Centuries later, the Renaissance continues to intrigue us, as evidenced by the popularity of Ren Faires and cosplay on social media.
When we picture this vibrant era of history, Italy most likely comes to mind, but all of Europe was under the Renaissance’s spell; enchanted by the art, fashions, and dynamic people of this period, much like we still are today.
Perhaps there’s no better way to reimagine these worlds than through books. For those who can’t get enough of the historic era, this list explores the five best historical fiction books of the European Renaissance. The titles cover the entire period and take place in a range of locations, from Spain to the Netherlands, while transporting readers to another time.
The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn
The Serpent and the Pearl is the first book in a brilliant duology by Kate Quinn.
It takes place at the height of the Renaissance in 1492 and follows three main characters: Giulia Farnese, Leonello, and Carmelina, who navigate the world of the powerful Borgia family.
The Borgias’ star is in the ascendant, with Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia rising to the ranks of Pope. But he has fallen in love with Giulia and taken her as his mistress. It’s now a dangerous world for Giulia, but she has two confidantes to rely on.
Giulia and the Borgias are real-life historical figures. However, Leonello, an embittered bodyguard, and Carmelina, a cook with a big secret, are purely fictional. Yet, that doesn’t make them any less captivating; they both enhance this book with their dynamic personalities, and it’s told through multiple POVs.
Giulia is kindhearted yet incredibly complex, as she struggles with suddenly becoming the most notorious woman in Rome.
The Serpent and the Pearl is a fast-paced work of historical fiction, blending real and fictional elements to give readers a glimpse of Rome during the Renaissance.
Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier tells a fictionalized tale behind the very real and famous painting of the same name.
We follow Griet, a maid who works at the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer. This novel follows her story as she becomes the artist’s muse and details what daily life was like in the Netherlands during this period.
Griet is a wonderful character who balances life, work, and romance, and it’s fascinating to experience everything through her eyes.
The author does an incredible job describing all the art and style throughout, making everything easy to visualize. The descriptive novel truly pays homage to this iconic painting.
Filled with tiny yet important details, the tension in Girl With a Pearl Earring is palpable throughout. The book and painting are both true works of art. Chevalier makes the story behind a painting of mysterious origins feel so real and believable.
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant is similar to Girl With a Pearl Earring, though it does not explore the history of the painting it shares a name with.
Instead, readers are treated to following the life of Alessandra Cecchi during the 1400s in Florence, Italy. One day, Alessandra’s world changes forever when her father hires a mysterious painter to work in their home. An aspiring artist herself, Alessandra is drawn to this man, though their romance is forbidden.
Alessandra must instead marry an older man, but her husband allows her to pursue her art, giving her a measure of freedom.
Sadly, Florence quickly becomes a tumultuous place to live when political tyranny and religious fascism start to run through its core, giving it a startlingly modern depth.
Alessandra is a strong, willful, and endearing main character, making her a standout among female historical fiction heroines. The story begins with her childhood, and together, we experience her growing up and trying to survive in the unsure political climate of her beloved city.
Following themes of desire, romance, and politics, The Birth of Venus intertwines art and literature. It feels like a love letter to the culture and art of the Renaissance as well as a portrait of a woman’s life story.
The Mapmaker’s Daughter by Laurel Corona
The Mapmaker’s Daughter by Laurel Corona takes place in 1492 Spain and follows Amalia, daughter of a Jewish mapmaker who must keep her identity a secret during a turbulent political atmosphere.
She and her family are Conversos, outwardly living as Christians but keeping their Jewish faith alive secretly. Right away, there is a sense of tension and anxiety, yet hope remains. A large part of this book is about Amalia grappling with her true faith and identity.
The Mapmaker’s Daughter also features historical adventure, romance, political turmoil, and more. Amalia travels a lot in her life, and this novel introduces readers to people, places, and events in history that aren’t often covered in popular historical fiction.
This is a gorgeous example of women’s historical fiction. With a strong female narrator at the forefront, the story is set against a time when art and culture were thriving in other countries as the Inquisition raged in Spain.
It’s wonderful to read about a woman who made her own choices and became her truest self during a dark time in history for those of the Jewish faith.
The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
The Lady and the Unicorn is another brilliant work by Tracy Chevalier. It focuses on the history behind another famous work of art.
The famous Unicorn tapestries of the early Renaissance period are mysterious and beautiful. The author skillfully uses her imagination to create the story of this set of six tapestries, delving into the technical details of how they were made.
The Lady and the Unicorn is utterly transportive, taking place in Paris and Brussels. Once again, these are time periods and places not often written about in historical fiction.
This novel includes seven main characters, yet each voice comes through strong and clear. It blends the male and female perspectives, and its main theme is desire, with each character desiring something different in their lives. This is a deep, provocative, and melancholy book.
A shorter novel, it’s fast-paced and quick-witted. It pays a breathtaking tribute to these iconic artworks.
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Amanda Larch Hinchman
Amanda Larch works as a writer and editor when she’s not in the middle of a good book. Learn more about her work and view her portfolio at www.amandalarchwriter.com/ and keep up with her on Goodreads @_groovyginger_.
