This historical fiction novel is set in 15th century Italy, and follows the life of Alessandra Cecchi, the teenage daughter of a wealthy fabric merchant. Alessandra is a bit of a free spirit, and is interested in art and politics, which is not considered befitting of a young woman her age. When a young painter is hired to paint the family's chapel, Alessandra forms a unique relationship with him, but is not allowed to fully explore that relationship because it is not considered acceptable, and also because she is married off to a much older man, and moves out of her parent's house to become the mistress of his house.
But her days with the painter are not over, as the circumstances of her marriage become clear to her only after she becomes a wife, and her life is full of twists and turns, all with a backdrop of political and religious wars that are tearing Florence apart with violence.
This was a book I could not put down. I really got into Alessandra's story, and there are so many unexpected plot turns that you can't wait to see what happens next. The prologue pulls you in from the very start, and actually discusses the circumstances of Alessandra's death - then the story is woven to tell you how she got to that point. A beautifully written story, reminiscent of Tracey Chevalier's "Girl With A Pearl Earring," but with a richer backdrop and more vibrant plot and characters. A good read particularly for those interested in historical fiction.
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