Love That Moves the Sun

The story of a poetess and one of history's greatest artists, Love That Moves the Sun by Linda Cardillo drew me into an age I knew little about--16th c Italy.

Vittoria Colonna left her family as a girl to live with the family of her betrothed, a politically advantageous arrangement. Vittoria flourished under her future mother-in-law's education, finding in Costanza's large library books that "lit a fire, a conflagration that burns in me to this day." And she and Ferranti's childhood friendship blossoms into passionate love.

Ferranti was raised to be a warrior and spent most of their married life fighting in the continual wars as alliances shifted between kingdoms, the Pope, and the Holy Roman Emperor. Vittoria enjoyed the freedom this allowed her while agonizing over the growing distance between her and her beloved husband.

After Ferrante's death, Vittoria retreated from the world, nursing her grief and growing her faith rooted in the Catholic Reformation. When her poetry was shared with the world, she became doubly famous as the finest poet since Petrarch and as the virtuous widow who gave up worldly pleasures and stellar marriage opportunities.

When she meets Michelangelo they become soul mates, their relationship deepening as they commune over how art fuels faith. As the artist works on The Last Judgement mural in the Sistine Chapel, Vittoria writes a volume of poetry for him.

I have no army. I have no ambassadors. I have no weapons other than my pen and my brain.~ from Love That Moves the Sun by Linda Cardillo
Vittoria wrote deeply felt poems, confessional and passionate, never meant for public distribution. Influenced by the Reformation, Vittoria's theology challenged the status quo of the Catholic church.

Although rooted in history, Vittoria's story touches on eternal themes: The position, power, and struggle for self-determination of women of intelligence and ability; Vittoria's progressive attitude toward personal faith that challenged authority; and the timeless anguish of women whose beloved husbands and sons go to war.

His home was elsewhere now, in the company of his fellow soldiers, and defined by his sword, his armor and his horse.~ from Love That Moves the Sun by Linda Cardillo

I learned much about Italy's history and the cycle of shifting power that fueled endless war as well as the history of Catholicism during a time when John Calvin and others were fomenting the Protestant Reformation.

I was given access to a free egalley by the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

I really wanted to love this book, not like it; great cover, fascinating protagonists and a time of flux in Europe. Very detailed research, and a thoughtful book. I'm struggling to understand why it just missed for me. I don't think it was the author, (although at times it was repetitive and a little dull, with regard to daily life and it was long.)

Possibly the problem was as a noblewoman Vittoria was always an onlooker and rarely at the heart of the action. She watched and possibly marginally influenced events, battles, etc. Her later spirituality and fasting were at times annoying and inexplicable to the modern mind, although I've little doubt Cardillo paints an accurate picture. There were intrigues built in to try to address this but felt a little forced.

Michelangelo's intense platonic relationship with her was interesting, given his previous sexuality and homoerotic poetry. However, she clearly was a love and muse in his later life. Reading Wikipedia I note a friend recorded Michelangelo's saying that his sole regret in life was that he did not kiss the widow's face in the same manner that he had her hand.

I'm giving it 4 stars but really I think it is a three and a half. Glad I read it but not sure I'd recommend it unless someone loved this period.

Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Was looking forward to reading this book but I don't think it was for me
Absolutely nothing wrong with the book wonderfully written.

This book was one of the most sensual, lyrical books I have ever read, about a poet and an artist, and the relationship between them. The artist you know-.it's Michelangelo- but you have likely never heard of Vittoria Colonna, a rare female poet in the 16th century. Or at least, rare in that she was well known and well regarded in her time. They meet briefly when Vittoria is a grieving widow, and develop a friendship that sustains them both through good times and bad. And given the politics and religion of the 16th century, there are many challenging and difficult times!

The story is mostly told through Vittoria's eyes, beginning with her childhood when she is sent to Ischia, an island off the coast of Italy, to stay with her aunt in a safer place than her home. There she meets and becomes friend with Ferrante, who is destined to become her husband. The times are deeply religious and there is a lot of discussion about religion, but it's not a religious book; rather, the characters are progressive in their thinking and deep devotion to God is simply a part of their daily lives.

I loved the book; it introduced me to an amazing woman, and brought a deeper understanding of the times in a way that was engrossing to read. Definitely a good read!

Having read a lot about this period in history, many of the characters are already familiar to me & it has been such a pleasure to fill in some of the gaps of their stories, or to perceive them from a different angle. Linda Cardillo makes them come alive, with a very appropriate & readable style which I have enjoyed immensely as well as appreciating the authenticity. Indeed I am so sorry to be finishing the book, & thus leaving them as their world has become so vivid. I am glad to have been given the opportunity to visit them, though – it has been like catching up with old friends. As this is an e-book, I found it ideal to read it on the computer as I could have music from the period playing, & find pictures of many of the characters, as well as ‘visit’ Ischia* & see the same views as Vittoria looked out to sea; making it a truly immersive experience. (Of course now I want to read her poetry...) It has been a privilege to read ‘Love That Moves The Sun’, & I do appreciate the publishers for sharing it. All in all, I most highly recommend this book! *Note : Ischia is the island made home by composer William Walton, where a still-famous garden was created by his wife Susanna, so there are videos available on YouTube. One can imagine standing next to Vittoria, as she keeps a lookout for those ships...

i really enjoyed reading this book the characters were great and I really loved the romance from Vittoria and Michelangelo. I look forward to more from the author.