The Ruby Ring

by Diane Haeger

The Ruby Ring

Genres: Historical Fiction, Art, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Italy, Renaissance

639 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Diane Haeger is the bestselling author of fifteen published novels, including Courtesan, The Ruby Ring and My Dearest Cecilia. Her work, to date, has been translated into 18 different languages and has been featured in the LA Times and Harper's Bazaar Magazine. She loves telling real stories from history. She lives in California with her husband and family.

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author’s note: “The story is based on the actual discovery of a ruby ring that lay hidden for over five hundred years beneath a thin layer of paint on Raphael’s very sensual painting La Fornarina (The Baker’s Daughter). Who and why concealed it, may never be known. This novel explores one possible scenario.”

Set in the 16th century during a splendid era of the Italian Renaissance, Raphael at 31 is a very successful artist, who is dealing with more commissions than he can handle. He is in search of the right face for his Madonna painting. One day as he walks through Trastevere - humble area of Rome, he comes across a young woman. He instantly knows he has found his Madonna.

Margherita is a simple baker’s daughter from Trastevere and dreams of a life behind the walls of riches. Her encounter with Raphael changes her life completely.

This story is beautifully imagined and written. The relationship between son Raphael and his father and later between artist Raphael and mentor Leonardo da Vinci are briefly intertwined into the story; yet brief, but at the same time very endearing, creating a lasting impression.

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[Natasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read almost all of Diane Haeger’s books, and this is yet another exquisite tale, a love story filled with vivid, rich descriptions that made me feel like I was actually there on the streets of Rome, walking right next to the characters! She paints such a detailed picture with her words remarkably.  If you enjoy a good story, that’s well-written, plus a good love story set against a historical background, this is the book for you. I guarantee it will not disappoint you.

[Rio (Lynne) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Raphael Sanzio and his mistress Margherita were real. The mystery of The Ruby Ring is fascinating, so why was this book not a page turner? This was one of those books I REALLY wanted to like and kept wondering if it was me. The story was boggled down with unimportant detail. I have read 3 other Haeger books and this was was my least favorite. She usually writes a pretty good story "fluff or not." The Courtesan is one of my all time favorites, but, this one was torture. Very slow and simply boring.

[Jean Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a well needed dose of Italian Renaissance fiction this was for me. What a clever little writer Ms Haeger is. This book is very formulatic. Poor girl meets rich boy, attraction is there, sparks fly, he finds away to get her alone and eventually wears down her walls of saintliness and thus they become lovers though no one wants her to be in his life because he's "propery of politics". This is the story of Raphael Sanzio, an artist considered on par with Renaissance greats like Michaelangelo and Da Vinci (both of which make cameos in the story), and his mistress, the baker's daughter, Magherita Luti.

Yet while the story is formulatic the passion of the art and the love between out couple is intense and beautiful. I was prepared to give this book a solid 3 stars because it's writing was lovely, fluid, the story was well rounded but because it was typical (albeit historically accurate). The ending, however, the heart wrenching-ness of it is was got this book it's fourth star. It's this part of the book that made it wonderful, it doesn't just tug on your heartstrings, but rips at them not just with Raphael's side of the story, but also with Margherita's side and what makes it even more incredible is you know what will happen to these characters in the beginning. It was brillant writing and I will definitely be reading more of Haeger's work in the future.

[Debbie Floyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Stephanie Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that I had picked up a historical fiction book, but instead what I found was a trite, poorly written romance. Poor character development failed to make the characters interesting or relatable. The author is constantly making the point that no one actually cared for the Master Artists, just about their creations and the legacy it left for the patron. I think Diane Haeger successfully beat that dead horse. The only thing to recommend this book is that it is a quick and easy beach read.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raphael Sanzio, famous painter to the pope, is on the hunt for a new model for his Madonna. In his mind's eye he knows what he is looking for, but he is unable to find it. One walk on a street outside his standing brings him face to face with Margherita Luti. Raphael is immediately struck by artistic inspiration and knows she is meant to be his Madonna, but Margherita is less than certain. Pushed by her family and intended she agrees, and what began as a business relationship soon blossoms into a strong and moving love affair that rocks all of Rome. The two are divided by their social status and all the powerful players belief that Raphael is intended for greatest in art, not love. Nothing can tear the two apart, expect death.

I really enjoyed the tale of Raphael the man and the forces that worked against his marriage to the woman he loved. The author does a good job capturing the political climate of Rome and the true meaning of being an artist in a time when so many were competing for favor and immortality. Though I enjoyed the main character, Margherita, she did often feel a little too perfect. I wish the author would have worked harder to humanize her and reveal her flaws. There is also a lot of loose ends left at the end of this book that bothered me. The narrative explains that Margherita cannot go back to her family now, but we never saw a fall out and her brother-in-law is still at her side protecting her. I felt that plot hole was glaringly obvious. Overall this was an enjoyable read.

[Synnin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretending to be a historical fiction book, this one ends up being quite a plain and trite love romance with just worldwide known names as main characters: he's so rich & famous, she's so poor & ordinary, they fall in love but can't be married for various reasons. The writing style is pretty simple too (maybe it's Russian translation though), some events repeat over and over again, the bed scenes are somewhat terrible trite and even disguisting.... BUT there is something, obvously something sophisticated in this book that making turn the page by page impatiently, feel for Margherita and her famous lover, worry for both of them in their rough time, smile for them in their minutes together and nearly cry at the end. The story definitely touches something on the bottom of the heart and till the very end you're hoping that everything will be fine and evil will lose..

Even if only 1% of the story is really true, it deserves attention. Recommended for romance-lovers and those who'd love to know more about morals & manners in medieval Italy. Reading stuff like that, you understand 1) how easy the relationship between a man and a woman is nowadays, that we can really CHOOSE our partner, no matter what 2) how precious True Love can be, how it can change a person and how useless a life without it is.

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty disappointing. I love good historical fiction where you feel connected to the people and the life they lived..this book is essentially a Harlequin romance. The main characters could have been anyone. There was no depth to the major characters and I don't feel that I learned anything about Raphael, his art, or the times he lived through that wasn't superficially presented. It was such a tumultuous time with many major historical figures such as the Medicis, Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci living then that I think the opportunity for very interesting and enlightening story was missed.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ruby Ring is more romance novel than true historical fiction. If you aren't familiar with Raphael's artistic and personal history, it's a light and useful way to learn more, but it would have been nice to read about some other aspects of his relationship with Margherita beyond the bedroom - and the studio - and the kitchen - and - oh never mind. But one would think once in a while they might have done something else together.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointingly juvenile. For some reason, the dialogue sounds like something a high school girl would write, as do the character descriptions.

For example, "I did not actually believe it was him. Imagine! Well dressed or not, to pass himself off to anyone as the great artist," Margherita casually explained."

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and the story behind the painting.

[Saralyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great historicla novel with lots of romance and art history.

[Zosma Leonis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very little about this book rings true. Which is a shame, because it's a good story, but nearly every scene seems contrived and forced. A few of the scenes that actually deal with art and painting are better than others, but there are too few of those scenes. Once Raphael and Margherita get together, all of their interactions are much the same, with a few variations in words and emphasis. A potentially interesting addition to the painting-turned-novel genre, but not in the same league as some others.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing how film and art can influence a person's opinion. I have always been partial to Michelangelo. Blame The Agony and
The Ecstacy for that. And, seeing as the rivalry between the two was real, I've admired Raphael's work but never done a deep dive into his life as I have for Michelangelo. This book was beautiful and gave me the excuse to do so. Beautiful. Tragic. Illuminating. Immortal.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I came to the end, I was thinking of West Side Story's song, Some Day a Place for Us. I didn't really know a lot about Raphael but this was such a wonderful story of love. I'm so glad that I read this book.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled to get through this book. I had high hopes as I loved Haeger’s “Courtesan” but this book was frankly boring.

[Tracy Dempsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Historical fiction romance. What else is there to say?

[Celine Evren Pattni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a strong story (a real one) .. a must to read for history, art and Italy lovers!

[Nancy Bugbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a formulaic romance, but it was well written. I felt transported back to Renaissance Rome, liked the characters and enjoyed the story.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing historical fiction, with loads of true facts, about the life of Raphael Sanzio and his scandalous love affair with Margherita Luti. Excellent read!!

[Emma Bergami · Rating 5 out of 5]

L'ho letto molto tempo fa, ma ho il ricordo vivido delle emozioni che ho provato quando l'ho letto. Stupendo.

[Aaron Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical fiction but a little too girly romance emphasized for my liking. 5.8/10

[MissSusie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this book overall; it was an interesting depiction of the time period and the perks and hazards of being a great painter with commissions that need to be done especially when these commissions are from the Pope himself. As with other artists I’ve read about, Raphael became a bit obsessed with Margherita at the detriment to his work. I did feel bad for them in the end because of all the interference in their lives also the way Margherita was treated by these men in Raphael’s life especially while Raphael was on his death bed, they all knew how much Raphael loved this woman but they were so evil to her. The more I read on this time period the less respect I have for these supposed clerics, they were the biggest schemers and frauds of them all and were able to get away with it because they were clerics.

I wish there had been more of the rivalry between Raphael, da Vinci & Michelangelo, I found this an interesting side story and wish there had been more of it. I am not a big fan of romance novels and there were times when the romance of these two had me rolling my eyes and hoping to get on with more plot and less romance. Again, as I read about this time period the church sure had their hand in everything from who Raphael could marry and who he couldn’t. But when you are betrothed to a Cardinal’s niece who has the ear of the De Medici Pope I guess they have a bit of a vested interest in your life, especially when you are spending more time with your model/mistress than you are on finishing the project for the Pope.

This did make me do some research and with the portrayal of Cardinal Bibbiena I was very surprised to see he was a comedy writer? What? He sure didn’t seem to have a sense of humor in this book he was pretty despicable. I also found the painting The Betrothal of Raphael and the Niece of Cardinal Bibbiena by, painter Jacques-Louis David which showed that some of the facts were there but when reading the description it said that the likeness of Maria the cardinal's niece was inspired by an image of a woman once identified as Raphael's mistress, called "La Fornarina"., so it made me wonder if that was really Margherita. As I have said in other reviews of historical fiction if a book makes me want to do research about the people or places than it did a good job of engaging me.

Elizabeth Wiley’s narration was good if a bit over the top at times, some characters had a more pronounced accent than others but I believe she was trying to convey the characters personality. One voice that just rubbed me the wrong way because of the accent and key was the nuns voice it was too high and shrill, Maria’s voice was annoying too. But either I got used to the narration or Elizabeth got into a rhythm and became more comfortable with the accents as I felt they got better the longer I listened. By the end of the book I was enjoying her narration and thought she did well at transitioning between the Italian accents and the narrative with her regular voice. I would seek out other books narrated by Elizabeth Wiley.

3 ½ Stars

***Full disclosure I received this audiobook from The Solid Gold Reviewers Program at Audiobookjukebox.com***

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book as my next read straight after reading "The Sidewalk Artist", which was a delightful time-slip novel set in the 21st century and the 16th century. The novel was essentially about the life and love of the famous Renaissance artist Raphael Sanzio. I felt as though I'd become really attached to the Raphael in Gina Buonaguro and Janice Kirk's "The Sidewalk Artist" and didn't feel quite ready to leave the character just yet, so, being one of the main protagonists in "The Ruby Ring", I decided to give this ago.

Overall, this was a pleasant read, if not just a teeny, tiny bit TOO romantic for my tastes. (Don't get me wrong, I like it when my historical fiction has a bit of romance going on, maybe it's just me but historical men always seem so much more appealing?) - but at times, "The Ruby Ring" was just a little bit too much. Sort of sickly.

Raphael spots Margherita, the baker's daughter, one day and knows on sight that he simply has to paint her. He thinks she'll be the perfect model for the Virgin Mary in his painting of the Madonna and Child. Alas, Raphael has a bit of a reputation as a womaniser and Margherita turns him down numerous times. Margherita's a good, sensible, pure, respectable girl and for her, being a painter's model is pretty much the same as being a whore. Anyway, eventually she gives in and allows Raphael to paint her, and they promptly sleep together in his studio and fall in love.

I'll point out here that Margherita is a massive Mary Sue and quite unlikeable as a character. I didn't care what happened to her very much, which often made reading this story awkward for me because you're clearly supposed to be on her side. She was incredibly annoying - she spent the first part of the story moaning that she wouldn't be bought by Raphael, but then allows him to buy her a snazzy house in the posh part of Rome, with nice furniture and beautiful dresses - he even gets her servants! Yeah, whatever you say Margherita.

I did quite like Raphael though. In my mind he looked like this ...



But more angsty. And more paint splattered.

And I liked the Rome Diane Haeger conjured up for me as I read, which is why I gave "The Ruby Ring" 3 stars instead of 2. Not a terrible book, not my favourite book ever and probably not one that I'll reread anytime soon, but it was good for escaping to Italy in the 1520's for a day or two.

[Amanda Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just yanked at my heart the whole time I was reading it. I love the intrigue and history of the era, and I'm a sucker for the kind of over-the-top, passionate love portrayed in this book. At first I was going to give it a 4, because there were a few parts that plodded along a bit. But when I was crying at the end I had to give it a 5.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Number Two! I have finally finished! Reading this took a lot longer than I had hoped and by Part Three I really just wanted it to end. SPOILERS!

Ever since Girl with a Pearl Earring was published, there have been a flood of historical fiction surrounding artists and famous paintings. I can't pretend to have read them all, but this was definitely not one of my favorites. Though it included some details of everyday life at the time in Rome, it lacked the completeness, the detail and the richness that made Girl with a Pearl Earring so enjoyable. I often felt, from the quick descriptions and sometimes cheesy dialogue, that this was more romance novel than historical fiction. The important parts of the story (Margherita's abduction and return) were glossed over. The story moved too quickly at times, and yet dragged at other times. The subplots, specifically the other love stories (Guilio and Elena, Maria and Alessandro) were poorly developed and defined.

My major issue with the plot....where was Donato during the abduction and the time that Margherita was missing? Why wasn't her family looking for her, or at least concerned? Donato was so devoted to her throughout the entire book, except the time she needed him most. Disappointing.

Overall, I would give it 3 stars, but would prefer 2.5 stars. I studied art history in college and have toured Rome and Florence....and even I'M happy to move on.

[Craig Masten · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have an affection for historical fiction, and especially on the subject of artists because I am one myself. This book about the life of Raphael and his time in Renaissance Rome does this as well as most, but it's also a romance novel, a genre for which I have an equal lack of affection. The author's portrayal of the painter's alleged affair with a poor bakers daughter as mistress and only true love is elaborated with all the vapid endearments and thrusting heaving gasping accounts of lovemaking that romance novels famously recount and advertise on lurid book covers showing beautiful maidens in the arms of their paramours. I've even descended into such overly long verbiage in my description of what reading the book entailed. Though perhaps accurate in a detailing of Raphael as an artist in that time and place, I'll tell you it's taken me literally months to get through the novel, a few pages at a time before my eyes grew weary. Maybe it's just me and my distaste for a style of writing others might enjoy. I tried. I really did. And I admittedly learned something about Raphael.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, if I didn't read this for book club I probably would have never read it or even picked it up. And if I had picked it up on my own, I probably would not have finished it. The last 100 pages were the best when FINALLY things began to happen and the pace picked up. The descriptions were very rich, and I could easily picture myself in the story, but it just dragged.

I always appreciate historical fiction, and this one was based on a true story and for that I am happy I read it. I was reminded of Romeo & Juliet and the theme of star-crossed lovers, yet the main character, Margherita was a commoner.

This one stretched me as a reader. Not sure yet if I would read something else by this author.

[Linda Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.It dealt with the competition between Michaelangelo and Raphael. Didn't realize R did SO much work for the popes.Now I want to go to Rome! But, the main issue in the story was the incredible love R had for his model, Margherita. He loved her more than he loved art. He wore her down so that she loved him too.They never had children and never got the pope to permit their marriage since he was unhappily engaged to the niece of a cardinal. That niece would never let go although she knew R would not marry her. Finally, R died and M went to a convent since she was being treated so badly.R would have died for her, but instead he died before fullfilling his dream of marrying her...then she was an outcast. Great book.