The Towers of Tuscany

By: Carol M. Cram

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Sofia is trained in secret as a painter in her father's workshop during a time when women did not paint openly. She loves her work, but her restless spirit leads her to betray her extraordinary gifts to marry a man who comes to despise her for not producing a son.

After Sofia's father is crushed by his own fresco during an attack motivated by a vendetta, Sofia realizes she must escape her loveless marriage. She flees to Siena, where, disguised as a boy, she paints again. When her work attracts the notice of a nobleman who discovers the woman under the dirty smock, Sofia is faced with a choice that nearly destroys her.

Meticulously researched settings and compelling characters are united with a strong heroine in this rich portrait of medieval Italy.

©2014 Carol M. Cram (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Thoughtful historic fiction

Story was interesting and I always finish a novel once started, however the reader's voice annoyed me to no end. It was almost a whine. My ancestors are from Luca and most things Tuscan are appealing to me so I read the printed word when I could and only listened to the whine when I was indisposed.

Enjoyed and learned

I was very entertained by the story and enjoyed learning about certain aspects of life in Italy as a painter. I learned more about the Black Plague. Definitely had my attention from beginning to end!

A romance for art lovers

Set in the 14th century, at the cusp of representational art and religious upheaval, this is about the struggle of a woman to manifest her talent and passion in the early renaissance. Detailed descriptions of the meticulous preparation and technique of painting are blended with the story elements. A good read and listening experience.

I enjoyed this story.

I was not sure if I would like this audiobook, but I ended up really getting into it. Very good story.

Superb writing

This novel was written very well. Imagery and detail was fantastic. The plot was intriguing. The problem I had was the ending. I understand with historical fiction that you can’t change the facts, but the ending seemed very disjointed and abrupt. I had trouble connecting with the main character as well. She seemed very cold and uncaring throughout the novel.

Good read.

What did you love best about The Towers of Tuscany?

Description of cities and characters.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Ending seemed chopped off as if she suddenly ran out of material.

What does Angela Dawe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Pleasant clear voice. Good accent on Italian words. Good character voices.

Who was the most memorable character of The Towers of Tuscany and why?

Sophia, she undergoes a change in her personal and emotional development. Then Francesco.

Cara Mia 😱

The beginning of the book had a big promise and I hoped that story would unravel more intricate, but after 4 hours of listening it did not change. Same conversations between characters, poor people are dumb and rich people are overrated. Yes, I understand that this probably was written to describe that timeline more realistic, but on personal level I did not like it. I love complicated stories and true feelings, this story just like a cookie-cutter, I already know how it will end not finish listening it. I wish that story would be more intriguing the it is

Good listen until the very end

Not only an abrupt end but one that made no sense to this listener. A soul attached to a picture reaches across centuries and whispers a message???

must read

great storyline. A woman's struggle to survive when women had no rights. must read. will definitely listen again.

could have been a lot better

characters' dialogue is terribly dull, predictable and hard to listen to, as well as incredibly repetitive. Heroine is often obnoxiously stupid. the details on painting are the only redeeming qualities.. the narrator's nasal tone borders on whining.