miguelf's review against another edition
3.0
Likely the shortest book I’ll read this year, this book is more personal recollection and experience than an overview of the Sienese art school. While not expecting something like an art audio guide one finds at the museum, I did err in thinking that I would get a greater appreciation of this particular art movement. Instead there’s a lot more going concerning the author’s life, in meeting strangers in Sienna and describing those encounters. If you enjoy personal essays with pithy ruminations this might be up your alley.
hay_jude's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
This book was a Christmas present, I think bought partly because of my interest in Renaissance art, as the author goes to Siena to look at paintings by artists of the Sienese school. However, his motivation is closely connected to an event which has deeply impacted his life, the kidnap and disappearance of his father in Libya when he was a 19 year old student in London. Looking at paintings from this group of artists in the National Gallery provided a form of solace for him then and this book seems in some ways to be the completion of a journey through his grief and trauma at his loss, and his coming to terms with the fact that he will probably never know the full story of what became of his father. It is beautifully written and very moving and gives a fresh appreciation of the power of art and its ability to provide a human connection across time.
angiolettoliz's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet and tender recollection of one's special time and connection with place, art, love and language. Perfect few hour or day read. Has you recalling your own visits to Siena if had any and wishing you too had spent a month there and appreciated more of the mundane interactions, sights and feelings experienced there.
The book is also wonderful, ergonomically to hold, as if the diary pulled from under Hisham's pillow.
robbyreader's review against another edition
5.0
I read this last year and forgot to add it. So beautifully written, it will make you want to run away to Siena. If you don't have wanderlust in covid 2020, you will after reading this!