Engaging Historical Novel: Botticelli's Muse by Dorah Blume

by MK French

Sandro Botticelli is an artist with Medici patrons in 1477 Florence. He is concerned with Beauty more than the Soul, even though his sister is a nun. This changes when he sees Floriana, the Jewish weaver imprisoned in the nunnery due to circumstances out of her control. She becomes the muse for his painting La Primavera, and the relationship between the two develops even as the political climate in Florence takes on a dangerous note.

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July 2017; Juiceboxartists Press; 978-0998131603
ebook, print; historical fiction

Ms. Blume didn't just write an engaging historical novel, she illustrated it.

There are miniature drawings at the beginnings of chapters and in between scene breaks. The pictures flesh out the visuals for the time period and give us a glimpse at the physical appearances of the characters.

All of them are painfully human here, and the day to day life within Florence is described in such detail it's almost like Botticelli's paintings are being recreated in words.

The pace is steady, and we gradually get to know all of the people and the relationships they have with each other. While the novel takes place over the year, split into the seasons, it doesn't feel as though it drags at all. Every time I put down the book to do something else I had to do, I wanted to go back and see what else happened. It could be because the chapters are relatively short but full of description and emotional energy.

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Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever.

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