If you love Italian history mixed with mystery, then The Sign of The Weeping Virgin is perfect! Author Alana White uses real historical figures in this splendid novel, setting the right mood for a story that feels incredibly real. Set in 15th c. Florence at a time when the city was in danger of Turkish invasion, political enemies, the Church, Guido’Antonio Vespucci and his nephew Amerigo are entangled in discovering the mystery behind a weeping Virgin and the disappearance of a pious woman.
Sponsoring the investigation is Lorenzo de Medici, despised by both the Church and political enemies. Clues are everywhere- the mystery dances through the pages as Guido’Antonio discovers, thanks to the great Leonardo Da Vinci, how it is that the Virgin sheds tears…but who is making her do so? Is the event related to the young woman being kidnapped by the Turks and then sold into slavery?
This is a fascinating story enveloped by breathtaking descriptions of Florence during the Renaissance- Paradise for art history aficionados! This book was a real treat for me –art, history and mystery all meshed into one beautifully written novel- excellent prose. Although, I have to admit that even if I found the beginning to be rather slow, once the mystery picked up the pace and the events unraveled, I just could not put this down.
Loved it!
This review first appeared in the February Issue of HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW- Editor's Choice
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