The Creation of Eve

 While stocking books the other day, one fell off the shelf and hit my foot. This is not anything new. It happens all the time. I bend to pick up the book, which has landed, opened. I scan down the page and the sentence that catches my eye is "Only Michelangelo has the key." I flip the book over and see that the book's title is The Creation of Eve by Lynn Cullen. I read the description of the book. I had never heard of the author before but decided I would take a chance on it. There is nothing more that I love more than Italy and Michelangelo, so I began reading.

 The book starts out in Italy in 1559. A 27 year old woman named Sofonisba Anguissola, Sofi for short, is studying art from Michelangelo. This is a rare priveldge due to the fact that women in that time did not paint. Most could not even read. She signs her work "Sofonisba Anguissola, Virgo (the Virgin). Her work is noticed by some and her adventure begins.

 The story follows Sophi, via her notebooks, from Italy to Spain. King Felipe II of Spain sends for her to be the painting instructor to the very young Queen Elisabeth . She is also the Queen's lady in waiting and confidant.

 I will not give the storyline away, but Sophi's story is amazing! From love found, lost and found again to tiny decisions that change events in a huge way, this book is a must read. Many of the characters in this book were real people, which adds to the allure of this story.

The way Ms. Cullen writes is a joy to read. Everything flows very nicely and there is not a lot of filler added. The Creation of Eve takes you back in time and makes you wish you were there, in the background watching this story unfold.