Set in the heart of Renaissance Italy, The Passion of Artemisia follows the life of renowned artist Artemisia Gentileschi.

Artemisia is publicly shunned from Roman society for her "participation" (as the victim) in a statutory rape. The rapist - her painting teacher and father's friend - is not charged, and is set free. However, Artemisia is forced into a loveless, arranged marriage to save her (and her father's) reputations as distinguished artists. Her husband, also an aspiring artist, at first treats Artemisia with compassion but as she becomes more successful, he becomes jealous.

This novel traces 20 years of her struggles and grievances as she aspires to become one of the first great female painters in history.

This novel is an inspiring stroke of genius which I recommend to everyone, but especially feminists. The real Artemisia was the first woman to be accepted into the Florentine Accademia dell' Arte del Disegno. She defines the modern woman, a woman with ambition who is not afraid to go for her goals. Creatively written, The Passion of Artemisia links history and fiction.