A very well researched dual time novel about the extremely fascinating Artemisia Gentileschi. I enjoyed reading about this painter's life who fought with her own means (brushes, colors) against the injustice of being a woman as opposed to a man in the 17th century in Italy. She duly succeeded through her paintings, often depicting the violence done to her....
I did not enjoy so much the modern timeline, releasing me unwillingly from the world of art! As in many dual time novels, a hint at romance appears leaving me wondering about what's this got to do with Artemisias ' life!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

I have always admired the artwork of Artemisia Gentilischi and found her life just as fascinating and captivating as her works of art. So naturally when I saw this book I was intrigued and eager to pick it up. The story runs as a dual POV narrative, that switches between Artemisia and David, a retired geologist in the 21st century.

I really liked how this novel established itself in the historical period, it made reference to the events, values and people of the time. It was clear that the book was very well researched. I love Artemisia Gentilischi’s paintings, so reference to them was a highlight for me.

I found the dual POV a bit jarring, it was not mentioned anywhere on the books description so I didn’t see it coming. Additionally, I found the idea of a male protagonist an odd choice, given that the first chapter was characterised by Artemisia’s rage at her treatment, if there was to be a modern voice to move the story, I thought it would be a woman. Additionally, in regards to the writing, I would have liked a bit more ‘show don’t tell’ I was constantly being told how angry she was and being told facts.

Ultimately, I do not think I'm the intended audience, I'm not the biggest fan of a middle aged male protagonist, so I felt that half of this book wasn’t quite for me. However, I think there are definitely audiences who will enjoy this book. Thanks to NetGalley and Romaunce Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.

"His Head on a Platter" by Alan Gold is, in my humble view, misrepresented as a fictionalized account of the life of artist Artemisia Gentileschi. Instead, what it turns out to be is a dual timeline story, switching between Artemisia writing her autobiography and a 21st century man discovering her work. What I read, because sadly I did not finish, wasn't appealing at all. First off, I decided to check if she had ever written her autobiography, and I found no evidence she did so. I guess that's part of the fiction. But her intense anger because of what she endured after being raped is, quite honestly, off-putting. This is a woman who became a renowned artist, eclipsing her father's talent...yet the author depicts her sounding like a bitter soul. Then the flipping back and forth between the late 1600s and 2021, for me, is annoying. I rarely enjoy back and forth timeline plots...it has to be really well-done for me to enjoy.

I don't like not finishing books, but I've learned to not force the issue. This did not capture me like I thought it would. Sadly it is not one I would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Romaunce Books for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily reviewed.