The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia

ISBN: 0345533976

Author: Gortner, C. W.

Condition: New

For fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, bestselling author C. W. Gortner effortlessly weaves history and drama in this captivating novel about one of the worlds most notorious families. Glamorous and predatory, the Borgias fascinated and terrorized fifteenth-century Renaissance Italy, and Lucrezia Borgia, beloved daughter of the pope, was at the center of the dynastys ambitions. Slandered as a heartless seductress who lured men to their doom, was she in fact the villainess of legend, or was she trapped in a familial web, forced to choose between loyalty and survival?With the ascension of the Spaniard Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI, a new era has dawned in Rome. Benefitting from their fathers elevation are the new popes illegitimate children-his rival sons, Cesare and Juan, and beautiful young daughter Lucrezia-each of whom assumes an exalted position in the papal court. Privileged and adored, Lucrezia yearns to escape her childhood and play a part in her familys fortunes. But Rome is seductive and dangerous: Alliances shift at a moments notice as Italys ruling dynasties strive to keep rivals at bay. As Lucrezias father faces challenges from all sides, the threat of a French invasion forces him to marry her off to a powerful adversary. But when she discovers the brutal truth behind her alliance, Lucrezia is plunged into a perilous gambit that will require all her wits, cunning, and guile. Escaping her marriage offers the chance of happiness with a passionate prince of Naples, yet as scandalous accusations of murder and incest build against her, menacing those she loves, Lucrezia must risk everything to overcome the lethal fate imposed upon her by her Borgia blood.Beautifully wrought, rich with fascinating historical detail, The Vatican Princess is the first novel to describe Lucrezias coming-of-age in her own voice. What results is a dramatic, vivid tale set in an era of savagery and unparalleled splendor, where enemies and allies can be one and the same, and where loyalty to family can ultimately be a curse.Praise for The Vatican PrincessIn a literary exploration riven with Shakespearean quantities of murder, lies, deceptions, and treachery, Gortners narrative gains veracity with his atmospheric exploration of fashion, architecture, and art on the stage of loud, filthy, and dangerous Rome. Gortner has imagined Lucrezia Borgias life from a feminist perspective.-Kirkus Reviews[Gortner] has invested his novel with impressive historical detail that is woven neatly into the threads of the story, and his afterword and references offer excellent insight.-Historical Novels ReviewAssiduously researched and expertly crafted, this novel takes readers inside the treacherous world of the Borgias-one of historys most dysfunctional ruling families-and brings to life the sympathetic and freshly imagined character of their leading lady, Lucrezia. This unholy plunge into Romes darkest dynasty is wholly engrossing.-Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Sisi: Empress on Her OwnThe world of Renaissance Italy is vividly brought to life-Im captivated by this knowledgeable authors take on the controversial Borgias.-Alison Weir, New York Times bestselling author of Katherine of Aragon, The True QueenImpressive research, a lush background, and deft characterization of these turbulent times make for a fascinating read.-Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth I