Specify Books To David

Original Title:	David
ISBN:	1408800527 (ISBN13: 9781408800522)
Edition Language:	English
Setting:	Florence(Italy)

David Paperback | Pages: 260 pages

Itemize About Books David

Title	:	David
Author	:	Mary Hoffman
Book Format	:	Paperback
Book Edition	:	Deluxe Edition
Pages	:	Pages: 260 pages
Published	:	July 4th 2011 by Bloomsbury UK (first published January 1st 2011)
Categories	:	Historical. Historical Fiction. Young Adult. Cultural. Italy. Romance. Art. Fiction

Interpretation Toward Books David

David is a vivid historical novel; it is both a coming of age story and an exploration of the Florentine politics of the sixteenth century. It is a wonder of a book and refreshingly different.


David is actually the story of Gabriele, the milk-brother of the famous artist and sculptor Michelangelo. Gabriele is eighteen when he leaves his home, Settignano, a small village, and arrives in the city of Florence in search of work as a stone-cutter. Gabriele is a naive young man who lacks a practical understanding of the wider world. He is easily led and also rather fickle with his affections. He left his fifteen year old sweetheart, Rosalia, in the village and he does not remain faithful to her. In fact, on his first night in Florence after being robbed, he is taken in by an aristocratic lady, Clarice, and is seduced by her. Michelangelo is away with his work but eventually he returns to Florence and Gabriele takes residence with him and his brothers.


Angelo, as Gabriele calls him, is an intriguing character. The author gives us an interpretation of the man as being highly protective of his creative work and also involved in it to the point of obsession. Angelo is renowned for his abilities and this novel is also partly his visualisation of the statue of David. Angelo takes an abandoned piece of marble and turns it into a mighty symbol of the Florentine republic. The two years it takes to complete the statue take Gabriele on a journey. He sets out an innocent, uneducated boy, embarrassed by his own beauty and unworldly in matters of the heart. As he poses for Angelo and becomes the face of David, he learns to be comfortable in his naked form and learns the true nature of love – in many forms – love of fine art, parental love, faithful love, brotherly love and love of a cause. Gabriele learns to act with the courage of David.


Before reading David, I had heard of course of the statue. But being rather a Neanderthal where art is concerned, I actually had no idea that it represents the biblical David conquering the giant Goliath. I felt like this book educated me about the beauty of fine art and the incredible meaning behind it. Hoffman communicated the moment of connection with a piece of art so evocatively that I feel inspired to try to see the story hidden inside. I would now also love to go to Florence and see the statue. I feel as if I have already walked those streets and seen stone-cutters covered in the fine powder of their craft such is the author’s power to transport you to the very heart and place of the story.


David is a complex and challenging novel. Its themes are more in tune with older teens than younger. I think it would make an excellent adult crossover as there are so many layers here to enjoy. Those who are questioning the establishment and revelling in revolutionary ideals will find a solace and honest reflection in David. Written with an exceptional sense of setting and with an artist’s passion, David will move and enchant you.

Rating About Books David

Ratings: 3.35 From 479 Users | 113 Reviews

Crit About Books David

This well-written coming-of-age novel is not for the faint of heart, or for younger readers. As other reviewers have said, the protagonist makes poor moral choices that drive much of the plot though he later regrets them and takes responsibility for his actions. Florentine culture, society and politics are vividly portrayed though the portrayal is never explicitly or gratuitous. The highlights for me are the glimpses of Michelangelo and his work and warm friendship with the protagonist. I got

Taking place in the early 1500s, David addresses many political issues and artistic viewpoints. Mary Hoffman uses the book to exaggerate the political dispute between the two factions. She also incorporated the popular style of art and how it affects peoples view on politics. This was caused by Michelangelo sculpting the statue David, which caused many disagreements between the Frateschi and the Compagnacci for many years. This was a time when people often misunderstood what the artist was

Perhaps it is unfair that I have previously loved, adored, Hoffman's Stravaganza series. David is a story about the (fictitious) man who stood for Michelangelo's sculpture by the same name. The book mostly revolves around Gabriele (otherwise known as David)'s romantic interests and fringes on the d'Medici plot to retake Florence. I would have preferred a further dive into any of these plot lines, where as they all stay semi surface level. That being said I'll definitely pick up Falconer's Knot

As a young adult, when fridge magnets were in I bought a David set for my friends. You could dress him up in different outfits including an Elvis one. My parents visited Florence at some point and were also blown away and finally about five years ago, I finally got to go to Florence myself. After announcing to the Frog that I could live solely on Italian food FOREVER, I arrived and discovered I couldnt eat the damn stuff for love or money. Still, the little monster growing inside of me didnt

This review was originally posted on Fluttering ButterfliesDavid by Mary Hoffman is the first book of hers that I've read, but it certainly won't be the last.This book really just felt very different from anything I've read lately. It isn't just that it's historical, which is a genre that I don't often read, but the combination of political intrigue, scandal, art and descriptions of an Italy I'd be desperate to see made this book hugely exciting and fascinating. I couldn't wait to find out what

Read in 2016 before and during a trip to Florence. Was really good read and made the tour around I went on round Florence more enjoyable

Gabriele moved to Florence in hopes of earnings funds to support a future with his beloved back home. Instead his good looks and innocence take him on a political journey he never expected. Learning the ropes of life in a big city, Gabriele and his milk brother, budding artist Michelangelo work together to create a unexpected symbol of the republic, a marble statue of David. Passion, art and politics, Gabriele grows up to discover just what is important in ones life.Normally I love historical