Perspectives is a book told entirely through letters, from a large cast of characters/real life historical figures, set in 1557 Florence. Centred around the mysterious fictionalised murder of Florentine Renaissance artist, Jacapo Pontormo, the story acts as both a murder mystery, and a rumination on religion, legacy and shifting cultural values in the art world. I was surprised to find that this books was much funnier than I might have initially presumed. Letters were often placed comically against each other, and characters own subplots or comments on others kept me amused, whilst never breaking the immersion of the historical setting. Those who are fans of art history and the Florentine Renaissance will be greatly interested in what Perspectives has to offer. *Thank you to the publishers for the advanced reading copy of this book*

Laurent Binet is well known for his most applauded works ‘the HHhH’ and ‘The Civilisations’. In ‘Perspectives’ he delves into renaissance Florence and creates the most interesting and unusual murder story you will ever read. It’s Florence 1557, Jacopo da Pontormo found dead at the Church of San Lorenzo while painting the frescos. The Duke of Florence, Cosimo de Medici appoints painter and art historian Giorgio Vasari to find the killer. This is how the story starts and then it turns into a fantastic romp. It has a string of dazzling characters including Michelangelo, Bronzino, Cellini to name but a few. Then startling events emerged to make the story even more interesting. Catherine de Medici plots to get rid of Cosimo de Medici, meanwhile Cosmo ‘s daughter is having an illicit affair. While the investigation proceeds, we learn that there was a missing pornographic picture lurking around and the group of annoying nuns creating havoc. On top of everything else the group of apprentices of the famous painters turn out to have Marxist tendencies and intend starting a revolution. This is an absolute joy to read from beginning to end. Written in letters, the story unfolds around a murder but primarily revolves around the philosophy of art. I absolutely adored this dazzling murder story I'm sure you will like it too. Enjoy it.

A fantastic murder mystery set in a vividly realised Renaissance Florence, crammed with memorable characters and intrigue. The format of the novel, which is told entirely through letters sent across the Italian Peninsula, allows the reader to immerse themselves in a wonderful world and the varied lives of its inhabitants, from Michelangelo and Giorgio Vasari to Catherine de' Medici and Plautilla Nelli. Binet expertly captures the different voices of these historical figures, bringing them and their disparate hopes, dreams, fears and world views back to life and revealing the personalities behind an age of enormous change across the European landscape. Combine this with a devious and twisty crime story and thought-provoking insights into the power of art and humanity's desire to create and you're left with a masterpiece of historical fiction. It would also be remiss not to mention the flashes of surreal and witty humour- anyone wondering about the toilet habits of Renaissance artists will find all the details in here. A highly recommended novel which works on multiple levels and is equally enthralling and educational.

“These are hard times for art.” – Michelangelo writing to his father in 1509 In the opening of Laurent Binet's "Perspective(s)," a man only known as "B" discovers 176 letters in a 19th-century antique shop. These letters, written by notable figures like Michelangelo and Catherine de' Medici, center around the investigation of the murder of artist Jacopo da Pontormo in 1557 Renaissance Florence. While the focus of the novel is the murder mystery storyline, it also delves into the political and religious power struggles of the era. Jacopo da Pontormo was found dead in the chapel where he had been working, stabbed with his own chisel and struck by his own hammer. He had been creating a series of frescoes, including a controversial depiction of "Venus and Cupid," in which the face of the nude Venus had been replaced with the face of Maria de' Medici, the daughter of the Duke of Florence. This scandalous artwork created an opportunity for exploitation, potentially to humiliate the duke and his family. Art historian Giorgio Vasari was selected to investigate the case, and there was no shortage of potential culprits. Could it have been a rival artist, fueled by envy? An individual acting on behalf of the enraged duke? Or perhaps a religious fanatic, inspired by the decrees of Pope Paul IV, who vehemently opposed the "obscene" nudity depicted in art? The letters are generally brief, and the pace progresses without getting bogged down in details. The area of “perspective” and some art theory is explored, but this is not a technical treatise on art history. The humor is quite prevalent, with the escapades of the renegade nuns being particularly comedic. It is also amusing to see the two-faced double-crossing among the characters. While this fictitious retelling of history is not a thriller in a league with “The Name of the Rose,” it is a quick read and will compel you to check out the frescoes and architecture referred to. “After all, there is only one noble thing upon this Earth, and that is art. Man is merely a fading stain on a wall.” I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.