Botticelli's Muse

by Dorah Blume

A provocative historical fiction about Italian Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli, his conflicts with the Medici family of Florence, and the woman at the heart of his paintings.
In 1477, Botticelli is suddenly fired by his prestigious patron and friend Lorenzo de’ Medici. In the villa of his irritating new patron, the artist’s creative well runs dry—until the day he sees Floriana, a Jewish weaver imprisoned in his sister’s convent. But events threaten to keep his unlikely muse out of reach. So begins a tale of one of the art world’s most beloved paintings, La Primavera, as Sandro, a confirmed bachelor, and Floriana, a headstrong artist in her own right, enter into a turbulent relationship.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Italy, Historical, Ebooks, Art

531 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2017

Reviews

[Sunhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved parts of this book, and found other parts slow going. Maybe the author was troubled by a need to follow the history? The focus on the ability to entertain two contradictory thoughts simultaneously (identified by the author as primarily female capability) was intriguing, as was the alternative view of Savonarola. Suggestion: get a good big image of Primavera to help keep the characters straight.

[Carlos Mock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boticelli's Muse by Dorah Blume

This is a historical fiction creation of the life and works of Sandro Botticelli as he creates La Primavera at Villa di Castello, home of Piero de' Medici, Lorenzo's cousin. It starts in 1477 and ends in 1478.

Originally upset because Lorenzo dispatches Botticelli to work on his cousin's new home, he soon is enthralled by a muse, Floriana. Floriana was a Jew who was raped by Father Gerome (Girolano) Savonarola. Floriana is locked at the convent of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, which is led by the abbess Oslavia, Botticelli's sister. As Oslavia feels pity for Floriana -- since she was also raped by a priest-- she enlists Sandro to help save the victim. As soon as Sandro sees Floriana, she becomes the muse for the painting and a love ensues between them.

The book ends with the March 26, 1478 attempted murder of Lorenzo and murder of his brother Giuliano. Supposedly, this is the first of a trilogy that the writer is planning on Botticelli's life.

Narrated from a sketchy third person point of view, the book reads slowly. The author has the habit of switching from one point of view to the next without warning, creating confusion. The characters are sometimes caricatures of themselves and it was hard to feel any empathy for them. The plot is tedious and slow, could have been told in about half the time the writer used. I thought the work needed a lot of editing--I hope she gets help if she's to write two more volumes.

Because I love historical fiction, I was engaged from the beginning, and I did not care for any of the errors to the timeline -- like skunks and children behaving out of order for the times. However, if you try to read the book, you might not enjoy it as much as I did for the reasons I mentioned before.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

At some point between December 6 and today, I wrote the following:
I am at 63% of this book and still have not figured out where the author is going with her words. I hope the book has a tremendously good ending because it has not been a good read so far as I have read.

The book did not get better as I neared the end, and my only joy was that I finished it. I rounded the rating up to three stars because I think other readers might really like the read, but I urge readers to study other reviews of the booķ.
The book was set in and around Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance. The powerful Medici family used Botticelli for several paintings, including the Primavera. A young Jewish girl who had been raped and impregnated by a priest served as Botticelli's muse for the painting. That is it! That is the story which was long on verbiage and short on character development. Long, unnecessary passages overwhelmed me to the point that I could not follow the storyline, and there was great material available to the author which was merely mentioned in passing.

Thank you, Ms. Blume, for the read.

[Sherry Chiger · Rating 1 out of 5]

About a third into the book, a character threatens to spray another with skunk juice. That's when my unease with this book turned to active dislike: Skunks are a New World animal, the etymology of "skunk" is Native American, and this book takes place in 15th-century Italy, before Columbus sailed the deep sea blue. This anachronism made me question the verity of the setting overall--not good in a historical novel. Add to that the preachiness of the dialogue (and not just from the character of Savonarola), a truly preposterous outburst from a nine-year-old that would have been suspect from the lips of a character several decades older, and an otherwise unusually-free-thinking-for-her-time character insisting to Botticelli that women don't say what they mean nor mean what they say (in reference to a rape victim, yet) and I gave up about halfway through. Also, the illustrations serve only to make one wish photos of Botticelli's work had been included instead.

[Tess Liebregts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting historical fiction to say the least. I am a big Botticelli fan and this was one of my first times I saw him portrayed as a character in a book. It was strange for some reason to see him getting a voice and a personality, considering the mystery that he is in the history books. I have been wondering about him forever, imagining what kind of man he might have been, and here someone (Dorah Blume) was brave enough to pen their imaginings down.

I am not sure what to think of this book. It was a very slow read for me, though I did not much mind that. I like slice of life narratives where little happens and the inner life of the characters makes up most of the excitement. I also don’t shy away from a bit of weirdness which this book certainly got and which I oftentimes liked. Yet, if a narrative is a heartbeat, I did not feel the heartbeat of this book sufficiently. The text had the tendency to be very repetitive or to be a bit of a drag, making it very tedious. I think a lot of things might have been cut to make the story more cohesive and sharp.

Luckily, these concerns did not stop me from finishing it. All in all, I liked the interpretation of history the story provided and I also like the (fantastical) theories it explores concerning Botticelli’s painting ‘Primavera’. I thought it was very creative and generally well-researched. I would read the second instalment (if it EVER comes out).

[caffeinated reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is how historical fiction gets a bad rap: Convoluted and unbelievable yarn on the creation of the Renaissance masterpiece, Primavera, and the parallel stories on the muse's Jewish background, Girolama Savonarola's early years of fanaticism and bigotry, the conflicts within the Medici circle, the relationship between Sandro Botticelli and his sister, and the odd affair between the painter and his muse.

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. "Botticelli's Muse" is the first of a planned trilogy about the life of the famous artist Botticelli. Botticelli is well known for his gorgeous and almost dream-like paintings. This book tackles Botticelli meeting Floriana, a gorgeous woman plucked from relative obscurity to become the muse for one of his most famous paintings: La Primavera.

You all already know that I love historical fiction but some of my favorite historical fiction always seems to have to do with art. It's easy to appreciate Botticelli's painting style and beauty but this book is a very thorough look behind the scenes. We get to see how he works and what makes him tick. We get to see what inspires him while still getting insight into him as a person. It's easy to lose sight of his reality when only looking at his paintings!

The writing of the book is largely good. There is, however, a lot of conversations throughout the book that tell much more than they show. This really made the book drag for me and took me out of the book. I think there were definitely parts that could have been slimmed down in order to increase the flow more. I wanted to be shown more about what was going on throughout the book!

One very nice touch that I enjoyed is that there are a lot of small illustrations throughout the book. While I don't think it was necessary to have illustrations, it add some additional interest to the book. They really set the tone for the chapters that they appear in. It's a small thing but it was nice to have some indication as to what the various characters and events in the book looked like!

[H.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is the first of a planned historical fiction trilogy beautifully written by Dorah Blume. This novel follows a famous artist, Botticelli, it goes on about his life and his incredible paintings. The main plot-line for this installment is about Botticelli meeting a beautiful woman who became the muse for his most famous painting: La Primavera. One thing I love more than a nail biting thriller is a beautifully written historical fiction novel. Botticelli's Muse was probably one of the longest Historical fiction novels I have read to date. It shows behind the scenes of an artists life and what inspires him to paint and what makes him not want to paint. It is a novel that that stands out from the rest when you look into it deep. It not only is amazingly written you get to see incredible illustrations as you read. It is one of those things that isn't necessary but it helps give us a feel for what to expect in the upcoming chapter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to dive into a world of life of an artist. Be warned that is one of those books that you will read and need to step away from and come back to because of how its written.

[Scot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction with a love story between the artist and a Jewess as he works on his groundbreaking creation celebrating female beauty in 15th century Florence, his patron's the powerful Medici. Simultaneous the rebel monk Savonarola is leading a religious revolution/uprising, and Botticelli's sister, an abbess, comes to his aid, as do other interesting characters, including a cross dressing female major domo who runs a Medici household but also creates giant puppets, potions, and plans for subverting authority. Sometimes the characters talk (and enter and exit) as if this is based on the template of a Shakespearean play, but I did enjoy the range of subplots and learning more of different perspectives on the social and cultural upheaval occurring in late 15th century Florence as a result of its economic and political advancements.

[Tim Askerov · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate abandoning books but am very close to calling it quits on this one because in places it reads like a syrupy, mass-produced romance novel written in such a primitive language that can be a torture to read.

[James Frase-White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many, many years ago I read Gorgio Vasari's unenthusiastic life of Sandro Botticelli, the exceptional artist who created such wonders as Birth of Venus and Primavera. These luscious, sensual frescoes did not seem to balance with the early assessment of the "Little Barrel"--a fat little monastic with a shape resembling such. Vasari also described him as an avid follower who had fallen under the sway of Savonarola the reactionary monastic, who railed against the hedonism and "worship" of olden gods as the Renaissance awoke, intellectually battling the religious rule of the papacy. Dorah Blume, in a more romantic vein, writes this novelization of Botticelli's life from his rapturous involvement with his model for his Venus, Floriana, the perfect Primavera, breathing life and spring into the world. She is a young Jewish woman, caught (literally) in the quagmire of the warring state of the Italian City States, directly between the Medici household and the Pope. It is an an engaging account, one which I read over many nights, picking up a chapter at a time, between book, often in the middle of the night. Blume gives the reader a Botticelli who we know could, and did, create these universally love works. It is also a fascinating trip to a time of awakening for humanity, that, like spring, we need to renew, to survive, again and again and again.

[LSP · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her well-crafted first novel, Botticelli’s Muse, Dorah Blume has brought together art, religion, politics and history with humor, compassion and deep insight. The mystical narrative is intertwined with the harsh reality of human passions and frailties. A recurring theme among the characters is the struggle between succumbing to temptation and rising above it.

Blume has woven a rich tapestry of relationships between artist and model; artist and patron; cleric and acolytes; brothers and sisters; the powerful and the powerless; Jews and Christians, fantasy and reality; and the human and the divine.

The engaging dialogue and complex, believable characters are in turn, lyrical, inspired, humorous, bawdy, irreverent, defiant, cruel, manipulative, humble, enchanting and sincere. The ingenious way that key characters become part of Botticelli’s masterpiece, La Primavera, and the lovely illustrations drawn by the author at the beginning of each chapter add a unique artistic element to the story.

I look forward to reading the second book in the trilogy when it comes out.

[Harry Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The difference between the man of God, preoccupied by Sin, and the man of Art, preoccupied by Beauty, can be measured by how comfortable they are with their penises.

First, the man of God/Sin:

Prayer and performance had been for naught when that ugliest of all heads decided to rise with a will of its own. If he could hack it off his body, he would. (p. 283)

Next, the man of Art/Beauty:

She removed his vest, his other boot, his leggings, and all of his garments until he was naked and his maleness had grown to its full length in spite of all his best intentions.

She looked at it and let out a sound part way between a laugh and a sigh. ‘How beautiful! A bird has spread its wings to become an eagle.’

‘He wants to fly to you!...See your power.’ (p. 190, emphasis added)

Whether a woman is a temptress or a muse is up to the man and his member.

And let us say, Uccello.

[MaryJane Rings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book. Follows the historical detail of the De'Medici family and their power in Florence. Italy. The story could have been true and the characters were well brought to life. The plight of women is well depicted and showed what few options they had. It is a shame that Botticelli wasn't appreciated for his art while he was alive. It was the way of the times and the influence of the Roman Catholic of the church. Also, the end of the book included a very important historical fact which made history years later.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed reading this historical novel. I did not know enough about 15th century Italian history, but was bothered by what I perceived as anachronisms. I did a bit of research regarding the revolt against the Medici family; this part was historically primarily true. After the novel ends there is additional information that clarifies some facts from the fiction. Parts of the novel seem too slow. And those anachronisms continually intrude on the time and place. However, I never felt like abandoning the story, and was entertained.

[Anne Gilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorah Blume has written a masterpiece with Botticelli’s Muse. Suspense, history and romance abound as she immerses us into 15th century Florence. Botticelli’s art and passions; the Medici family’s affairs; Savonarolla and the Church are just a part of what kept me glued to the end. I loved the sensuous descriptions of Flora discovering Botticelli’s body and the tensions between the two lovers. Brava, Ms. Blume! ‘Can’t wait for the sequel.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Botticelli's Muse was an intriguing tale of the life of the painter torn between love for a woman and his art and sense of duty to the powerful Medici family. Status during Florence's Renaissance could tip the scales between thriving or starving...... What will become of Sandro and his Muse?
Wonderfully written historical fiction, with an added bonus of small hand drawn sketches at each chapter. Bravo to Dorah on the completion of her first novel. I am eager to read Vol 2.

[Marilyn Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's an illuminating window on the world of the city state of Florence in the late 1400s, bringing the Medici's and Botticelli to life. The book is also an interesting commentary on the plight and subtle but powerful influence of women in what was a very patriarchal society. Note, however, that the book is the first in a planned trilogy so it feels somewhat unfinished in terms of the tale its telling.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't generally write reviews but I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy reading for it's own sake, and I enjoy art. The more I read historical fiction, the more I seem to prefer that genre. It took me quite a while to read Botticelli's Muse, but I think it may have been that I was trying to absorb the historical facts woven through the story. Ms. Blume's characters became "real" as I empathized with them throughout the story.

[Heather Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Art History

I loved this long but fast-paced story of how Botticelli painted La Primavera. The tale includes religion, love, family drama, bloodshed, deception, puppies, lots of dolls, as more! The is plenty of action in this art historical fiction book. I loved the drawings that accompanied was chapter! The only thing I didn't like was all of the sex. It seemed to be all anyone thought about. Because of that, I docked a star.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book on my Kindle and it seemed to go on forever. A thorough editing to reduce unnecessary text would be appreciated. Nevertheless, I kept reading as I was learning a lot about this time period. When I was in Florence, I bought a print of this painting so I was intrigued on finding out its story. I am planning to read more about the Medici's. I suggest adding a Medici family tree to make it easier to follow the plot.

[Carli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Botticelli’s life, habits, romance with Floriana, his relationship with his sister Oslavia & relationship with Lorenzo Medici & family. No matter how long in between readings, I could always pick up & not feel lost in the story. I enjoyed the way the author provided information about the various characters in the book, it made it interesting and I felt like I had a real sense of them. I enjoy historical fiction, it gives insight to the times, people & events.

[mary darbinian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic Read!!

Being Italian and having been to Florence many times, I thoroughly enjoyed the author 's colorful description of
Italy. I am also enthralled with the Italian Renaissance period and love to read anything on Sandro Botecelli. This author kept me in suspense and I couldn't put the book down....Bellisimo!!!

[Liz C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

An enjoyable read. She shows the Renaissance church in its true colours as evil, corrupt and deadly. The only religious character that comes over as being good is Oslavia, Sandro's sister. The love story is gentle and you hope they will be reunited in the next book. I will certainly read the next one.

[Glen W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Historical Fiction

Botticelli's Muse is a well written tale of the life of Botticelli during the years when he developed his unique style of painting. Blume manages to describe paintings and people do you can actually visualize them. This is a good depiction of life in and around Florence in the mid to late 1400s.

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am really dissapointed in the star ratings on this book. It is slow and tedious. Way too much dialogue, which bogs the book down. Why does this book have a 4 star rating?
I was really intrigued by the storyline, but the author really needed to tighten it up.
Do not recommend. My apoligies to the author. She put a lot of work into the writing.

[Brenda Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Italian history woven with fiction

Enjoyed the melding of fact and fiction to create a most Interesting story. The research and events in history are accurate.
The fiction could also be considered as possible. When looking at great works of art one does often wonder what inspired the artist.
This book has it all love, life, death, deceit, drama and forgiveness.

[Dean McIntyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

BOTICELLI'S MUSE by Dorah Blume -- So many words, so many descriptions, so many characters, so little going on, so little actually interesting. First of a 3-volume series, covering the years 1477-78 of Boticelli's life and his various relationships, especially with his sister, his model, and the Medici family. Should have been interesting rather than oppressive.

[Kimberly Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read!

At first I wasn’t so sure about this book, as the layout reminded me more of a Shakespeare play. Once I began the story however, I never wanted to put it down. If you love history, and love stories, this is a definite must-read!

[Daniel Deitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medieval Madness

The author does a wonderful job of presenting the history of the Medici family during the anti pope upheaval and the temporary excommunication of the Medici family along with a hint of their relationship with Italian jewry