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Many of the paintings described in this novel—The Birth of Venus, The Adoration of the Magi, and Botticelli’s two panels telling the story of Judith—are located today in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, along with many other Botticelli paintings and the works of other Renaissance masters. I absolutely recommend visiting the Uffizi if you are able, as its collection is absolutely unparalleled and contains some of the most beautiful works of art in the world. For my American readers, if a trip to Florence is out of the question, I highly recommend paying a visit to the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. They have an incredible collection of Italian Renaissance art, including many paintings by Botticelli, the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in North America, and busts of Lorenzo and Giuliano de’ Medici. And, as the gallery is part of the Smithsonian, admission is free. I happened to visit with a friend while working on this novel and didn’t know much about their collection; I was in Italian art history nerd heaven when I walked into that wing and saw the embarrassment of riches on the walls.
For further reading on the Medici family, Botticelli and his work, or the Italian Renaissance in general, I recommend the following books, which are just a few of those I consulted in writing this novel.
Basta, Chiara. Botticelli (Art Classics Series). New York: Rizzoli, 2005.
Frieda, Leonie. The Deadly Sisterhood: A Story of Women, Power, and Intrigue in the Italian Renaissance. New York: HarperCollins, 2013.
Lee, Alexander. The Ugly Renaissance: Sex, Greed, Violence and Depravity in an Age of Beauty. New York: Doubleday, 2013.
Lucas-Dubreton, J. Daily Life in Florence in the Time of the Medici. Trans. A. Lytton Sells. New York: Macmillan, 1960.
Tinagli, Paola. Women in Italian Renaissance Art: Gender, Representation, Identity. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997.
Unger, Miles J. Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de’ Medici. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book was not an easy one to write for many reasons, and as a result there are many people to whom I owe my thanks now that it has all finally come together.
First, of course, my infinite thanks to Lindsay Fowler, friend, critique partner, and writing therapist. Your input has made this book orders of magnitude better than it was, and your friendship has made my life better than it was, too. And thanks for all of the Hamilton, Game of Thrones, and Pirates of the Caribbean reference-laden banter.
All my thanks and appreciation to my fabulous, one-in-a-million agent, Brianne Johnson, for loving Simonetta as much as I do and for believing in this book even in those moments when I didn’t. Your support, insights, and pep talks keep me going when the going gets tough. I can’t thank you enough for all that you do.
I am so, so fortunate in my editor, Vicki Lame. She is the actual, literal best. Thanks for completely getting my work and giving me the best notes so that it can shine brighter than I ever thought it could. Let’s do this again sometime!
Thank you to the whole team at St. Martin’s for being so supportive of me and of my work, and for bringing my books to different countries around the world. Thanks especially to Staci Burt and Jessalyn Foggy for doing such a great job spreading the word about The Violinist of Venice. And my undying gratitude to Danielle Fiorella for the absolutely gorgeous cover—I think I am the luckiest author ever when it comes to covers!
Thanks, as always, to the Canisius Alumni Writers, aka CAW: Joe Bieron, Cara Cotter, Brittany Gray, David Klimchuk, Caitie McAneney Klimchuk, and Ryan Nagelhout, for all the support, pep talks, and hilarious off-topic conversations over wine/beer/pizza/brunch/all of the above.
Thank you to the Wednesday night writers for keeping me on track and making me show up and get the work done and for all the encouragement and publishing talk: Adrienne Carrick, Jenn Kompos, Kate Karyus Quinn, Dee Romito, Claudia Seldeen, and Sandi Van.
Infinite gratitude, love, and appreciation to my friends, family, and friends who may as well be family for your unending love and support: Amanda Beck, Andrea Heuer Bieniek, Bob and Marcia Britton, Alex Dockstader, Jen Hark Hameister, Sandy Hark, Lisa Palombo Moore, Jen Pecoraro, and Tom and Mary Zimmerman. You all keep me sane, make me laugh, and are always there when I need you. I am so, so fortunate to have so many people in my life who wish me well and are always up for sharing a bottle (or two) of wine.
My heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Canisius College English and creative writing departments for their continued support, especially to Mick Cochrane and Janet McNally. I owe so much of who I am as a writer to your wisdom!
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to all the amazing bands whose music inspired me while writing this book: Nightwish, Delain, Kamelot, Flyleaf, Xandria, In This Moment, Epica, Evanescence, Stream of Passion, and Serenity.
Thank you to the guys and gals at Public Espresso in downtown Buffalo, for letting me work in your beautiful space and for keeping me deliciously caffeinated with cappuccinos just like the ones in Italy.
Thank you to my brother, Matt Palombo, for always being happy for and supportive of me. Sorry this book still doesn’t have any duels, car chases, or explosions—but there is a joust, so we’re moving in the right direction.
Thank you to Fenway, the very ferocious silky terrier, for sometimes keeping me company while I write and sometimes making me get up from my chair, because someone has to.
Thank you to my grandparents, Mike and Kathy Zimmerman, for telling everyone about my books and for being so proud of me. I love you guys!
There are no words for the love and gratitude I have for my parents, Tony and Debbie Palombo. Infinite thanks to my mom for being my biggest fan and for being an excellent publicist—I’m going to have to start paying you soon! Boundless thanks to my dad, who went to Florence with me while I researched this book and took excellent pictures of everything we saw. Thank you both so, so much for everything you have done and continue to do for me. I couldn’t do any of this without you.
And last but certainly not least, thank you to everyone who has bought, read, reviewed, or recommended The Violinist of Venice. Your love and support for that book have meant so much to me, and it’s so amazing to see my work resonating with so many. I hope you’ve enjoyed The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence just as much.
Discussion Questions