Unfinished: The Inspired Life of Elisabetta Sirani by Kelly Evans

An important work of historical fiction that unearths a woman unfortunately forgotten over time, Kelly Evans’ Unfinished tells the story of Elisabetta Sirani, a prolific visual artist in 1600s Bologna whose work was often claimed by men. The novel tracks Sirani as she takes over her father’s studio at a young age, later establishing a major art school in Europe for women, courted by royals, while being a highly productive artist in many mediums. Sirani’s life obviously begs to be told, and Evans does her remarkable life justice, creating a vivid portrait of an extraordinary woman with great artistry and attention to historical detail.