| Author: |
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Diane Haeger
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| Title: |
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The Ruby Ring: A Novel |
| Moochable copies: |
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No copies available |
| Amazon suggests: |
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| Recommended: |
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| Topics: |
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| Published in: |
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English |
| Binding: |
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Paperback |
| Pages: |
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372 |
| Date: |
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2005-04-05 |
| ISBN: |
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1400051738 |
| Publisher: |
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Broadway Books |
| Weight: |
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0.6 pounds |
| Size: |
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5.35 x 0.83 x 7.76 inches |
Amazon prices: |
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| Description: |
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Product Description
From critically acclaimed historical novelist Diane Haeger comes The Ruby Ring, an unforgettable story of love, loss, and immortal genius . . .
Rome, 1520. The Eternal City is in mourning. Raphael Sanzio, beloved painter and national hero, has died suddenly at the height of his fame. His body lies in state at the splendid marble Pantheon. At the nearby convent of Sant’Apollonia, a young woman comes to the Mother Superior, seeking refuge. She is Margherita Luti, a baker’s daughter from a humble neighborhood on the Tiber, now an outcast from Roman society, persecuted by powerful enemies within the Vatican. Margherita was Raphael’s beloved and appeared as the Madonna in many of his paintings. Theirs was a love for the ages. But now that Raphael is gone, the convent is her only hope of finding an honest and peaceful life.
The Mother Superior agrees to admit Margherita to their order. But first, she must give up the ruby ring she wears on her left hand, the ring she had worn in Raphael’s scandalous nude “engagement portrait.” The ring has a storied past, and it must be returned to the Church or Margherita will be cast out into the streets. Behind the quiet walls of the convent, Margherita makes her decision . . . and remembers her life with Raphael—and the love and torment—embodied in that one precious jewel.
In The Ruby Ring, Diane Haeger brings to life a love affair so passionate that it remains undimmed by time. Set in the sumptuous world of the Italian Renaissance, it’s the story of the clergymen, artists, rakes, and noblemen who made Raphael and Margherita’s world the most dynamic and decadent era in European history.
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| Reviews: |
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NHQuiltmaker (USA: NH) (2008/12/11):
I really enjoyed this book. Interestingly enough, I read another book boefire this one which I encourage you to read, also. "I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis starts the story of Italian art. Many characters in this book continue their story in "The Ruby Ring." "The Ruby Ring" is set about 40 years later and is a good end to "I, Mona Lisa."
If you're able to read them together like that, it makes for an interesting, longer read. :-)
skimballbarker (USA: ME) (2009/03/29):
well written and well told story, not as dark as I was afraid it would be. If you love art history and the Italian Renaissance period don't miss this book which discuss numerous other artists in addition to Raphael.. Michaelangelo, Da Vinci and more. While most of the information on the "little baker girl" as love of Raphael's life is speculative, his works are described in an interesting manner. Shed's a great deal of light on the artist's day to day life as it may have been. I agree with the other reviewer that this book goes well with I, Mona Lisa. It's is also interesting to read along with Quatrocento, the Borgia Bride and Leonardo's Swans.
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| URL: |
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http://bookmooch.com/1400051738 |
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