You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
This was a very good read. One that made me stay up later than I should have in order to turn the next page.
I was very interested in the characters. And the whole book made me think it must have been so hard to live in this time period where everyone could be bought, privacy was almost impossible, and murder was an every day threat for anyone who was "known."
I didn't know a thing about Lucrezia Borgia, and this was an entertaining way to be introduced to the subject matter of the Borgias all together.
I was very interested in the characters. And the whole book made me think it must have been so hard to live in this time period where everyone could be bought, privacy was almost impossible, and murder was an every day threat for anyone who was "known."
I didn't know a thing about Lucrezia Borgia, and this was an entertaining way to be introduced to the subject matter of the Borgias all together.
A less salacious take on the history of the Borgia family than usually found but still captivating.
reflective
thoughtS? i have some. are they positive? not a clue! was this an engaging and enjoyable read? sometimes!
this was never going to be higher than a three star read for me i'll be honest
but i'm always down for a sympathetic reading of lucrezia borgia
should a man have written this? maybe not. was it well intentioned? potentially. did this book make me go eEeh sometimes? frequently
three stars
this was never going to be higher than a three star read for me i'll be honest
but i'm always down for a sympathetic reading of lucrezia borgia
should a man have written this? maybe not. was it well intentioned? potentially. did this book make me go eEeh sometimes? frequently
three stars
I listened to this book on audio. It was easy to get into and keep listening! I've been a little obsessed with Italy lately so maybe a little biased but this was a good introduction to the Borgia family and easier to listen to than a nonfiction book. If you like scandal and intrigue this book will satisfy. There was a questionable turn but I understand why the author would want to exploit supposed scandals for the plot. I also appreciated small details that tied into what was happening in Italy and the greater world at the time as well as Lucrezia's observations of the world around her when she ventures out into the streets. I was a little disappointed that the book ended before the death of Rodrigo and Cesare, but thought the end was fitting. This helped humanize historical figures and makes me want to learn more about the Borgias and other prominent families of the time, so it definitely served my purpose!
This book was really good but really dark. I think the borgias are dark enough where it didn't really need incestuous rape added.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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?
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?
Review of the audio book, read by Julia Whelan.
Gortner really has the touch when it comes to historical fiction. While I didn't love this as much as some of the other books I've read by him, I was still swept away in the historical setting and details. I always love how Gortner takes the historical figures and give them a brand new life.
Gortner really has the touch when it comes to historical fiction. While I didn't love this as much as some of the other books I've read by him, I was still swept away in the historical setting and details. I always love how Gortner takes the historical figures and give them a brand new life.