Leonardo the Florentine

De: Catherine McGrew Jaime

Narrado por: David Winograd

Who are the Medici brothers? And who is trying to assassinate them? Why was the Pitti Palace never completed? And what part did Leonardo play in all of this? Leonardo da Vinci is remembered as an artist and inventor. But who was he before anyone knew his name? This family-friendly novel explores the history and the legends of his early years in Florence. It also weaves a mystery of politics and power. This novel is the first in the series of historically based novels - The Life and Travels of Da Vinci (followed by Leonardo: Masterpieces in Milan and Leonardo: To Mantua and Beyond).

©2010, 2017 Catherine McGrew Jaime (P)2017 Catherine McGrew Jaime

Interesting

I enjoyed the way the author took me through da Vinci's life in Florence. Her approach made me a part of the story.

Awakening of a brilliant mind

Where does Leonardo the Florentine rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's a good audiobook, but read in an even way. I prefer audiobooks with every character portrayed differently.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the portrayal of Leonardo as a real, living boy.

Which scene was your favorite?

All the scenes involving Leonardo and Lorenzo were very good. My favorite was Lorenzo observing Leonardo grooming his horse.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was engaging and the characters were well developed.

Any additional comments?

A very enjoyable story about young Leonardo meeting Lorenzo, which culminated in creating some of the best artwork of the Renaissance era. Leonardo's thirst for knowledge, quickly recognized and encouraged by Lorenzo drove him to become one of the most enlightened minds of his times.

I loved the relationship between Lorenzo and other apprentices in Master Verrocchio's workshop. The country boy discovers the treasures of Florence, visiting some of it most famous edifices. A touch of politics adds some suspense to the story, but it's not fully developed.

I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Historically Fascinating

Any additional comments?

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This was a good book, even though it felt like more of a biography than a historical fiction novel. It was difficult to connect to the people; ie. Leonardo barely talks to one of his friends and instead of feeling sad for him, I just didn't care. It was not an emotionally captivating novel. On the other hand, the historical aspects were fascinating! Learning about Leonardo's early life, the strains between him and his father and his apprenticeship was very interesting.

Getting to know Leonardo as a young person

Would you listen to Leonardo the Florentine again? Why?

Yes to get the history straight

What was one of the most memorable moments of Leonardo the Florentine?

When Lorenzo lends him books to improve himself.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Matteo gives him the book to learn Latin which helps open many doors for Leonardo

Who was the most memorable character of Leonardo the Florentine and why?

It was interesting to learn than Leonardo lost a lot of commissions because he earned the reputation of not finishing projects.

Any additional comments?

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review”.

Interesting lecture about Leonardo da Vinci's

The book is a novelization of the eighteen years Leonardo da Vinci t spent in Florence, learning from his master Verrocchio. It does not go much into depth and it merely follows the historical information we have about Leonardo. 

Do not expect to find a long and fictionalized novella with very well developed characters. This book is intended as a way to show young students and any with a curious mind, how Leonardo da Vinci's first years as an apprentice and an artist were. 

I did not fully enjoy David Winograd's narration. I have to say that his patronizing tone was adequate to the text but the fact that he read the book like he was doing it for children did not completely convince me, since I think this book could also be enjoyed by adults with a curious mind.

I think this book serves its purpose quite well, since it is quite clear and concise. If you want to know more about how Leonardo started, this book is for you. If you want a longer story with more developed characters and fictionalized facts, you may want to check a different book.

I received a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.