Review This well-written coming-of-age novel is not for the faint of heart, or for younger readers. As other reviewers have said, the protagonist makes poor moral choices that drive much of the plot though he later regrets them and takes responsibility for his actions. Florentine culture, society and politics are vividly portrayed though the portrayal is never explicitly or gratuitous. The highlights for me are the glimpses of Michelangelo and his work and warm friendship with the protagonist. I got rather tired of the pro-Medici/Republican power struggle, though it's an important part of the setting and plot. The characters are realistic, the plot suspenseful and the story overall is solid, but I'm not sure what the take-away value is for me.
For anyone who really wants to be immersed in 15th & 16th century Florence and Italy alongside Michelangelo, I recommend The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone.
For anyone who really wants to be immersed in 15th & 16th century Florence and Italy alongside Michelangelo, I recommend The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone.
