What is the main conflict in The Birth of Venus: A Novel by Sarah Dunant?

This novel is set in thirteenth-century Florence where twelve-year-old Alessandra desperately wants to become an artist. However, it is inappropriate for a young girl to be educated, let alone pursue a passion like art. Instead, Alessandra is expected to marry and give birth to many children. Alessandra does marry, but her marriage is not traditional, leaving Alessandra with the freedom she always dreamed of having. The Birth of Venus is a historical novel that takes the reader on a journey through thirteenth century Florence through the eyes of a young woman who is both courageous and innocent. It is a novel of love and betrayal, but also a novel of personal growth that modern readers will have little trouble relating to.