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Renaissance: A Novel
Elizabeth Fane is on the cusp of 50, but instead of celebrating with her family, she is on a plane to Italy alone, leaving behind her husband, three adult sons, and the profound rift between them.
In Italy Liz plans to prune olive trees at a convent, explore the city of Florence, and visit its ancient cathedrals. There she meets four women—five if you count the large painting of the Virgin Mary—with whom she converses regularly. While at first these conversations with the painting are ironic (and are always one-sided), eventually they turn to become another way for Liz to consider the rift between her and her family. Liz gradually reveals why she left home and sorts out what it will take for her to return. Renaissance is a story about a woman of a certain age—a novel about the end of motherhood as Liz steps out of longstanding domestic roles to find her own place in the world.
In Italy Liz plans to prune olive trees at a convent, explore the city of Florence, and visit its ancient cathedrals. There she meets four women—five if you count the large painting of the Virgin Mary—with whom she converses regularly. While at first these conversations with the painting are ironic (and are always one-sided), eventually they turn to become another way for Liz to consider the rift between her and her family. Liz gradually reveals why she left home and sorts out what it will take for her to return. Renaissance is a story about a woman of a certain age—a novel about the end of motherhood as Liz steps out of longstanding domestic roles to find her own place in the world.
Audible Audio
Published November 17, 2023
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About the author
Susan Fish
30 books27 followersSusan Fish is a writer and editor (storywell.ca) living in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada with her husband, dogs and sometimes with her adult children. She has two Masters degrees, one in Religion and Culture, the other in Theological Studies. Renaissance is her third novel; Seeker of Stars, was published in 2005 (Winding Trail Press) and reissued in 2014 (David C Cook), while Ithaca, was published in 2014. Her writing has appeared in various literary and trade publications, and she has written widely for the nonprofit sector.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 9, 2024
It must have been the cover and the fact that it was labeled as literary that drew me to select this audiobook.
Renaissance is narrated by a Canadian woman, on the cusp of turning fifty, who's spending five weeks in a monastery in Florence, Italy. For most of this short novel, there is foreshadowing about the reason the narrator feels lost, out of sorts. We find out she's an empty nester, as her three boys had left their home in pursue of degrees and lives as adults. She loved being a mother, she identified herself as a mother, even though she had been working in different roles that mostly centred around caring for others.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the novel, as someone of similar age, albeit still with teenagers at home, I could understand her, empathise, sympathise.
Of course, the descriptions of Florence, the art, the foods were enticing as well.
Then, the revealed reason for feeling betrayed kind of angered me - let's just say that religious, Christian vibes were amped up big time, I won't say more for fear of spoilers
Generally speaking, this intenseley navel-gazing novel appealed to me, then I found myself cussing annoyed with the reveal, but I'm self aware enough to recognise it's a me problem.
I'm pretty sure Rachel McKendree's beautiful voice kept me going as well.
Renaissance is narrated by a Canadian woman, on the cusp of turning fifty, who's spending five weeks in a monastery in Florence, Italy. For most of this short novel, there is foreshadowing about the reason the narrator feels lost, out of sorts. We find out she's an empty nester, as her three boys had left their home in pursue of degrees and lives as adults. She loved being a mother, she identified herself as a mother, even though she had been working in different roles that mostly centred around caring for others.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the novel, as someone of similar age, albeit still with teenagers at home, I could understand her, empathise, sympathise.
Of course, the descriptions of Florence, the art, the foods were enticing as well.
Then, the revealed reason for feeling betrayed kind of angered me - let's just say that religious, Christian vibes were amped up big time, I won't say more for fear of spoilers
Generally speaking, this intenseley navel-gazing novel appealed to me, then I found myself cussing annoyed with the reveal, but I'm self aware enough to recognise it's a me problem.
I'm pretty sure Rachel McKendree's beautiful voice kept me going as well.
September 18, 2023
I was excited to get an advance copy of Renaissance because I am a friend of the author and wanted to know how her impressions of Italy would translate into this novel. Like her novel Ithaca, this one does not quite fit into a clear genre, unless it's "women's fiction". But I knew it would be more thoughtful than other stories out there that touched on the theme of personal development in the Italian countryside.
The narrator has been through an emotionally traumatic experience, which leads her to embark on a solo working vacation to Italy. This is very much outside the norm of her usual life activities, which is how we know how deeply troubled she feels. The tone of the story is often personal, yet I did not quite reach a point of relating fully to the narrator's experience. Since I prefer books that touch me emotionally in that way, I did not give it the full 5 stars. Still, there are many things about this book that delighted me, starting with the beautiful cover with its embattled growth metaphor of an ancient tree bathed in evocative golden light.
I particularly enjoyed the subtle way the author hints at the origin of the trauma, drawing me to form a hypothesis, only to scratch that idea moments later with a casual line that makes it clear the reader has guessed incorrectly. This game of hide and seek is woven into the plot-line of the first half to two-thirds of the story.
I love that Sue Fish draws characters that are multidimensional, e.g., explicitly rejecting the notion that that all nuns are pious, self-sacrificing and kind, or that friends can never behave as enemies. The author's portrayal of human relationships - from the casual to the most intimate - is always rich, honest and nuanced.
The descriptions of the landscape created a desire to see these places and to appreciate the small details (birds, flora, architecture, cultures) that make up life for inhabitants in that part of Italy.
Last but not least, I enjoyed the humorous moments described in the narrator's interactions with her co-workers at the vineyard, mostly young people with their own stories and personal quirks. I laughed out loud at the line "Do I eat the mints?" I appreciate how humour and irreverence lightened the scene at various moments.
Do read Renaissance if you like a story touching on themes of personal growth into maturity, evolving roles within the family dynamic, and seeking peace and solace in an escape to something new and challenging.
The narrator has been through an emotionally traumatic experience, which leads her to embark on a solo working vacation to Italy. This is very much outside the norm of her usual life activities, which is how we know how deeply troubled she feels. The tone of the story is often personal, yet I did not quite reach a point of relating fully to the narrator's experience. Since I prefer books that touch me emotionally in that way, I did not give it the full 5 stars. Still, there are many things about this book that delighted me, starting with the beautiful cover with its embattled growth metaphor of an ancient tree bathed in evocative golden light.
I particularly enjoyed the subtle way the author hints at the origin of the trauma, drawing me to form a hypothesis, only to scratch that idea moments later with a casual line that makes it clear the reader has guessed incorrectly. This game of hide and seek is woven into the plot-line of the first half to two-thirds of the story.
I love that Sue Fish draws characters that are multidimensional, e.g., explicitly rejecting the notion that that all nuns are pious, self-sacrificing and kind, or that friends can never behave as enemies. The author's portrayal of human relationships - from the casual to the most intimate - is always rich, honest and nuanced.
The descriptions of the landscape created a desire to see these places and to appreciate the small details (birds, flora, architecture, cultures) that make up life for inhabitants in that part of Italy.
Last but not least, I enjoyed the humorous moments described in the narrator's interactions with her co-workers at the vineyard, mostly young people with their own stories and personal quirks. I laughed out loud at the line "Do I eat the mints?" I appreciate how humour and irreverence lightened the scene at various moments.
Do read Renaissance if you like a story touching on themes of personal growth into maturity, evolving roles within the family dynamic, and seeking peace and solace in an escape to something new and challenging.
August 5, 2023
Reading this book was a special experience and it really took me to another place. There are few books I've read that truly give me a sense of place as strongly as this book (and Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series), and I found myself wanting to be in Italy eating the tasty food and seeing the sights and breathing the air. I love the way this tackled some of the changes of life that come with kids getting older and the complexities of life that are all shades of grey and not just black and white.
Highly recommend reading this book, and for anyone local, the author Susan is offering a pre-order bonus that means you can get an e-book copy early.
Highly recommend reading this book, and for anyone local, the author Susan is offering a pre-order bonus that means you can get an e-book copy early.
April 12, 2024
First things first: this cover, on the paperback held in my hand, is absolutely gorgeous. The golden light (especially on the grass), the huge tree, the stone wall and clouds. It speaks rest to me, and warmth.
The story also brings rest. Evocative prose draws us into Liz’s struggles and into the beautiful Italian setting. If you haven’t (yet) experienced any mid-life reshapings of your identity, you’ve likely felt the hurt of being left out, misunderstood, or betrayed.
This is literary women’s fiction with an almost languid feel to it… never boring, just slowly and gently inviting readers in.
It’s a story of self-discovery, family, and forgiveness, with a thread of faith—wrapped up in a virtual tour of Florence, Italy. My only caution is there are a few pages of profanity near the end, catching both Liz and the reader off-guard. I understand why Liz surprises herself by lashing out in this way, and how she finds it entirely appropriate to the situation, but it jarred my peace and could be a deal-breaker for some.
Favourite line:
For more about Canadian author and editor Susan Fish and her other books, visit https://susanfishwrites.wordpress.com/.
The story also brings rest. Evocative prose draws us into Liz’s struggles and into the beautiful Italian setting. If you haven’t (yet) experienced any mid-life reshapings of your identity, you’ve likely felt the hurt of being left out, misunderstood, or betrayed.
This is literary women’s fiction with an almost languid feel to it… never boring, just slowly and gently inviting readers in.
It’s a story of self-discovery, family, and forgiveness, with a thread of faith—wrapped up in a virtual tour of Florence, Italy. My only caution is there are a few pages of profanity near the end, catching both Liz and the reader off-guard. I understand why Liz surprises herself by lashing out in this way, and how she finds it entirely appropriate to the situation, but it jarred my peace and could be a deal-breaker for some.
Favourite line:
His words fell into a deep place in me, like olive oil finding every hole in a piece of bread, saturating it. [page 57; context: Italian gardener was talking about pruning olive trees, while Liz sees a meaning for her own life from his words.]
For more about Canadian author and editor Susan Fish and her other books, visit https://susanfishwrites.wordpress.com/.
May 31, 2024
I have not read Christian fiction in many years. I really enjoyed this, plus bonus that the author and the main character in this book are from Waterloo. It was a great read and appropriate for this stage in my life. Well done! Finished this in one day.
September 9, 2023
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy. Renaissance took me back to my time in Florence, experiencing again many of the scenes that take place in the book. Susan Fish gives us a great sense of place, inner and outer. I could relate to Elizabeth’s inner turmoil as she works through the difficulties with her family. A wonderful read.
January 23, 2024
Summary: Approaching fifty, Elizabeth Fane suddenly leaves work she loves as an executive director of a non-profit and a family that has been her life to work in the gardens of a convent in Florence, Italy.
Elizabeth Fane came across these words in a book of Dante, found in a church rummage sale:
“Midway on life’s journey I found myself alone in a dark wood where the right way was lost.”
Little did Liz realize that within a few months, she would be living these words. She was approaching fifty with a husband she loved and three grown up sons leaving home. She served as executive director of a non-profit, a job she loved and was good at. Then came the day an associate mentions something about her family that rocks her world because it was something she didn’t know.
She steps away from her work and makes plans to go to Italy, leaving family behind. She goes, not as a tourist but a garden volunteer at a convent in Florence, Italy. Florence, the heart of the Renaissance. Dante’s house. The Accademia and the Uffizi. The works of Caravaggio, da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Ancient churches, bustling markets, a glorious countryside.
Yet her life seems a dark wood. But she slowly opens up to the good food, the prayers in a grotto, conversations with Honey and Cecy and a painting of Mary, alone, that Cecy nicknames Our Lady of Perpetual Constipation. She works with the convent gardener who teaches her the work of pruning olive trees. He begins each day drinking a cup of olive oil, giving thanks both to God and the olive grove. Mornings are spent pruning, afternoons by gathering pruned branches. But what is being pruned in Liz?
Through most of the story, she keeps her secret to herself, only sharing it late in the story with Honey, who sees things differently than she. A subsequent betrayal by an old high school friend she encountered on a tour forces her to example how the secret kept from her by her husband and son affected her–not only how they saw her, but also the identity that she had constructed.
There is that painting of Mary, that hangs in her room. Not Mary with child. Not the Pieta, Mary holding her dead son. Mary alone. Mary who has said “let it be unto me…” and Mary whose own heart has been pierced with a sword. Was Mary still saying “let it be unto me”? Could Liz? What would that mean for how she saw her husband? Her son? Herself?
Susan Fish tells the story of a woman seeking her own renaissance, trying to find her way through a dark would where all the familiar trail blazes are missing. Liz’s search is juxtaposed with the beauties of Florence and it’s countryside. Yet her healing comes not from the beauties of the place but as she comes to a place of vulnerable, raw honesty, facing her anger that kept her from going to the English church, and the false self she projected to family and even herself. A profound story of a mid-life renaissance.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
Elizabeth Fane came across these words in a book of Dante, found in a church rummage sale:
“Midway on life’s journey I found myself alone in a dark wood where the right way was lost.”
Little did Liz realize that within a few months, she would be living these words. She was approaching fifty with a husband she loved and three grown up sons leaving home. She served as executive director of a non-profit, a job she loved and was good at. Then came the day an associate mentions something about her family that rocks her world because it was something she didn’t know.
She steps away from her work and makes plans to go to Italy, leaving family behind. She goes, not as a tourist but a garden volunteer at a convent in Florence, Italy. Florence, the heart of the Renaissance. Dante’s house. The Accademia and the Uffizi. The works of Caravaggio, da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Ancient churches, bustling markets, a glorious countryside.
Yet her life seems a dark wood. But she slowly opens up to the good food, the prayers in a grotto, conversations with Honey and Cecy and a painting of Mary, alone, that Cecy nicknames Our Lady of Perpetual Constipation. She works with the convent gardener who teaches her the work of pruning olive trees. He begins each day drinking a cup of olive oil, giving thanks both to God and the olive grove. Mornings are spent pruning, afternoons by gathering pruned branches. But what is being pruned in Liz?
Through most of the story, she keeps her secret to herself, only sharing it late in the story with Honey, who sees things differently than she. A subsequent betrayal by an old high school friend she encountered on a tour forces her to example how the secret kept from her by her husband and son affected her–not only how they saw her, but also the identity that she had constructed.
There is that painting of Mary, that hangs in her room. Not Mary with child. Not the Pieta, Mary holding her dead son. Mary alone. Mary who has said “let it be unto me…” and Mary whose own heart has been pierced with a sword. Was Mary still saying “let it be unto me”? Could Liz? What would that mean for how she saw her husband? Her son? Herself?
Susan Fish tells the story of a woman seeking her own renaissance, trying to find her way through a dark would where all the familiar trail blazes are missing. Liz’s search is juxtaposed with the beauties of Florence and it’s countryside. Yet her healing comes not from the beauties of the place but as she comes to a place of vulnerable, raw honesty, facing her anger that kept her from going to the English church, and the false self she projected to family and even herself. A profound story of a mid-life renaissance.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
July 24, 2025
This book could have been a masterpiece; it had all the fixings for one. Fish took on several bold topics and didn't shy away.
However, where this ultimately failed is in its structure. We are not introduced to the Problem until halfway through the book, and it's nearly another quarter of the way through where we really get into the meat of her struggle - just in time for her to process through everything in a handful of chapters. All of the details of Liz's life are broadly skirted around - her job, her issues, her friends' problems - that the entire first half of the book just comes off as lazy writing, as if the author hadn't made decisions about any of the details, all the while keeping Liz's grief a mystery.
This novel needed to paint the whole scene from the get-go and truly would have shined had we been privy from the beginning to the very complex questions and struggles the character navigates.
What's truly tragic is that the author DID understand the complexities of Liz's journey - and could articulate it. We were simply robbed of seeing the full depth of the story.
However, where this ultimately failed is in its structure. We are not introduced to the Problem until halfway through the book, and it's nearly another quarter of the way through where we really get into the meat of her struggle - just in time for her to process through everything in a handful of chapters. All of the details of Liz's life are broadly skirted around - her job, her issues, her friends' problems - that the entire first half of the book just comes off as lazy writing, as if the author hadn't made decisions about any of the details, all the while keeping Liz's grief a mystery.
This novel needed to paint the whole scene from the get-go and truly would have shined had we been privy from the beginning to the very complex questions and struggles the character navigates.
What's truly tragic is that the author DID understand the complexities of Liz's journey - and could articulate it. We were simply robbed of seeing the full depth of the story.
August 8, 2023
Renaissance is a story of renewal, rebirth, and the future of so many things: olive trees, self-worth, and relationships to name a few. The way Susan writes, I am immediately caught up in the adventure of traveling to Italy, and I am now best friends with the protagonist Elizabeth Fane. Together we travel, have new experiences, weep at losses, and come to terms with who we are now. I am literally swept away until the closing page, and I am sad for the book to end. I would love for there to be a follow up to Liz's story.
Susan's characters are always relatable and loveable despite their flaws, and Liz was no exception. I truly felt her heart as she wrestled with who she is as a mother now, and the excruciating pain of children making their own choices. Interwoven is the tale of the olive grove, the quiet convent with it's wine and bread, and the backdrop of an incredible city.
This book is an escape, but better yet, it's a way to find yourself.
Susan's characters are always relatable and loveable despite their flaws, and Liz was no exception. I truly felt her heart as she wrestled with who she is as a mother now, and the excruciating pain of children making their own choices. Interwoven is the tale of the olive grove, the quiet convent with it's wine and bread, and the backdrop of an incredible city.
This book is an escape, but better yet, it's a way to find yourself.
April 16, 2024
A really beautifully written book set in Florence, Italy, which I have no idea how I found but am glad I did! It is “faith-based” but to write it off on that account would really be the dumbest thing ever because all author Susan Fish is doing is writing a well-rounded character with a POV that feels realistic with nuance and compassion toward a complicated situation, one which I was not expecting. It’s not cheesy or cloyingly tidy. If you like literary fiction set in Italy, you will likely enjoy this.
Also I absolutely love the name Susan Fish.
Also I absolutely love the name Susan Fish.
July 6, 2024
A coming of age book when the heroine finds she does not quite know who she is any more now that her sons are gone and making choices of their own. She leaves her husband and home to do 60 days of gardening at a convent in Florence, Italy, and slowly discovers who she is, and a bit about who she wants to become (not embittered, like the old woman she frequently sees, buying lottery tickets and smoking at the Tabacchi) It was so engrossing I read it in one sitting!
September 27, 2025
This was a surprise find for me. I'm not familiar with the author but appreciated how she approached the telling of this story in a nuanced way. It was engaging and well written. Had I been her editor, I would have suggested that she reveal the driving force for her journey sooner rather than hinting at it so many times but not revealing until very late in the book—particularly since she was in a Catholic convent. There could have been rich overlap. (Can't say more re spoiler alert.)
June 4, 2024
Promising, but missed the mark for me. The descriptions of Italy were lovely, but I could not relate to Liz. Very spiritual and completely wrapped up in motherhood. She flees to Italy because her adult son and his girlfriend make a very personal and difficult decision without her knowledge, and she comes undone. Really?
July 24, 2024
Beautiful and honest. A dreamy getaway, although hard work, to an olive garden in Florence. The characters came to life. It was agonizing waiting for key parts of the plot to be revealed. But I really liked it.
January 6, 2024
My favourite novels are the kind that let you see the world through someone else's eyes, the kind which remind you that you're not alone in the hard and hopeful things that come with being a human. Books like that help you look at your own ordinary life in a new way, less surprised by suffering, more able to imagine healing. This is that kind of book.
July 19, 2024
Beautifully written and deeply insightful. A fully enjoyable read!
May 6, 2025
It was fun to read a book about Florence. It brought back several memories. And, the thought of spending months working in the olive grove is enticing.
June 3, 2024
I've never been to Italy, but for one glorious weekend, I immersed myself in the experience. I couldn't put Renaissance down! I loved traveling with Elizabeth and wrestling along with her. Thanks for bringing the challenges of motherhood, and the personal transitions that need to happen as we and our children grow, to life in such a powerful way.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews