While this is not a book for those looking for historical accuracy, it is a wonderfully written fictional story about a woman heretofore unknown to the world, da Vinci's mother. The first quarter of the book goes by a little slowly; but once she gets to Florence and meets Lorenzo de Medici, it is quite engaging. In truth, this is as much (or more) a story of Florence at the time of Leonardo da Vinci as it is a story of the people. While the human aspect is entirely fashioned of imagination, the story of Italy itself is fairy factual.

Catarina.

Daughter of a mother whom died shortly after giving birth to her, and an apothecary for a Father.

In a time in when the Catholic church was wrought with frustration over the heretics spread of disease.

The disease of Knowledge.

Greek Gods and Goddesses, Science, Math, all terrible acts and words of heresy in the worst possible form.

Catarina is a most dutiful daughter. But loves spending time alone in the woods as well, unlike all of the other girls her age, who are more worried with marriage and looking pretty than herbs and growing things, and books.

Catarina finds herself unexpectedly besotted by on of the cities most noble and handsome men, and her affection is returned.

When Piero is certain that he wants Catarina as his wife, they both give in to the lust that has plagued them.

Peiro's family however, is insistent that she is not good enough for him, and he is not allowed to marry such filth, such a common girl.

Little did Catarina know, she was pregnant when Peiro left for Florence the next day.

With who would become Leonardo da Vinci.

One of the most notorious heretics of all time.
With his paintings of Greek Mythology, his knowledge of math and science, and, more so, his work with post mortem bodies, and his love of men.

This is the story of the early life of Leonardo, and even more so, of his Mother Catarina, and the extreme sacrifices she makes to not only be near her only son, but to protect him from the hangings and burnings that are so prevalent in that time period those whom are labeled sodomites and heretics.

My View:
This is a good book Fictional of course. Although, I am quite tempted to do my own research into the life of Leonardo and see who his mother was and what happened to him in his early years. Which, of course, I know little about.

I could have been lacking patience, but the book was slow for me, in some area's. I found myself skipping ahead a little, from the background to more of the actual plot, which, I know, is a terrible thing, but I felt the nagging need to do so!

It is quite interesting though. I love the time period and the plot behind it.
Well thought out.

The author also writes a book called 'Mademoiselle Boleyn' which, one can only assume, is a book regarding the Boleyn girls in England and King Richard VIII, which I am also very interested in. I will need to check that one out as well.
Pick it up. Library I would say. I believe list price is $15.
I wouldn't imagine it's worth quite that, but definitely an alright read. Especially if your into that time period and the characters.

- CJ

I really thought this book was well written and interesting, however I was horribly disappointed at the end to find out there was no basis for the story. I know that historical fiction can take whatever path the author chooses, but to find out that there was nothing in history that even hinted at the relationships that were developed was very disappointing.

Wasn’t expecting much out of this but found myself really enjoying it.

Clandestine affairs, cross-dressing, sodomy, art, and religious rebellion --- what's not to love?
Ms. Maxwell's entertaining book definitely provides a plot and a half and then some on top of that. With every page, some new twist appeared.
While it was not her best work by a long shot, it still provided some serious fun reading.

When I first started reading, I wasn't so sure I would enjoy this book. Something about those first couple of pages just didn't work for me, but I kept going. I'm so glad I did. This was an excellent imagining of the mysterious woman who gave life to Leondardo Da Vinci. While I'm certain the reality of Caterina's medieval existence probably holds little in common with the fantastic and adventuresome life Robin Maxwell creates for her in Signora Da Vinci, I didn't find this vivid tale too far-fetched to enjoy.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book were the relationships between Caterina, Leondardo, and Ernesto (Caterina's father). There were no mommy issues here to exploit. This tale was one filled with love that inspired much daring and sacrifice.

Moreover, I enjoyed the way Ms. Maxwell wove in the religion and politics of the day. The combination of the two provided reasonable motivations for the unfolding plotline.

I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Leonardo da Vinci's Mother is virtually unknown, except for her name, Caterina. Maxwell attempts to recreate Caterina's story.

I found the story captivating, if not a bit implausible. Caterina's life is almost too fantastical as she meets up with some of the most famous politicians, artists, and thinkers of the day.

The historical background makes for a good read. We have the greatest thinkers and artists just beginning to blossom in Florence. The Medici family is in power. Fra Savonarola begins his reign of terror and destroys most of the cultural beauty of Florence as he grasps for power.

While I found Caterina's story a bit difficult to believe, I enjoyed the historical backdrop. Leonardo is a very captivating background character as is Lorenzo di Medici and his cohorts. This is a fascinating time in world history where many of the greatest minds come together.

3.5 stars ... Good historical fiction that tells the back story of Leonardo da Vinci's mother. Populated with real people from the era - Lorenzo de Medici, Botticelli, Savanarolla, Pope Innocent, etc. A good read, and I learned a little more about this time and place in history.