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Italian Renaissance #1
Sabina: A Novel Set in the Italian Renaissance
15th Century Florence: Sabina Rossi's forced marriage comes to an abrupt end during the infamous Pazzi Conspiracy. Wealthy beyond her dreams, the young widow is free to pursue her passions. The patriarchal society of Florence is full of secrets, however, and women who don't follow the rules often face dire consequences. An unexpected betrayal leaves Sabina with a potential scandal on her hands. Now, she must pick up the pieces of her broken life and save her reputation. Three generations of Rossi women span the most intriguing period of Medici history in this stunning novel. For more information on C. De Melo, please visit www.cdemelo.com.
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2011
294 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
C. De Melo
33 books62 followersI perform CPR on history & breathe life into the past...
Hello and welcome! After obtaining my Art History degree from UMASS Dartmouth in 2000, I was hired by an American university to coordinate educational programs throughout Italy. In 2007, I settled in Florence to work as a museum guide. I've been a full-time author since my first book (SABINA) hit #1 in 2014.
My specialty is historical fiction set in Italy, although I do write different genres. I'm a globetrotter and do my utmost to visit every city and historical site mentioned in my novels in order to provide readers with vibrant descriptions.
NOTE: Unfortunately, goodreads does not update book covers, so some of these here are outdated. Please visit my Amazon page by clicking this link: https://www.amazon.com/C.-De-Melo/e/B...
Hello and welcome! After obtaining my Art History degree from UMASS Dartmouth in 2000, I was hired by an American university to coordinate educational programs throughout Italy. In 2007, I settled in Florence to work as a museum guide. I've been a full-time author since my first book (SABINA) hit #1 in 2014.
My specialty is historical fiction set in Italy, although I do write different genres. I'm a globetrotter and do my utmost to visit every city and historical site mentioned in my novels in order to provide readers with vibrant descriptions.
NOTE: Unfortunately, goodreads does not update book covers, so some of these here are outdated. Please visit my Amazon page by clicking this link: https://www.amazon.com/C.-De-Melo/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 10, 2015
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Ambientata nel ‘400 sullo sfondo di una Firenze al massimo dello splendore sia artistico che politico, la storia di Sabina ci porta indietro nel tempo fino ai fasti della corte dei Medici.
La protagonista, già in giovane età, dimostra di essere diversa dalle altre donne dell’epoca. In confronto alla sorella, per esempio, Sabina risulta solare e intraprendente; ama la vita in tutte le sue sfaccettature e vuole viverla giorno per giorno. Innamorata dell’amore più che del ragazzo con il quale trascorre molte notti infuocate, rimane male quando il padre la costringe a sposare un uomo molto più grande di lei, Tommaso. Dopo aver compreso però le ragioni che spingono il genitore a chiederle cotanto sacrificio, la ragazza accetta di buon grado il suo destino. In fondo, il suo sposo non è poi così male. Da subito si dimostra gentile e innamorato e in più è un uomo ricco e politicamente forte, un toccasana per le cattive finanze del padre.
“Mia cara Sabina, la tua bellezza e il tuo spirito indomito mi hanno incantato. Non vedo l’ora di incontrarti di nuovo. Fino ad allora accetta l’umile pegno che ti ho mandato. Il tuo servo, Tommaso”
Le cose migliorano per tutti. Sabina, infatti, grazie al marito, conosce la famiglia più importante di Firenze ed entra in un mondo fino allora a lei sconosciuto. Resta subito affascinata dall'opulenza del palazzo della Signoria: i quadri e le sculture degli artisti più importanti la introducono in un mondo che lei ama da sempre. Infatti Sabina adora l’arte in tutte le sue forme, si diletta nella scrittura e non ultimo si dimostra interessata alla vita politica del marito.
La sua spigliatezza e il carattere deciso e indipendente, oltre alla bellezza, diventano i suoi punti di forza, il biglietto da visita importante che ben presto le fa guadagnare l’attenzione del grande Lorenzo de’ Medici.
“Peccato tu sia nata donna. Altrimenti saresti stata una risorsa per la Repubblica.” Lei arrossì e lui continuò. “Tommaso è un uomo fortunato”“Grazie”“E io sono fortunato che lui si fidi di lasciarti in mia compagnia”“Non ha nessuna ragione per non farlo”
Il periodo di tranquillità viene interrotto da una serie di eventi luttuosi che getteranno lo scompiglio nella famiglia di Sabina. Grazie al suo carattere e con l’appoggio indiscusso di Lorenzo de Medici che la prende sotto la propria ala protettiva, la donna riconquista la fiducia e, superate le avversità, ritrova la voglia di vivere e di innamorarsi. Massimo Reni, così, entra nella sua vita e poi James, il conte di Rochester.
Sabina viaggerà, si troverà coinvolta in altre avventure più o meno belle subendo anche l’onta della violenza. Ma niente di tutto questo turberà il suo animo che fino alla fine dei suoi giorni resterà temerario e impavido.
Sabina è una donna caparbia, sa ciò che vuole e come ottenerlo, in altre parole, una femmina “ante litteram”. Anche lei sogna un marito e dei figli, come le altre donne del suo tempo, ma diversamente da loro, si cala appieno nell’epoca in cui vive, vivendola fino in fondo. La forza del suo carattere però la rende anche un po’ contraddittoria. Mi spiego: Sabina è capace di grandi imprese, davanti al pugnale del poveraccio che tenta di rapinarla, per esempio, reagisce con molto sangue freddo, senza scomporsi, eppure sa che potrebbe non uscire viva dall'agguato. D’altro canto, invece, dimostra tutta la sua fragilità di fronte all'uomo del suo passato che l’assale sfruttando l’unica arma a disposizione: la violenza fisica.
Nelle relazioni con gli altri, poi, Sabina si mette a nudo, è schietta e leale e anche quando scopre il tradimento e il dolore che i segreti di solito suscitano, reagisce sempre allo stesso modo proseguendo per la sua strada a testa alta.
L’accanimento del destino, infine, la rende ancora più autentica. Il lettore non può fare altro che schierarsi al suo fianco per sostenerla nei momenti brutti e per gioire con lei in quelli belli. La voglia di emergere e trovare sempre una via d’uscita, fa di lei un personaggio positivo che non può non piacere. Sabina brilla di luce propria; la sua vita si sviluppa di pari passo con le vicende storiche del tempo, ampiamente spiegate nel libro. Alle volte, anzi, sembra anche che la storia del periodo prenda il sopravvento su quella del romanzo.
In un linguaggio semplice e scorrevole, la scrittrice mostra un perfetto spaccato della vita del quindicesimo secolo italiano e i personaggi storici si fondono con quelli inventati arricchendoli e completandoli. Ma tutti sono descritti e caratterizzati con meticolosità. L’unico forse lasciato a mio parere nell'ombra è proprio Massimo Reni. Il giovane romano pur ricoprendo un ruolo fondamentale nella storia, non riesce ad emergere. Se lo paragono a Tommaso, per esempio, o a Marco, non lo vedo all'altezza del ruolo come invece dovrebbe.
Tra i personaggi femminili spicca senz'altro Stefania, la nipote di Sabina dalla quale ha ereditato lo stesso spirito indomito e indipendente.
Ambientata nel ‘400 sullo sfondo di una Firenze al massimo dello splendore sia artistico che politico, la storia di Sabina ci porta indietro nel tempo fino ai fasti della corte dei Medici.
La protagonista, già in giovane età, dimostra di essere diversa dalle altre donne dell’epoca. In confronto alla sorella, per esempio, Sabina risulta solare e intraprendente; ama la vita in tutte le sue sfaccettature e vuole viverla giorno per giorno. Innamorata dell’amore più che del ragazzo con il quale trascorre molte notti infuocate, rimane male quando il padre la costringe a sposare un uomo molto più grande di lei, Tommaso. Dopo aver compreso però le ragioni che spingono il genitore a chiederle cotanto sacrificio, la ragazza accetta di buon grado il suo destino. In fondo, il suo sposo non è poi così male. Da subito si dimostra gentile e innamorato e in più è un uomo ricco e politicamente forte, un toccasana per le cattive finanze del padre.
“Mia cara Sabina, la tua bellezza e il tuo spirito indomito mi hanno incantato. Non vedo l’ora di incontrarti di nuovo. Fino ad allora accetta l’umile pegno che ti ho mandato. Il tuo servo, Tommaso”
Le cose migliorano per tutti. Sabina, infatti, grazie al marito, conosce la famiglia più importante di Firenze ed entra in un mondo fino allora a lei sconosciuto. Resta subito affascinata dall'opulenza del palazzo della Signoria: i quadri e le sculture degli artisti più importanti la introducono in un mondo che lei ama da sempre. Infatti Sabina adora l’arte in tutte le sue forme, si diletta nella scrittura e non ultimo si dimostra interessata alla vita politica del marito.
La sua spigliatezza e il carattere deciso e indipendente, oltre alla bellezza, diventano i suoi punti di forza, il biglietto da visita importante che ben presto le fa guadagnare l’attenzione del grande Lorenzo de’ Medici.
“Peccato tu sia nata donna. Altrimenti saresti stata una risorsa per la Repubblica.” Lei arrossì e lui continuò. “Tommaso è un uomo fortunato”“Grazie”“E io sono fortunato che lui si fidi di lasciarti in mia compagnia”“Non ha nessuna ragione per non farlo”
Il periodo di tranquillità viene interrotto da una serie di eventi luttuosi che getteranno lo scompiglio nella famiglia di Sabina. Grazie al suo carattere e con l’appoggio indiscusso di Lorenzo de Medici che la prende sotto la propria ala protettiva, la donna riconquista la fiducia e, superate le avversità, ritrova la voglia di vivere e di innamorarsi. Massimo Reni, così, entra nella sua vita e poi James, il conte di Rochester.
Sabina viaggerà, si troverà coinvolta in altre avventure più o meno belle subendo anche l’onta della violenza. Ma niente di tutto questo turberà il suo animo che fino alla fine dei suoi giorni resterà temerario e impavido.
Sabina è una donna caparbia, sa ciò che vuole e come ottenerlo, in altre parole, una femmina “ante litteram”. Anche lei sogna un marito e dei figli, come le altre donne del suo tempo, ma diversamente da loro, si cala appieno nell’epoca in cui vive, vivendola fino in fondo. La forza del suo carattere però la rende anche un po’ contraddittoria. Mi spiego: Sabina è capace di grandi imprese, davanti al pugnale del poveraccio che tenta di rapinarla, per esempio, reagisce con molto sangue freddo, senza scomporsi, eppure sa che potrebbe non uscire viva dall'agguato. D’altro canto, invece, dimostra tutta la sua fragilità di fronte all'uomo del suo passato che l’assale sfruttando l’unica arma a disposizione: la violenza fisica.
Nelle relazioni con gli altri, poi, Sabina si mette a nudo, è schietta e leale e anche quando scopre il tradimento e il dolore che i segreti di solito suscitano, reagisce sempre allo stesso modo proseguendo per la sua strada a testa alta.
L’accanimento del destino, infine, la rende ancora più autentica. Il lettore non può fare altro che schierarsi al suo fianco per sostenerla nei momenti brutti e per gioire con lei in quelli belli. La voglia di emergere e trovare sempre una via d’uscita, fa di lei un personaggio positivo che non può non piacere. Sabina brilla di luce propria; la sua vita si sviluppa di pari passo con le vicende storiche del tempo, ampiamente spiegate nel libro. Alle volte, anzi, sembra anche che la storia del periodo prenda il sopravvento su quella del romanzo.
In un linguaggio semplice e scorrevole, la scrittrice mostra un perfetto spaccato della vita del quindicesimo secolo italiano e i personaggi storici si fondono con quelli inventati arricchendoli e completandoli. Ma tutti sono descritti e caratterizzati con meticolosità. L’unico forse lasciato a mio parere nell'ombra è proprio Massimo Reni. Il giovane romano pur ricoprendo un ruolo fondamentale nella storia, non riesce ad emergere. Se lo paragono a Tommaso, per esempio, o a Marco, non lo vedo all'altezza del ruolo come invece dovrebbe.
Tra i personaggi femminili spicca senz'altro Stefania, la nipote di Sabina dalla quale ha ereditato lo stesso spirito indomito e indipendente.
August 28, 2018
3.5 I really want to give it 4 stars but the writing is just too unpolished. Having just returned from a trip to Italy, I loved the story and the gentle history lesson of the Medici and development of Florence. I enjoyed the strength and passion of the heroine and feel like the author did a great job of capturing the spirited life of Italians. The descriptions of the city and artwork were lovely and well written. But the writing was choppy and amateurish. I enjoyed the book anyway and plan to read the sequel.
February 20, 2018
Drivel. I couldn't finish it, The writing is unsophisticated and it reads like a young woman's diary rather than a novel of any import.
March 9, 2023
There is something about a book by C. De Melo that is visually beautiful with poetic prose. Sabina has all of that, but isn't a predictable love story with a happy ending. Sabina's story is bittersweet, but faithfully reflective of the time in Florence, Italy. She is a young woman who has traveled her own path and has a great mind. She is a dreamer who rebelled against the marked difference in what men and women were expected to do and she caught the eye of a number of the Medici men. Lorenzo, the exalted ruler of Florence, liked her drive and her unapologetic tendency to speak of things no woman ever did. Theirs was a platonic affair, but not without jealousy and danger. Her father arranged a marriage for her, with a much older man who turned out to be a wonderful husband. He treated her well, but her heart was with another of the Medicis. The power of the government was a central theme, along with traitors and bonafide evildoers within the church. Sabina is a trip through history, getting to know the places, people, customs and dreams of the Italian Renaissance.
Brook Van Beuren wonderfully narrates the story. Her dynamic voice and smooth intonation are excellent. There are a few mispronunciations that are a little off-putting, particularly the Italian names, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the story.
Brook Van Beuren wonderfully narrates the story. Her dynamic voice and smooth intonation are excellent. There are a few mispronunciations that are a little off-putting, particularly the Italian names, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the story.
November 25, 2017
I almost did not read this book !
The book cover is delightful , the introduction scholarly and promising of a wonderful journey through mediaeval Florence .
Then I began to read and found myself face to face with Sabrina .
Another selfish , rebellious , rude and repellant independent "nasty woman" . I had just finished suffering one of those through out another novel , frowned and deleted Sabrina .
Luckily though , having found the novel downloaded to another device , I decided to give Sabrina a chance to mend her ways and I am so pleased that I did .
Under the mad , bad child surface life and her own good sense came through to show us a strong ruthless survivor
Hope for patents battling rebellious daughters !
The book cover is delightful , the introduction scholarly and promising of a wonderful journey through mediaeval Florence .
Then I began to read and found myself face to face with Sabrina .
Another selfish , rebellious , rude and repellant independent "nasty woman" . I had just finished suffering one of those through out another novel , frowned and deleted Sabrina .
Luckily though , having found the novel downloaded to another device , I decided to give Sabrina a chance to mend her ways and I am so pleased that I did .
Under the mad , bad child surface life and her own good sense came through to show us a strong ruthless survivor
Hope for patents battling rebellious daughters !
October 11, 2017
If you have been to Florence, Italy and/or love the city or want to know more about its history before your first visit - SABINA is an appreciated addition to "books to read" on Florence. De Melo's book is full of story - gives background to the state of women in the 15th century, politics, superstitions, various generations and more. Enjoyed it all.
May 19, 2018
Divine!
I really love how C. De Melo is able to create the Golden Age of Florence and the reader moves with Sabina as she lives her life. The novel does a wonderful job of showcasing how women lived in that period.
There's something for everyone-- history, political intrigue, romance.
I really love how C. De Melo is able to create the Golden Age of Florence and the reader moves with Sabina as she lives her life. The novel does a wonderful job of showcasing how women lived in that period.
There's something for everyone-- history, political intrigue, romance.
May 31, 2021
Wow I was enticed completely by the life of Sabina. I felt like I read 10 books in one—all great stories of life, with both tragedies and love. Definitely loved the fact of being transported to Italy. I would have loved to live during the time of the Medici. Although, being a woman (with a brain who uses it!) might have been quite a challenge. Now I’m onto the next one. Allegra!
November 20, 2022
LOVED IT!!! Felt like I was living alongside the heroine of the story, during the Italian Renaissance in Florence. Not written in pretend highfalutin language, either, the manuscript was contemporary and full of identifiable conversation and wisdom by this strong, self-possessed, powerful woman.
March 4, 2026
This book is like a stone skipping across the history of this time period. The characters are shallow and while there are some important historical events that are touched on, there is no depth to any part of this story. The audiobook narrator was also not my favorite.
April 10, 2018
Loved it!
I was really impressed with this novel. It's very well written. Characters are also very interesting. Very enjoyable to read. Strongly recommend this book.
I was really impressed with this novel. It's very well written. Characters are also very interesting. Very enjoyable to read. Strongly recommend this book.
May 11, 2019
Ill written with sections reading almost straight from wikipedia - but how can you not be enthralled with Sabina who has dined and wined with who's who in Florence during the Renaissance (the Medicis, Savonarala, Michelangelo) and who has graced the courts of King Richard III and Henry VII!
May 21, 2019
Very good
Well written and easy to follow along. Really, really enjoyed the story and all of the characters...except the bishop. Did not like him at all.
Well written and easy to follow along. Really, really enjoyed the story and all of the characters...except the bishop. Did not like him at all.
May 21, 2019
Good Book
Good read in the series with interesting insights to life in that era. A personal story entwined with the lives of the de Medici
Good read in the series with interesting insights to life in that era. A personal story entwined with the lives of the de Medici
April 14, 2018
Good tale! Expansive story encompassing the Renaissance and Italy. Wonderful character development!
I finished and, for the first time in my life, I started it again and am enjoying it as much as the first read!
I finished and, for the first time in my life, I started it again and am enjoying it as much as the first read!
August 23, 2016
Smart, Sumptuous Historical Fiction Written by an Art Historian
I’m not surprised to read that Sabina is being translated by an Italian publisher, given the book’s historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. The fact that the author is an Art Historian who has lived in Florence for many years, and has led gourmet food and wine tours throughout Tuscany, gives the story credibility – something certainly lacking in many historical novels.
Each page feels like elaborate brocade. From the descriptions of a gown’s exquisite gold embroidery pricked out by moonlight to evocations of playful statues and wine fountains in the Medici palace - every detail feels tangible and delicious.
As an expat living in Florence, I was fascinated by this glimpse into the history of the Renaissance City and often found myself thinking about scenes in Sabina as I walked past the Medici Palace and so many other places that set the stage for this smart but accessible drama.
Something that struck me right away is the element of suspense. I was addicted and often forced myself to stay up late just to spend more time with the protagonist Sabina; a fiery, feminist beauty who danced on the brink of social ostracism. Sabina comes into contact with a multitude of characters from many walks of life, fleshing out the Renaissance age with conversations, laughter, jealousy, intrigue, and painful personal growth. In less skilled hands this cast of characters would quickly become a quagmire of Dostoevskian proportions. Thankfully I never had to flip back through the pages to match a name to a face – even at 3 am.
DeMelo is always the consummate tour guide, leading us through her fictional world with ease. This epic story takes us from a village nobleman’s home to a Florentine palace, a convent, a peasants’ hovel, and an infirmary, to name a few settings. We’re allowed glimpses into every aspect of Renaissance life – not just the cliché world of glamorous gowns and virtuoso artwork.
The author explains that she has taken artistic license with Sabina’s character, granting her character more freedom than most Renaissance women would have enjoyed. I’m thankful for this, as it gives the book a modern sensibility and makes Sabina more relatable, while still acknowledging the suffocating social expectations of women at the time. As the epic tale goes on, Sabina grows older, her own dramas played out on the stage of Florence’s political, religious, and cultural rise and fall.
If there’s a sequel, I will happily dive back into Demelo’s imagination.
I’m not surprised to read that Sabina is being translated by an Italian publisher, given the book’s historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. The fact that the author is an Art Historian who has lived in Florence for many years, and has led gourmet food and wine tours throughout Tuscany, gives the story credibility – something certainly lacking in many historical novels.
Each page feels like elaborate brocade. From the descriptions of a gown’s exquisite gold embroidery pricked out by moonlight to evocations of playful statues and wine fountains in the Medici palace - every detail feels tangible and delicious.
As an expat living in Florence, I was fascinated by this glimpse into the history of the Renaissance City and often found myself thinking about scenes in Sabina as I walked past the Medici Palace and so many other places that set the stage for this smart but accessible drama.
Something that struck me right away is the element of suspense. I was addicted and often forced myself to stay up late just to spend more time with the protagonist Sabina; a fiery, feminist beauty who danced on the brink of social ostracism. Sabina comes into contact with a multitude of characters from many walks of life, fleshing out the Renaissance age with conversations, laughter, jealousy, intrigue, and painful personal growth. In less skilled hands this cast of characters would quickly become a quagmire of Dostoevskian proportions. Thankfully I never had to flip back through the pages to match a name to a face – even at 3 am.
DeMelo is always the consummate tour guide, leading us through her fictional world with ease. This epic story takes us from a village nobleman’s home to a Florentine palace, a convent, a peasants’ hovel, and an infirmary, to name a few settings. We’re allowed glimpses into every aspect of Renaissance life – not just the cliché world of glamorous gowns and virtuoso artwork.
The author explains that she has taken artistic license with Sabina’s character, granting her character more freedom than most Renaissance women would have enjoyed. I’m thankful for this, as it gives the book a modern sensibility and makes Sabina more relatable, while still acknowledging the suffocating social expectations of women at the time. As the epic tale goes on, Sabina grows older, her own dramas played out on the stage of Florence’s political, religious, and cultural rise and fall.
If there’s a sequel, I will happily dive back into Demelo’s imagination.
April 6, 2013
This story about Sabina Rossi is quite well written. It takes on the trails and tribulations of Sabina's life. We also get to see her daughter and grand daughter in the story.
I really wish I could add the cover to the description on Goodreads because I think it is rather cool. We get to see Mendi, Sabina's crow. Probably because I love the time period of the Italian Renassiance, I have added Italy to my travel places.
As many books have their setting in Venice, this was nice to read about Florence, with stops in Pisa, a small adventure in Rome, and even a 10 year period in England. I really felt like the author tried to downplay Sabina's second marriage to an English foreigner and made London sound so drab compared to Italy.
The character of Lorenzo Medici was well-written, and while I still do not know all the history behind this family, I do want to read more.
I really wish I could add the cover to the description on Goodreads because I think it is rather cool. We get to see Mendi, Sabina's crow. Probably because I love the time period of the Italian Renassiance, I have added Italy to my travel places.
As many books have their setting in Venice, this was nice to read about Florence, with stops in Pisa, a small adventure in Rome, and even a 10 year period in England. I really felt like the author tried to downplay Sabina's second marriage to an English foreigner and made London sound so drab compared to Italy.
The character of Lorenzo Medici was well-written, and while I still do not know all the history behind this family, I do want to read more.
August 31, 2014
I liked that this book took us from the important time, to the heroine's death. I feel like there was a conclusion to this in that life ended. It was a powerful take from a woman's perspective during this time. I love historical fiction and this did not disappoint. She truly was a survivor and I enjoyed seeing this time period from someone so determined to live. She was a badass. The writing wasnt anything stellar-- BUT it was just solid, great storytelling. It was focused, it didnt wander, it was comical, it was intriguing. I liked it. :)
March 23, 2013
I like the book, but I feel like I missed something in the Sabina/Massimo 'great love story' that made the latter part of the book not seem to make sense to me. Maybe it was that Sabina always seemed to be in her version of love... so i missed that Massimo was supposed to be different. Otherwise, I'm traveling to Italy soon, and it was great historical background for the trip. It's very well written with lots of detail.
March 14, 2015
Engaging ...
Few historical novels are written about this time span in Italy (Florence's) history. This one encompassed a lot but to me felt a bit rushed at various point and most definitely at the end - a desire to have everything wrapped up in a bow, when I think it could have been expanded and made a good read, great.
Few historical novels are written about this time span in Italy (Florence's) history. This one encompassed a lot but to me felt a bit rushed at various point and most definitely at the end - a desire to have everything wrapped up in a bow, when I think it could have been expanded and made a good read, great.
May 11, 2015
Well Written and Well Told
I enjoyed this book very much. Spanning many years in the life of an unusual woman during the 1500's in Florence,, the author weaves her story in what seems to be historically accurate events from as much as I know. Sabina's suffering and ultimate triumph was inspiring.
I enjoyed this book very much. Spanning many years in the life of an unusual woman during the 1500's in Florence,, the author weaves her story in what seems to be historically accurate events from as much as I know. Sabina's suffering and ultimate triumph was inspiring.
July 3, 2015
Nice try, and a UMass almna, but... Sarah Dunant did a similar story better in The Birth of Veunus. In this book it's all too convenient --- she has three partners until she finally gets pregnant with her second husband, except it's a daughter, so she has to go back to Florence, etc. etc. Too contrived.
October 2, 2013
I picked up "Sabina", because I enjoy historical novels about Italy. This novel covers many years in the life of Sabina. I enjoyed most of the plot, although the section on the priest and her daughter was too far fetched. Not the best historical novel I have ever read but not the worst.
December 12, 2017
Enjoyed this book so very much!
Brava!!! I Feel as though I have been living in Florence for the past few days reading this book. I recommend this to anyone looking for a well written, enlightening and historical story!
Brava!!! I Feel as though I have been living in Florence for the past few days reading this book. I recommend this to anyone looking for a well written, enlightening and historical story!
May 8, 2016
Century novels 1400's at its best
Century novels, 1400's at its best. Is aught out a period story for this read. Being that I very much enjoy Florence and The Tuscany area of Italy. It was the perfect setting for this multi generational story.
Century novels, 1400's at its best. Is aught out a period story for this read. Being that I very much enjoy Florence and The Tuscany area of Italy. It was the perfect setting for this multi generational story.
July 17, 2013
Good read about 15th century Florence. And as love story too. Good combination.
October 20, 2014
A shallow tale
this historical novel was short on history and long on uninteresting detail. it was very long to a fault. writing was sophomoric.
this historical novel was short on history and long on uninteresting detail. it was very long to a fault. writing was sophomoric.
June 21, 2015
Excellent read
Captivating. I enjoyed the characters, the settings, the suspense and story line. Would recommend to historical novel readers like me.
Captivating. I enjoyed the characters, the settings, the suspense and story line. Would recommend to historical novel readers like me.
April 14, 2016
A wonderful story
I enjoyed the story, the writing style and the descriptions of the time period. I will be passing this book onto others to read.
I enjoyed the story, the writing style and the descriptions of the time period. I will be passing this book onto others to read.
November 11, 2016
Entertaining and well written
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