Review of The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci
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Nithya Maria
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- Latest Review: The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci by Belle Ami
Review of The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci" by Belle Ami.]
The historical fiction "The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci" tells the tale of young art historian Angela who is fated to meet and work with Alex Caine, a renowned art detective who is attempting to solve the mystery surrounding a lost painting by da Vinci. Along the way, the two of them set out on a perilous quest to find the painting, which turns out to be more than a mere coincidence as it weaves together three separate time periods and tales to connect the plot to the true tale of Fioretta and Giuliano, which depicts a tragic forbidden love and political intrigue. While the characters tour the art and history of Florence, Rome, and Venice, the reader is taken on a voyage around Italy. They meet a variety of colourful people along the way, including art dealers, criminals, and scholars, all of whom seem to have hidden agendas and intentions. The pair travel through Florence's museums, cathedrals, and palaces, giving readers a tour of the most well-known sites. The city's historical significance as a Renaissance hub and its significance as a centre of creative and innovative thought are also highlighted by the author.
Belle Ami provides vivid and detailed descriptions of Florence, which is one of the main settings of the novel. It is clear that the author has done extensive research into the city's history and architecture, and her descriptions evoke a strong sense of place which in turn has provided greatly to the depth and richness of its historical context. For example, the novel describes Florence's iconic landmarks such as the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, as well as the city's narrow streets and alleys. The author also describes the art and architecture of the city in great detail, including works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and of course, Leonardo da Vinci. Also providing a very good knowledge about da Vinci and the medici family which ruled over florence during the 15th century. On this aspect Belle Ami was successful in making this both entertaining and educational which is rather rare for romance novels.
While the story could be easily praised for its well written plot and historical accuracy, in my opinion, the book cannot be tagged as a thriller due to its obvious predictability. But there are some turns/revelations which could make the readers awed. the romance part of the story seem too fast-paced but believable due to the leading parts backing it up but still the conversation between the couple seemed too cringey at a few parts where it was necessary but could’ve been avoided by using actions of affection or stuff. By grounding a story in a specific time and place, the author had created a sense of realism and authenticity that helps readers to engage with the characters but it was too-less in connecting the reader with the characters on an emotional scale.
I’d rate this book a 3 out of 5 for its great historical context and its ability to hold the readers even if they are able to realize where the story is going at some parts. The accuracy in connecting three timelines into a romance tale is appreciable even if the romance was fast paced and the story was a pretty good page turner altogether. The recommended audience are anyone who loves romance- reincarnation stories and also people who'd love to know about art history and in my opinion, who like the journey of sightseeing through books.
Summarizing, the book offers a well-researched and immersive experience into the art and history of Italy, particularly Florence, and successfully connects three separate timelines into a cohesive romance tale. While the story may be predictable at times and the romance could have been more effectively conveyed through actions rather than dialogues the book is still an enjoyable and educational read with its fast-paced plot and historical accuracy.
******
The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The historical fiction "The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci" tells the tale of young art historian Angela who is fated to meet and work with Alex Caine, a renowned art detective who is attempting to solve the mystery surrounding a lost painting by da Vinci. Along the way, the two of them set out on a perilous quest to find the painting, which turns out to be more than a mere coincidence as it weaves together three separate time periods and tales to connect the plot to the true tale of Fioretta and Giuliano, which depicts a tragic forbidden love and political intrigue. While the characters tour the art and history of Florence, Rome, and Venice, the reader is taken on a voyage around Italy. They meet a variety of colourful people along the way, including art dealers, criminals, and scholars, all of whom seem to have hidden agendas and intentions. The pair travel through Florence's museums, cathedrals, and palaces, giving readers a tour of the most well-known sites. The city's historical significance as a Renaissance hub and its significance as a centre of creative and innovative thought are also highlighted by the author.
Belle Ami provides vivid and detailed descriptions of Florence, which is one of the main settings of the novel. It is clear that the author has done extensive research into the city's history and architecture, and her descriptions evoke a strong sense of place which in turn has provided greatly to the depth and richness of its historical context. For example, the novel describes Florence's iconic landmarks such as the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, as well as the city's narrow streets and alleys. The author also describes the art and architecture of the city in great detail, including works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and of course, Leonardo da Vinci. Also providing a very good knowledge about da Vinci and the medici family which ruled over florence during the 15th century. On this aspect Belle Ami was successful in making this both entertaining and educational which is rather rare for romance novels.
While the story could be easily praised for its well written plot and historical accuracy, in my opinion, the book cannot be tagged as a thriller due to its obvious predictability. But there are some turns/revelations which could make the readers awed. the romance part of the story seem too fast-paced but believable due to the leading parts backing it up but still the conversation between the couple seemed too cringey at a few parts where it was necessary but could’ve been avoided by using actions of affection or stuff. By grounding a story in a specific time and place, the author had created a sense of realism and authenticity that helps readers to engage with the characters but it was too-less in connecting the reader with the characters on an emotional scale.
I’d rate this book a 3 out of 5 for its great historical context and its ability to hold the readers even if they are able to realize where the story is going at some parts. The accuracy in connecting three timelines into a romance tale is appreciable even if the romance was fast paced and the story was a pretty good page turner altogether. The recommended audience are anyone who loves romance- reincarnation stories and also people who'd love to know about art history and in my opinion, who like the journey of sightseeing through books.
Summarizing, the book offers a well-researched and immersive experience into the art and history of Italy, particularly Florence, and successfully connects three separate timelines into a cohesive romance tale. While the story may be predictable at times and the romance could have been more effectively conveyed through actions rather than dialogues the book is still an enjoyable and educational read with its fast-paced plot and historical accuracy.
******
The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci by Belle Ami
