I started this book and thought I'd really like it, but as it got into the graphic sexual abuse ... well, it's just not something that I want to continue with. Sorry.

I absolutely loved this book. I savored and and read it as slowly as possible so as not to miss a thing. The plot is original, the main character is endearing, the descriptions of renaissance Venice transported me seamlessly back to that time. The contemporary themes of church and politics, power and corruption, rationalism and superstition are the background for the human foibles of love, greed, temptation and betrayal. I would recommend this book to anyone and I think it would make a great choice for book club discussion as well.