The Vanishing Point

Set in sixteenth-century Bologna, this historical novel explores the life of Lavinia Fontana, a renowned female painter of the Italian Renaissance. Through richly crafted prose, it presents her coming-of-age journey filled with challenges, miracles, and hope. The narrative delves into universal themes of choice and conflict, resonating with readers across time as it reflects the struggle between ambition and personal desires. Hawes captures both the artistic spirit and the societal constraints of the era, making Lavinia's story both timeless and relatable.