.
Lovers of art and painting you will thoroughly enjoy this book. A story filled with drama, suspense, romance and plenty of turbulence you will not want to miss reading this truly affecting novel. Highly highly recommend. Wonderful story from beginning to end.
June 2, 2014
Joint review between Shomeret and me on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
A tidbit:
Shomeret has read a number of books like this, but has a tremendous affection for this sort of book. She read it in April and posted her impressions first. Tara joins the conversation with her impressions.
Shomeret: The central character, Sofia, learned painting from her father and assumes that her husband will support her career as a painter. I found this assumption rather naive, but Sofia is young when she decides to marry. Yet I think that she continues to have poor judgment throughout the novel. Tara, what do you think of Sofia? I finished the novel thinking that I wasn't sure whether I liked her or not. Her best choices were ones that allowed her art to flourish, but she often didn't make the right ones. I found myself asking what she was thinking a number of times.
Tara: I hated her. Loathed her. Wanted to murder her. LOL. You know I like a strong woman...and at times I felt Sofia was brave, namely when she leaves a life of comfort to dress as a boy and pursue her passion: painting. I admired that about her...but she has an arrogance and the way she treats others...as though she's granting them a huge favor by permitting them to be in presence, really rubbed me wrong...
A tidbit:
Shomeret has read a number of books like this, but has a tremendous affection for this sort of book. She read it in April and posted her impressions first. Tara joins the conversation with her impressions.
Shomeret: The central character, Sofia, learned painting from her father and assumes that her husband will support her career as a painter. I found this assumption rather naive, but Sofia is young when she decides to marry. Yet I think that she continues to have poor judgment throughout the novel. Tara, what do you think of Sofia? I finished the novel thinking that I wasn't sure whether I liked her or not. Her best choices were ones that allowed her art to flourish, but she often didn't make the right ones. I found myself asking what she was thinking a number of times.
Tara: I hated her. Loathed her. Wanted to murder her. LOL. You know I like a strong woman...and at times I felt Sofia was brave, namely when she leaves a life of comfort to dress as a boy and pursue her passion: painting. I admired that about her...but she has an arrogance and the way she treats others...as though she's granting them a huge favor by permitting them to be in presence, really rubbed me wrong...
August 26, 2016
As a painter, I enjoy very much novels where art has a central part. If it’s combined with historical fiction, it makes for a delight, and that was exactly my experience with The Towers of Tuscany.
Sofia inherited her father’s genes and benefits from his teaching, as painting is concerned, but she has the misfortune of being a female, that is, not being able to have her own art studio. She first paints in hiding in a concealed room where her husband cannot see what she does. Then, after some dramatic events leading to her father’s death, she flees her city in October 1338 disguised as a man to be able to keep painting and doing commissions for rich patrons. One of them discovers her real nature and falls in love with her, which can be a very dangerous thing for her…
The historical setting was wonderfully rendered, with the...
my full review is here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2014/04/25/b...
Sofia inherited her father’s genes and benefits from his teaching, as painting is concerned, but she has the misfortune of being a female, that is, not being able to have her own art studio. She first paints in hiding in a concealed room where her husband cannot see what she does. Then, after some dramatic events leading to her father’s death, she flees her city in October 1338 disguised as a man to be able to keep painting and doing commissions for rich patrons. One of them discovers her real nature and falls in love with her, which can be a very dangerous thing for her…
The historical setting was wonderfully rendered, with the...
my full review is here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2014/04/25/b...
February 20, 2014
This is an indie book that is really worth reading.
Cram's first novel, The Towers of Tuscany transports readers to the pre-Renaissance period in Italy through the life of a young women who is a gifted painter. Once married Sofia can only paint in secret, and her husband disappoints and grows violent. She risks running away .... To say more will spoil the plot.
The author writes with knowledge of the era and art, but most importantly writes a cracking good story. Her pace and tension never let up, and her characters are well-drawn. The setting is so good I could smell the summer heat and the sewers that run down the streets. Everything about this novel will keep you turning the pages.
Bravo!! Highly recommended.
Cram's first novel, The Towers of Tuscany transports readers to the pre-Renaissance period in Italy through the life of a young women who is a gifted painter. Once married Sofia can only paint in secret, and her husband disappoints and grows violent. She risks running away .... To say more will spoil the plot.
The author writes with knowledge of the era and art, but most importantly writes a cracking good story. Her pace and tension never let up, and her characters are well-drawn. The setting is so good I could smell the summer heat and the sewers that run down the streets. Everything about this novel will keep you turning the pages.
Bravo!! Highly recommended.
April 4, 2014
A wonderful book worth reading. Carol M Cram has created a masterpiece.
Sofia is a strong willed woman who wants to paint. Early Renaissance is the time, Italy the place. More specifically a small town called San Gimignano, the Tuscan city of towers. Sofia is painting in a time when women were encouraged to have children, clean the house and keep quiet. Very few women knew how to read and write, never mind paint.
Each chapter begins with a short painting technique explained before the story proceeds.
The reader is transported to another time. I found this book entertaining and educational. The action is ongoing throughout the story.
5/5 stars for a very well written, and highly researched story!
Sofia is a strong willed woman who wants to paint. Early Renaissance is the time, Italy the place. More specifically a small town called San Gimignano, the Tuscan city of towers. Sofia is painting in a time when women were encouraged to have children, clean the house and keep quiet. Very few women knew how to read and write, never mind paint.
Each chapter begins with a short painting technique explained before the story proceeds.
The reader is transported to another time. I found this book entertaining and educational. The action is ongoing throughout the story.
5/5 stars for a very well written, and highly researched story!
April 24, 2014
Beautiful work!
Beautiful work!
This is a brilliant piece of literature by Ms Cram, who uses the voice of the artist to tell the "life-risking" tale of Sofia the painter who painted as Sandro, Barducci, and Manzenni.
Never could Sofia paint openly, because not only she, but others would be put in jail. In 1300's Italy, this is just the way the laws work.
The story is one of the success of the creative spirit. I would recommend this book highly!
Beautiful work!
This is a brilliant piece of literature by Ms Cram, who uses the voice of the artist to tell the "life-risking" tale of Sofia the painter who painted as Sandro, Barducci, and Manzenni.
Never could Sofia paint openly, because not only she, but others would be put in jail. In 1300's Italy, this is just the way the laws work.
The story is one of the success of the creative spirit. I would recommend this book highly!
April 8, 2014
Fascinating story
This novel caught my interest almost immediately and I could hardly put the novel down. The characters as well as the plot was believable and historically accurate. I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting the book was.
This novel caught my interest almost immediately and I could hardly put the novel down. The characters as well as the plot was believable and historically accurate. I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting the book was.
February 14, 2014
A fun read! Reading about the painting techniques was absolutely fascinating, and the lives of these characters were compelling. A perfect weekend read.
April 15, 2014
Excellent read!
January 25, 2017
A little bit of a mixed bag of a book. The descriptions of life in medieval Tuscany were absolutely excellent and I also really enjoyed the scene setting of the life of an artist in the period where so many of our now famous artists were creating. However, in characterisation and overall plotting I think this fell short and did not do real justice to the world Cram had created.
Plot in a Nutshell
Sofia Barducci is a teenager being brought up in 14th century San Gimignano by her artist father. A young woman with great artistic skill her father trains her to paint. She marries, initially for love, but the marriage itself is ill-fated and after her father dies she flees to Siena, where disguised as a boy she seeks to paint once more.
Thoughts
Overall both the historical and geographical elements of the novel are really very strong. Carol M Cram does an exceptional job of painting a compelling version of the Tuscan cities and countryside of the period. Having visited San Gimignano which now has z towers still standing I felt I could perfectly envisage Sofia’s view of the city with work underway building and extending the towers as they headed towards their peak of ccc. It was not only the landscape that seemed so well researched and perfectly painted (no pun intended!). The descriptions of producing paints and colours were incredibly detailed and vivid and also the specifics of preparing to paint and the different styles in use really did bring this important part of Renaissance European life to life. Whilst not a political novel I also really enjoyed the implicit and occasionally explicit insight into the alliance building, vendetta ridden reality of the City states that littered Italy at this time alongside the impact and fear of illness.
In the abstract Sofia is exactly the kind of main protagonist I like. She is a strong woman not afraid to push for what she believes in, whether it be the approval to make a love match or to pursue a career where women were very rare. Her tale is one rife with conflict; from seeing the reality of her love match fade as she starts to understand the abusive nature of her husband, the challenges of her dalliance with a wealthier merchant and her drive to paint both for personal satisfaction but also for financial stability. This alongside the rich historical detail should have had me rating this book four / five stars. Unfortunately, I really did not like Sofia. I found her single minded and full of ego. I think this was a conscious decision to present her as a highly strong artistic type but this plus the fact that she was decidedly lacking in empathy for anyone just made her unlikable to me. Throughout the novel she makes a number of bad decisions with seemingly little remorse or personal growth to the extend that I really was not routing for her at all. A real shame although there was enough her that I’d try the other novel from this author
Plot in a Nutshell
Sofia Barducci is a teenager being brought up in 14th century San Gimignano by her artist father. A young woman with great artistic skill her father trains her to paint. She marries, initially for love, but the marriage itself is ill-fated and after her father dies she flees to Siena, where disguised as a boy she seeks to paint once more.
Thoughts
Overall both the historical and geographical elements of the novel are really very strong. Carol M Cram does an exceptional job of painting a compelling version of the Tuscan cities and countryside of the period. Having visited San Gimignano which now has z towers still standing I felt I could perfectly envisage Sofia’s view of the city with work underway building and extending the towers as they headed towards their peak of ccc. It was not only the landscape that seemed so well researched and perfectly painted (no pun intended!). The descriptions of producing paints and colours were incredibly detailed and vivid and also the specifics of preparing to paint and the different styles in use really did bring this important part of Renaissance European life to life. Whilst not a political novel I also really enjoyed the implicit and occasionally explicit insight into the alliance building, vendetta ridden reality of the City states that littered Italy at this time alongside the impact and fear of illness.
In the abstract Sofia is exactly the kind of main protagonist I like. She is a strong woman not afraid to push for what she believes in, whether it be the approval to make a love match or to pursue a career where women were very rare. Her tale is one rife with conflict; from seeing the reality of her love match fade as she starts to understand the abusive nature of her husband, the challenges of her dalliance with a wealthier merchant and her drive to paint both for personal satisfaction but also for financial stability. This alongside the rich historical detail should have had me rating this book four / five stars. Unfortunately, I really did not like Sofia. I found her single minded and full of ego. I think this was a conscious decision to present her as a highly strong artistic type but this plus the fact that she was decidedly lacking in empathy for anyone just made her unlikable to me. Throughout the novel she makes a number of bad decisions with seemingly little remorse or personal growth to the extend that I really was not routing for her at all. A real shame although there was enough her that I’d try the other novel from this author
February 12, 2019
Beautifully written fictional account of what life might have been like for a woman painter in Italy in the 1300s. I loved every bit of this book...the politics, the families scrabbling to hang onto their positions in a their city-state, and especially the process (well researched by the author) of what goes into making one of the many religious panels for wealthy patrons.
The story is bitter-sweet and doesn't pull punches even when the plague churns its way through the provinces of Italy.
There is love, lost and found and lost again and I admit I shed a tear at the end of Sohpia's story. Still, there's more to come in the next book in this series and I'm excited to read more!
The story is bitter-sweet and doesn't pull punches even when the plague churns its way through the provinces of Italy.
There is love, lost and found and lost again and I admit I shed a tear at the end of Sohpia's story. Still, there's more to come in the next book in this series and I'm excited to read more!
August 20, 2014
Wonderful to read, a trip back in time to Italy's 14th century as seen thru the eyes of a thoroughly modern Madonna.
Wonderful to read, a trip back in time to Italy's 14th century as seen thru the eyes of a thoroughly modern Madonna.
A book to be enjoyed. This one is mean to be slowly savored with a warm and sweet latte, and perhaps a biscotti or two. Then curl up on your favourite chair and enjoy a trip back in time, as a young wife realizes her foolish mistakes and seeks ways to continuing that one thing that keeps her soul alive. Painting.
Trained by her father, a master himself, Sofia yearns to be free of her marriage so that she can freely paint religious panels for her father's patrons. Sadly, her husband just wants her barefoot and pregnant with sons. So she hatches a plan after the makes a deathbed promise to her dying father and takes off for another town where she believes she can start her life over. Unfortunately for those who can recall European history at that time, life gets in the way of dreams.
Well written, this paints a beautifully described picture of devil Italy.
Wonderful to read, a trip back in time to Italy's 14th century as seen thru the eyes of a thoroughly modern Madonna.
A book to be enjoyed. This one is mean to be slowly savored with a warm and sweet latte, and perhaps a biscotti or two. Then curl up on your favourite chair and enjoy a trip back in time, as a young wife realizes her foolish mistakes and seeks ways to continuing that one thing that keeps her soul alive. Painting.
Trained by her father, a master himself, Sofia yearns to be free of her marriage so that she can freely paint religious panels for her father's patrons. Sadly, her husband just wants her barefoot and pregnant with sons. So she hatches a plan after the makes a deathbed promise to her dying father and takes off for another town where she believes she can start her life over. Unfortunately for those who can recall European history at that time, life gets in the way of dreams.
Well written, this paints a beautifully described picture of devil Italy.
January 6, 2015
The Towers of Tuscany by Carol M. Cram is an amazing work of historical fiction, and a great adventure by a true heroine. I loved the main character, Sophia. In a time where women were supposed to grin and bear it, Sophia chose to take her own path, and run away from her unhappy marriage. The adventure that follows truly makes for a great story. The entire book is perfectly written, and I found it easy to lose myself completely in the story. Sophia’s character was relatable, and as a reader you were rooting for her from the beginning. At the beginning you can really feel Sophia’s frustration with her role in life because she is a female. Her husband married her because she is beautiful, and refuses to allow her to do what she loves, which is to paint. She married below her, even though her father tried to stop her from doing so, because she thought she was in love. She realized that her father was right, but was unable to do anything about it, until her father’s dying wish to take a fresco painting to an acquaintance of his in another city gives her the chance to leave that she so desperately desires. I give this novel a FIVE out of FIVE stars!
December 18, 2014
Lila Yawn-Bonghi notes in her study from the University of North Carolina entitled, MEDIEVAL WOMEN ARTISTS AND MODERN HISTORIANS, "Surveys of women's art by Munsterberg (1975), Carr (1976), Petersen and Wilson (1976), and Slatkin (1985) discuss extant manuscripts and textiles known either to have been made by medieval women or to have been produced in the Middle Ages under the direction of female overseers and patrons." So, we know that there were female artist in Medieval Europe. However, to have the privilege extend to painting in patron's homes would probably have been frowned upon at the minimum; so, the founding premise of a woman defying convention to pursue a calling in a closed profession, I think, stands up to scrutiny. I very much enjoyed the writing, the engaging story line, and the well researched descriptions of medieval life. I also thought the descriptions of the plague and the fear that surrounded the plague was well done. Anyone interested in art and artists of this period would love this book.
May 16, 2014
The Towers of Tuscany is a beautifully written story! The story follows the life of Sofia during the 1300’s in San Gimignano, Italy. She is a gifted painter, however, due to her circumstance she only paints in private and her father sells her work as his own. The book comes full circle and Sophia realizes the realities of the harshness of life through her choices. This historical novel transports the reader back in time with vivid descriptions of both the paintings and the setting. I was entranced and couldn't put the book down once I started reading. This is a wonderful book if you want a beautiful romantic story filled with rich history and an engaging plot! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
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January 10, 2015Романът на Каръл Крам още от първите страници ни отвежда в Средновековна Италия, в ателието на Антонио Бардучи, един от учениците на Джото. Всъщност, книгата е по-скоро за дъщерята на Бардучи и за нейната тайна страст да рисува. Тайна е, защото по онова време на жените не е било разрешено да извършват дейности, присъщи само за мъжете. София не престава за мисли за своето увлечение към рисуването въпреки превратностите на съдбата и трудностите, които тя среща по своя път отначало като необичана съпруга, а след това и в ателието на Манзини в Сиена /макар и уважавана и обичана от сина на своя покровител/. Тя продължава да вижда света в цветове и картини дори на прага на смъртта.
http://dianart-dten.blogspot.com/2015...
http://dianart-dten.blogspot.com/2015...
August 22, 2014
This was a very enjoyable novel - partly due to the fact that I have visited the locations where the story occurs.
It appears to be a first novel for the author; and as such is an exceptional effort. Flow of the narrative, and development of the characters was very well presented with few minor exceptions.
It is notable that the ebook version has almost no errors - it is surprising how may digital books have errors throughout; don't writers use electronic word processors these days?
The historical aspects of the the novel - particularly the art of painting in the 14th century, and, secondarily, life in 14th century Italy - were informative, and seemed well researched.
It appears to be a first novel for the author; and as such is an exceptional effort. Flow of the narrative, and development of the characters was very well presented with few minor exceptions.
It is notable that the ebook version has almost no errors - it is surprising how may digital books have errors throughout; don't writers use electronic word processors these days?
The historical aspects of the the novel - particularly the art of painting in the 14th century, and, secondarily, life in 14th century Italy - were informative, and seemed well researched.
December 27, 2014
I really like "The Towers of Tuscany" by Carol M Cram. I loved Sofia and my heart ached for her! There were so many tough moments when I had to stop reading and take a deep breath! I loved the creativity that Sofia exemplified and also the creativity that the author used throughout the story. There are times when you can figure out where a story is leading but that is not the case with this book, I was continuously surprised by the change of circumstances and events. This was a very unique, deeply emotional and very creative story.
September 2, 2018
Of woman as artist in fourteenth century Italy
Well researched, beautifully written, this novel draws the reader into the world of medieval Italy with all its consequent conflicts in religion, art, and feminism. A woman's role, strictly circumscribed by all three, must have been especially difficult for a young woman of intellect and talent brought up by a father who encouraged and used her skill until she makes an unfortunate marriage. The story is well crafted, but I had some difficulty reconciling Sofia's intelligence and obvious passion to paint with both her impulsive determination to marry Giorgio, heedless of her father's misgivings, and later her blind lust for Matteo which might have ended in an equally unfortunate and frustrating marriage, although that second marriage seemed implausible to begin with. On the other hand, Sofia's resilience and ability to make the best of the situations resulting from her bad decisions makes her a sympathetic heroine, and the conclusion of her story more poignant. The epilogue was a surprise, and not entirely satisfying. I expected some kind of link between the modern woman and the woman whose art she was compelled to own, but perhaps Sofia's eventual obscurity would be more realistic.
Well researched, beautifully written, this novel draws the reader into the world of medieval Italy with all its consequent conflicts in religion, art, and feminism. A woman's role, strictly circumscribed by all three, must have been especially difficult for a young woman of intellect and talent brought up by a father who encouraged and used her skill until she makes an unfortunate marriage. The story is well crafted, but I had some difficulty reconciling Sofia's intelligence and obvious passion to paint with both her impulsive determination to marry Giorgio, heedless of her father's misgivings, and later her blind lust for Matteo which might have ended in an equally unfortunate and frustrating marriage, although that second marriage seemed implausible to begin with. On the other hand, Sofia's resilience and ability to make the best of the situations resulting from her bad decisions makes her a sympathetic heroine, and the conclusion of her story more poignant. The epilogue was a surprise, and not entirely satisfying. I expected some kind of link between the modern woman and the woman whose art she was compelled to own, but perhaps Sofia's eventual obscurity would be more realistic.
February 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The mix of medieval Italian history, the art, the pestilence, the descriptions of the way women were treated - Sofia the main character is a feisty talented artist, trained in her fathers studio but unable to be acknowledged as the creator of many beautiful panels. When she is married she is not allowed to paint at all. I thought this book was beautifully written.
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