Renaissance Woman

Italian Renaissance poet Vittoria Colonna, Marchesa of Pescara, comes to life through Targoff's extensive research and compelling narrative. Narrator Justine Eyre's fluid and flavorful pronunciation of Italian words and expressions transports listeners deeper into Vittoria's privileged world. Born into a powerful Italian family, Vittoria held a front-row seat to an era rife with religious and political divisions and rich in artistic output. Widowed young, Vittoria devoted her life to cultivating her faith and producing critically and publicly acclaimed poetry. Correspondence with family and notable figures, including Michelangelo and Queen Marguerite of Navarre, is lightly characterized with an Italian, British, or French accent, depending on the individual's country of origin. Targoff concludes with her appreciation for access to Vatican research materials. J.R.T. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine