Leonardo's Swans Audiobook By Karen Essex cover art

Leonardo's Swans

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Leonardo's Swans

By: Karen Essex
Narrated by: Kathe Mazur
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Leonardo's Swans is the story of the powerful Este sisters, Beatrice, Duchess of Milan, and Isabella, Marchesa of Mantua, as they compete for the affections of Italy's most influential prince, the Duke of Milan, and for the larger prize, to be immortalized in oil by his court painter and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci. Sexy, inspiring, and intelligent, her story of love, intrigue, and art is truly unforgettable.

©2006 Karen Essex (P)2006 Books on Tape Historical Fiction Italy Fiction Literary Fiction Historical Middle Ages Genre Fiction Royalty Romance

Critic reviews

"Powerful historical fiction." (Booklist)

"The stories of Isabella and Beatrice d'Este along with the occasional investigations of Leonardo's artworks, methods, and personality are always engrossing." (Publishers Weekly)

“Two very different sisters, two very different husbands, and one of the greatest geniuses of all times, Leonardo da Vinci. In this sizzling historical novel set in fifteenth-century Italy, Essex combines art, political intrigue, family feuds and sex to create a page-turner that also probes the experience of being painted and whether it can offer immortality.” (USA Today)
All stars
Most relevant
Lots of history and back story on paintings we all know-
Not a fast moving book, but interesting all in all-

Slow but interesting

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This is a novel in which all the main characters are actual historical figures. The story itself is quite good - but almost completely due to the subject matter. The time around the turn of the 16th century in Italy is rich in events, political intrigue and fascinating characters. So I almost hate to say that I wasn't captivated by this audiobook.

The story is told from the viewpoints of sisters Isabella & Beatrice d'Este - two of the most influential women of the Italian Renaissance. It focuses on their relationships with their politically powerful husbands, with each other, and (marginally) with Leonardo da Vinci.

Perhaps if I had read, rather than listened to, this book, I might have had a much different opinion. It's possible that the narrator - even though she seemed to be a good reader - lacked that certain spark that makes for a great audiobook. The characters all seemed to run together & at times, I'm afraid I lost track of which sister was "speaking."

On the plus side, this book made me want to know more about each character & their actual histories. So my overall experience with this book was a positive one.

Good, but not Captivating

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This is the first book from Audible in the 3 years I have been a member that I stopped listening because of the narrator. I gave the book 3 stars because I really don't know if it's any good. This is the same narrator that read The Nannie Diaries, which I liked and felt she did a good job. But she is just too American and contemporary sounding to read a historical novel for my taste. Her voice was extremely distracting to me - and I gave it a fair shot but decided to listen to something more exciting. Just listen before you buy.

Narrator Inappropriate

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Loved this audiobook. Held my interest throughout. what a wonderful way to acquaint myself with Italian renaissance history.

Leonardo's Swans

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This was an entertaining book, but wasn't great.

OK, not great

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