The Botticelli Secret: A Novel of Renaissance Italy

Marina Fiorato

$24.99

This product is not returnable.

Publication Date: March 30th, 2010

Publisher:

St. Martin's Griffin

ISBN:

9780312606367

Pages:

544

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Description

In this exhilarating cross between The Da Vinci Code and The Birth of Venus, an irrepressible young woman in 15th-century Italy must flee for her life after stumbling upon a deadly secret when she serves as a model for Botticelli...
When part-time model and full-time prostitute Luciana Vetra is asked by one of her most exalted clients to pose for a painter friend, she doesn't mind serving as the model for the central figure of Flora in Sandro Botticelli's masterpiece "Primavera." But when the artist dismisses her without payment, Luciana impulsively steals an unfinished version of the painting--only to find that somone is ready to kill her to get it back.
What could possibly be so valuable about the picture? As friends and clients are slaughtered around her, Luciana turns to the one man who has never desired her beauty, novice librarian Brother Guido. Fleeing Venice together, Luciana and Guido race through the nine cities of Renaissance Italy, pursued by ruthless foes who are determined to keep them from decoding the painting's secrets.
Gloriously fresh and vivid, with a deliciously irreverent heroine, The Botticelli Secret is an irresistible blend of history, wit, and suspense.

About the Author

Marina Fiorato is half-Venetian and a history graduate of Oxford University and the University of Venice, where she specialized in the study of Shakespeare’s plays as an historical source. She has worked as an illustrator, an actress, and a film reviewer, and designed tour visuals for rock bands including U2 and the Rolling Stones. Her historical fiction includes the Venetian Bargain, The Daughter of Siena, The Botticelli Secret, and her debut novel, The Glassblower of Murano, which was an international bestseller. She was married on the Grand Canal in Venice, and now lives in London with her family.

Praise for The Botticelli Secret: A Novel of Renaissance Italy

“Fiorato creates her own masterpiece set at the height of Medici power. Renaissance Italy comes alive in brilliant sights and sounds from marbled halls to filthy sewers. Luciana is irrepressible, unabashed, and an absolute hoot while Guido foils her nicely as the learned, noble Holmes to her Watson.” —Booklist

“Marina Fiorato has fashioned a double tale of artistry, love, and intrigue, plotted as cunningly as her characters commit treachery....It took my breath away.” —Susan Vreeland, author of Girl in Hyacinth Blue, on THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO

“An intriguing mix of history, mystery, art, music, poetry, romance, and politics....Gripping....Writing with charm and authenticity, Fiorato produces a blend of historical mystery and modern romance that is thoroughly entertaining.” —Booklist on THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO

“Those who enjoy intrigue and European history will be easily drawn into this romantic story.” —Publishers Weekly on THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO

“Fiorato captivates her reader as surely and intricately as the beautiful city of Venice enchants her characters. A fascinating tale of mystery and dedication, of love and betrayal.” —Kate Furnivall, author of The Russian Concubine, on THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO

“The Glassblower of Murano is a compelling story, richly detailed, with wonderful, memorably drawn characters.” —Diane Haeger, author of The Ruby Ring, on THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO

“Marina Fiorato has beautifully recreated the bright, glittering world of the seventeenth-century glassblower, and nestled it surely within a compelling contemporary romance.” —Jeanne Kalogrides, author of The Borgia Bride, on THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO