Perhaps I am a harsher judge because I have read such excellent historical fiction about these periods in Florence, Rome, Venice, Milan for inclusion into a college library collection? Regardless, Caterina's role as written and her personality itself, both of those- too revisionist and not possible within historical setting placements here. The gender disguise concept and the entire epilogue- that is ridiculous, silly. And class distinctions aside, not any of these access issues would have been occurred. Impossible.I would have given 1 star (because of numerous politico family and papal related errors, it is deserved) but I gave her 2 for her vivid imagination, which at points I did enjoy. I loved this book. Robin Maxwell does a great job of weaving fiction about Leonardo DaVinci's mother around historical facts that took place in Florence, Italy in the late 1400's. In a time that women were not highly regarded or educated Maxwell brings to life a strong, well-read independent woman that can sit amongst some of the greatest minds of that era. I also like the fact that she has my name, Caterina, although I spelling with a K.
What do You think about Sinyora Da Vinci (2008)?
This historical novel hooked me from the beginning and I could not put it down!!!!
—itsdank
This was a great story of historical fiction.
—noor
