David by Mary Hoffman

Bloomsbury, 2011.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Have you ever wondered what the story is behind Michelangelo's classic sculpture, David? In this book, Mary Hoffman imagines the story behind the famous sculpture, combining the politics of Florence at the time with a fascinating back-story and glimpse into the possible personal life of the sculptor himself, not to mention the subject of David.
David is first and foremost a historical novel. For some, this may seem like a turn-off, but in truth the many layers of fascinating politics and personal lives make this an interesting, nonetheless informative read. Mary Hoffman has the real talent as a writer of creating a brilliant, creative imagining of what the past was like, immersing the reader in old studies, language, and history. This book was no exception. The characters are fascinating and well developed, and the plot is interesting, especially if you've ever been curious about the story behind the famous sculpture. For fans of history, this will be a captivating read, and for people who are interested in politics, this will be even more so.
This book is best for older readers, because of some sexual content.
David is the perfect novel for those curious about the story behind the famous sculpture, politics in Florence or simply someone looking for a good read.
I recommend this book.
Rebecca Adams (Student)