Isabelle d’Este, daughter of the Duke of Ferrara, born into privilege and the political and artistic turbulence of Renaissance Italy, is a stunning black-eyed blond and an art lover and collector. Worldly and ambitious, she has never envied her less attractive sister, the spirited but naïve Beatrice, until, by a quirk of fate, Beatrice is betrothed to the future Duke of Milan. Although he is more than twice their age, openly lives with his mistress, and is reputedly trying to eliminate the current duke by nefarious means, Ludovico Sforza is Isabella’s match in intellect and passion for all things of beauty. Only he would allow her to fulfill her destiny: to reign over one of the world’s most powerful and enlightened realms and be immortalized in oil by the genius Leonardo da Vinci. Isabella vows that she will not rest until she wins her true fate, and the two sisters compete for supremacy in the illustrious courts of Europe.

A haunting novel of rivalry, love, and betrayal that transports you back to Renaissance Italy, Leonardo’s Swans will have you dashing to the works of the great master—not for clues to a mystery but to contemplate the secrets of the human heart.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 44 reviews)

A Little diappointed

I was very excited to start reading this novel, but I became disenchanted with it rather quickly. The pace was a little sluggish and the story line left me wanting something more to happen. I didn't find myself really caring about the main characters as I have in other fictional writings. I really wish that the author had fleshed out the sisters more. Will probably leave in a library along our way.
I followed this novel with I, MONA LISA,which I found to be an exceptional work also involving a DaVinci story line.
October 14, 2008

Amazing Characters...was it real?

As I read about Isabella and Beatrice who married into noble families, I felt as if I KNEW them. Their personalities were described so well, you FELT for each of them in your own way. The way Leonardo da Vinci and his work fis into the novel is fantastic. From the bronze horse to the Last Supper, to the Mona Lisa. I was never good in history and this novel helped me enjoy a part of history that is my favorite...the Renaissance. Great, easy read. Enjoy.
August 22, 2008

Despite loving Essex's most recent novel, just couldn't get into this one

After I read Karen Essex's latest novel Stealing Athena: A Novel I was convinced to go on and read the rest of her novels. I already had "Leonardo's Swans" which had been lingering in my book stack for quite a while so I picked it up.

I realize that this is an award winning, highly acclaimed novel and therefore this won't be the most popular review but I just didn't like this book. The story has the potential to be fascinating it's true-rival sisters fighting over prestige, art and husbands, wars that created revolutionary alliances among the Italians, and of course, Leonardo de Vinci. But for some reason I could never get drawn into this book and had to fight to finish pages and continue on. Eventually it became a battle and halfway through I surrendered.

Maybe it got better after that, I don't know. But for some reason this just didn't grab me. Since I know Essex is an amazing writer I suppose that it's a question to taste- but her style was so different in "Stealing Athena" that I could never adjust to the writing in this.

There was on thing I really did love about this book. The relationship between Isabella and Beatrice d'Este is really, really realistic. Though they do harbor jealousy for each other, begrudge each other nice things, and fight, they also stick up for each other and don't want the other to be hurt. It's the most honest sibling portrayal I've ever seen in a book and for that Essex should be commended.

Other than that-I just didn't like this book. But that doesn't mean you won't. So I won't recommend or not recommend for this one. Read a lot of reviews and figure it out for yourself.

Two stars.

July 15, 2008

Of Swans and Ugly Ducklings

I won't go into a description of the plot here, since so many other reviewers have done a great job of that. Instead, I'll tell you what I liked about the book.

1. The writing is well done
2. The storyline of two sisters, who sometimes act quite ugly to each other, is fascinating
3. I really enjoyed the small parts where Leonardo is featured (however, they are small)

This isn't too long of a book, so if you want something to read on a Saturday, or in a airport, I would pick this up, especially lovers of Italian culture and historical fiction.
May 06, 2008

The Bookschlepper Recommends

It says something that Leonardo is a mere bit-player, despite the title. In 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci paints, sculpts, and designs weapons for Lodovico Sforza as the French initiate their takeover of northern Italy. Two of the four "swans" he paints, sisters Isabella d'Este and Beatrice d'Este, will become the Marchesa of Mantua and the Duchess of Milan. In those positions, they will patronize the arts, run city-states, set fashion, bear children and control, contrive and contribute to the Renaissance world. An average historical fiction novel for women but a solid introduction to the subjects; Essex has recreated two strong leading characters but given too much emphasis to their "thoughts". The choice made by Isabella, Marchesa, to patronize art and administer Mantua despite her husband is counter-pointed by Beatrice's decision to support her husband, Ludovico Sfora, through hell and high water highlights the decisions women are forced to make.
April 25, 2008

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