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 world’s 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 dynasty’s ambitions. Slandered … 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 father’s elevation are the new pope’s 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 family’s fortunes. But Rome is seductive and dangerous: Alliances shift at a moment’s notice as Italy’s ruling dynasties strive to keep rivals at bay. As Lucrezia’s 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 Lucrezia’s 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 Princess
“In a literary exploration riven with Shakespearean quantities of murder, lies, deceptions, and treachery, Gortner’s 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 Borgia’s 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 Review
“Assiduously researched and expertly crafted, this novel takes readers inside the treacherous world of the Borgias—one of history’s most dysfunctional ruling families—and brings to life the sympathetic and freshly imagined character of their leading lady, Lucrezia. This unholy plunge into Rome’s darkest dynasty is wholly engrossing.”—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Sisi: Empress on Her Own
“The world of Renaissance Italy is vividly brought to life—I’m captivated by this knowledgeable author’s take on the controversial Borgias.”—Alison Weir, New York Times bestselling author of Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen
“Impressive 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
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Gortner has created great historical fiction – fusing what is known about the Borgias with his own theories. This is the story of a truly terrifying family — relentlessly ambitious, manipulative, power mad, and violent. Arranging someone’s death is done as casually as ordering a meal and incest is nothing more than a minor embarrassment.
Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia) is the family mastermind, who lets nothing stand in the way of his family’s success. His son Juan (Rodrigo’s favorite) is a true sociopath. Another son, Cesare becomes the most feared man in Europe. Lucrezia, Rodrigo’s only daughter, has an historical reputation equal to her brothers. But it is Gortner’s contention that she was an innocent, her family’s pawn, forced into three marriages to further the family fortunes. Rodrigo’s supposed fourth child, Gioffre, a minor character in this novel, seems to be of questionable parentage.
The book is an engrossing glimpse into Borgia family dynamics and it shows us a group of people ruthless and totally amoral — who can justify brutality of any kind simply by believing they act in the interests of their own family. And there are some gruesome events described. Of course, horrible characters do make for a fascinating and suspenseful read, don’t they?
A different point of view of the notorious Borgia family and all the intrigues in Rome.
The Borgia family has been the subject of countless TV shows and movies. This fictional look at Lucretia Borgia is interesting and entertaining.
I love historical novels and this one did not disappoint. Court intrigue, greed and murder of both innocent and guilty at the hands of the Church were rampant in the late 1400’s and early 1500’s, leaving no one untouched. It’s not a happy read but totally engrossing. I highly recommend.
Completely changed my view of an historic character. Very interesting and informative.
Has a good historical perspective, factual in some places, speculative in others. Still, it gives a good overview of the history and life style of in the 1500’s.
No one does historical novels better than C.W.Gortner. If you love in-depth historial novels, fastidiously researched and beautifully told, I would highly reccomend this book – as well as all of his others.
The supposed history of Lucrezia Borgia, this book is very interesting and readable. While the history may be questionable in some places (mainly conversations), Gortner has done the remarkable by making you care for a character that has always been painted with a “black brush.”
Well done novel about this “infamous” woman. I’m always happy with a historical novel that is obviously well researched, era appropriate, and a page turner as well.
Characters were not believable or likeable.
Great historical romance read. A look back at the history and intrigue of the politics of the time.
An intriguing interpretation of history and wonderfully written. I enjoyed it very much. Was she really such a pawn – we will never truly know.
Very good historical fiction. I always enjoy her books.
Not a bad book, but I lost interest half way through and quit reading. I am more of a mystery and sci fi person.
Although parts contradict other biographical item I’ve read about the Borgias, this novel illustrates the deep corruption of the papacy led by Rodrigo Borgia.