This book has won me. I hadn't a chance to defend. As I read in another review (on The Guardian website) a story was fresh, vibrant and utterly compelling. I agree completely. 
 I am not a professional artist. So I had times when I had problems with understanding and concentration reading some parts of the book. But Dunant wrote in so captivating way that I can't tell I was bored in those moments. 
 Reading this novel I had a feeling that I stood in the middle of a great, beautiful room, that all around me was warm light. And I was wearing a wonderful dress, shining and grand. The whole surroundings was almost overwhelming, but almost because Dunant's writing gave me the dress. Thanks to it I felt in place. Sometimes the story went so fascinatingly that I felt like I was spinning around myself, like children often do when they are happy. But I didn't gotten dizziness just a sweet excitement and again it was thanks to Dunant's writing. 
 Despite what I have written above, the story wasn't a happy one. There were happy moments for the characters but most of all it was constantly struggles with circumstances, with the world they lived. So, this novel was about a courage and fight for self-meaning, for own dreams. You say - nothing new, nothing special. Yes, many books are about it. Nonetheless we love them because they are telling us about important things. 
 "The Birth of Venus" is a great historical fiction. There was a thrilling historical background (it did not mind I knew the story of Savonarola), charming new world (of art) and an irresistible fictional story. 
 It is one of those books which I would like to skip (I really prefer a happy endings) but when I read them I know I would love them. And I do love. A side effect is (as always) my emotional state. Now I need a break and then read rather happier book.