Sistine Heresy

The reasons I gave this 4 stars rather than 5 is because: (a)there is a chapter graphically describing skinning a cadaver (b)one of the central characters is brutally killed (c)too much internalized homophobia on the part of the lesbian and gay characters (d)too little lesbian romance and sexual activity. The book was quite interesting for the historical setting, and the characters and situations were likewise interesting, but it was very slow in any of it coming to anything. At least 3/4ths of the book has scenes that build to nothing, what little plot there was - came to a head in the last few pages of the book. All the main gay & lesbian characters, except for one woman, had such guilt over their homosexual feelings, due to religious pressures, that it was a bit disappointing, although no doubt true for the majority of people back then. Also, the lesbians in the book do nothing sexual until almost the end of the book and prior to that, even anything romantic between them is very limited. The gay men seemed to be a bit more active in expressing their sexuality. As is true with practically every lesbian book I have read in the last few years - there is pentrative sex between the women - which I could, quite frankly, do without. It is far too imitative of heterosexual activity, although I realize this is a personal preference on my part, it would be a treat to read a lesbian book that didn't contain this type of sexual activity.

With this work Saracen has unbelievably surpassed her Ibis Prophecy duology. I was impressed with her careful and artful integration of historical culture in a modern setting (Ibis Prophecy), but in this book she inserts the modern reader into the Renaissance world where art, politics and religion all collide with the secular remains of a pagan society. The parallels with today's fundamentalism are evident, yet form a sibilant subtext to world in which Adrianna Borgia inhabits. It is the passing of a corrupt and all to secular pope (Alexander VI), father-in-law to Adrianna that first brings her face-to-face with a compelling painter Raphaela Bramante and her architect father as she attempts to pay respect to the deceased pope before she flees to Spain. Later she returns to Rome and tentatively resumes contact with her friends, Michelangelo and Domenico, both dependent upon the patronage of the new pope, Julius II, one bent on expanding the papal power. Not only does Julius contend with other leading ruling powers, but also the growing threat of heresy not only within from the selling of indulgences, but from an expanding humanistic and scientific renaissance chafing under the church's dogma. It is in this charged climate that Adrianna must deal with her growing attraction to Raphaela, but also her support of friendships that threaten to bring her to the unwanted attention of an ascetic cardinal and ultimately the pope; both distrustful of her association with the once-powerful Borgias. This book is so much more than a romance, which in fact is only one ribbon that undulates amongst many beautifully presented. At the heart of these many themes is the Sistine Chapel and the work that Michelangelo creates, one that Saracen implies sums up the conflicts of the Renaissance period. This book is a gourmet feast that includes power, politics and religion on a grand scale and gives the reader thoughtful challenges. Well worth the read.

I must admit, I wasn't particularly impressed with Justine Saracen's first book (The Ibis Prophecy), but Sistine Heresy blew me away. Part fact, part fiction, all enjoyable and engaging, Sistine Heresy is a book I'm very glad to have read. Here, the author intertwines real characters such as Michelangelo with several colorful, fictional personalities. Adrianna Borgia has lived life as a piece of property. First, she was used as a political pawn by her father. Later, she had an affair with her late husband's married brother. Of course, this relationship was acceptable. Being of the Borgia family, she was essentially an enemy of the reigning Pope and seemed to always fly under the proverbial radar. Via her contacts in Rome, she meets the daughter of a Michelangelo contemporary, Raphaela Bramante. Raphaela is a gifted painter. To work with Michelangelo, she must pose as a young man. In any case, the two women find themselves crossing paths and exploring a tentative relationship that neither fully understands. Over time, they discover a passion that cannot be contained. I have enjoyed many non-fictional history books and absolutely love fact-based historical fiction. This book is absolutely wonderful. The reader can imagine the events happening just as they're told. There is no doubt in my mind that I will eagerly await Saracen's next book, certain it will not disappoint.

Justine Saracen has combined historic fact with fiction to create a rich story set in the time of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Borgias. Although much of the plot is manufactured, it is so accurate in its detail and tone that the people come alive and it could pass for an actual record of the period. Adrianna Borgia lives balanced on the edge of a sword. During the reign of Pope Alexander VI she led a privileged life as the widow of one of his sons and the mistress of the other. His death brought a change in attitudes in Rome however and now Adrianna must be constantly careful about what she says and who she is seen with. She flits on the edge of society with friends who are still important, not the least of which is Michelangelo, but Pope Julius II is not fond of her and the Inquisition is threatening to come into Rome, led by a Dominican cleric who is determined to destroy her. She tries to find quiet comfort in the company of people like the beautiful young castrato Domenico Raggi, who sings in the Vatican choir, and Silvio Piccolomini, who has too much fascination with the philosophies of the ancient Greeks and the new science that is sweeping across Europe. The person who could spell disaster for her though is Raphaela Bramante, a talented painter who stirs strange, ungodly feelings in her. When Michelangelo begins painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Adrianna convinces him to take on Raphaela as an apprentice disguised as a boy. With intrigue among the Cardinals, scheming by the upper classes and religious zealots looking for any reason to burn people at the stake, the slightest misstep could get all of them killed. Navigating this minefield of politics and religion requires consummate skill and at least one of them will fail tragically. In such an atmosphere, Adrianna and Raphaela have to decide if their relationship is worth their lives, literally. Justine Saracen shows that she did a tremendous amount of research into the Renaissance period. Little tidbits about the culture of the time that are dropped into the story give it a feeling of reality. The strength of the story however is in the character development. The figures step out of the pages and become living creations. The emotions and interactions are so well drawn that it's impossible to tell the real people from the ones that were manufactured for the book. Knowing how vicious the Inquisition could be and how manipulative the times were keeps the reader in a constant state of suspense as to whether these people will be able to survive the forces around them. For history buffs, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book. For other readers it's just a book that is hard to put down.

In this day of mass-produced McNovels, so many of which seem to be dreary clones of each other, it is a rare delight to come across a book like "Sistine Heresy". Obviously an intelligent and educated writer, Ms. Saracen has expertly woven an audacious tale that I found to be not only entertaining, but also enormously informative. The Renaissance setting was fascinating. I took frequent breaks to look up Wikipedia articles on everything from the Roman Inquisition to the Sistine Chapel, as well as historical figures such as Lucrezia Borgia, Savonarola, Martin Luther, Cardinal Carafa, Jan Hus, and Erasmus. Reading "Sistine Heresy" was more than just a pleasure; it became a learning experience. Can an author bestow a greater gift? It doesn't happen very often, but this was one of those novels that I actually hated to finish because I wanted more. This aptly-titled book probably won't appeal to those who happily subsist on cookie-cutter genre pablum served up by the mainstream publishers, or to religious fundamentalists of any stripe. But for smart readers who still savor a daring, clever, well-written tale that challenges convention and slaughters more than a few sacred cows, "Sistine Heresy" is a singular literary treat, and I recommend it without reservation.