Art, politics and romance are brilliantly explored in this enthalling story of how a young man’s face became one of the most famous in the world. Country boy Gabriele arrives in Florence in 1501 with nothing but a connection with a famous sculptor and the hope of work. He is immediately caught up in the intrigues of a city which is itself a hot bed of art, politics and passion. And behind all the action he observes the creation of  David, one of the remarkable statutes of all time and one which will take his face and his body into the future for ever…

Comparison: Anna Godbersen
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Synopsis

Michelangelo's statue of David is renowned all over the world. Thousands flock to Florence to admire the artistry behind this Renaissance masterpiece, and to admire the beauty of the human form captured in the marble. But the identity of the model for this statue that has been so revered for over five hundred years has been lost.

Reviews

Praise for Troubadour:

'A wonderfully old-fashioned romance' - Telegraph 

'Well researched and rivetingly readable, this runaway bride makes the perfect read' - The Times

Praise for City of Ships:

'For young fans of historical fiction this will be a treat ... an enthralling and well-paced tale whose conclusion is at once unexpected, poignant and satisfying' - Guardian

'The narrative brims with breathtaking twists and turns. The descriptions of Talia are outstanding'
- School Librarian

About the Author

Mary Hoffman has written around 90 books for children. Amazing Grace, commended for the Kate Greenaway medal, has sold over 1.5 million copies. Its sequel, Grace & Family, was among Junior Education 's Best Books of 1995 and shortlisted for the Sheffield Libraries Book Award 1996. Mary lives in Oxfordshire.   You can read her contributions to The History Girls blog by clicking here.   Mary Hoffman's Ten Things You Didn't Know About Me: I had my appendix taken out by Enid Blyton's husband! (Fortunately he was a surgeon) My first book was read in manuscript by Richard Adams, author of Watership Down and he suggested sending it to his publishers, Rex Collings, after a dozen others had turned it down. They took it.   I didn't change my surname when I got married. Amazing Grace and Boundless Grace (which is what Grace and Family is called in the US) were both turned into musical plays and performed in Minneapolis in 1995 and 1998. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a garage mechanic. I didn't learn to drive until I was over fifty. My husband is half-Indian. His mother was a Parsee, born in Bangalore. One of my great-grandfathers was German, another Irish. I am learning Italian and would love to have a house in Italy. I never wear or own anything blue.   Photo by Jess Barber (©Jess Barber) More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation