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oliviaemily's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is marvellous. My only gripe is that it’s a bit long and convoluted at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Rape
kangaroo1990's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Rape, Murder, and Confinement
Moderate: Bullying
emmmmmmma's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loveeee this book so much. I read half the forget about it for months then read the other half in 2 weeks because a fell in love with it. I will definitely read it again.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Murder, and Pedophilia
There was maybe one paragraph not extremely detailed of r*pe. I didn't find it triggering however some people might. Given that the main character is 15 and her husband is 27? I would count that as weird and it is briefly mentioned throughout but not explicit I don't think.maises's review
slow-paced
4.0
“If she is to survive this marriage, or perhaps even to thrive within it, she must preserve this part of herself and keep it away from him, separate, sacred. She will surround it with a thorn-thicket or a high fence, like a castle in a folktale; she will station bare-toothed, long-clawed beasts at its doors. He will never know it, never see it, never reach it. He shall not penetrate it.”
Beautifully written with a palpable tension that was stretched thin over the entire story. I’m satisfied with how it ended, in comparison to the truth of what really happed in history. I found Lucrezia charming and strong-willed and felt sympathy for her powerlessness throughout. She found strength in her own autonomy, even if it was only ever internal. I’d like to thinkshe and sweet artist lover Jocasta lived together in happiness after meeting in that forest , even if it seems so dreamlike, unreal. She deserves that peace!
Alfonso and his right hand Leonello were appropriately frightening villains. The cruelty of men at this time - even from her own male family members who weren’t even actively antagonists - makes all women victim to their misogyny, which is a societal event. It’s what makesLucrezia’s ending escape so special, even at the cost of Emilia the maid’s subsequent murder .
Beautifully written with a palpable tension that was stretched thin over the entire story. I’m satisfied with how it ended, in comparison to the truth of what really happed in history. I found Lucrezia charming and strong-willed and felt sympathy for her powerlessness throughout. She found strength in her own autonomy, even if it was only ever internal. I’d like to think
Alfonso and his right hand Leonello were appropriately frightening villains. The cruelty of men at this time - even from her own male family members who weren’t even actively antagonists - makes all women victim to their misogyny, which is a societal event. It’s what makes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
jmitchell20's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Murder
brynpemery's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Death, Sexual assault, Murder, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Animal death
thegoldfish's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I! should have! read! the! content! warnings! on! this one! buddy!!!!
Nevertheless, I'm glad to have read it. Some of the most stomach-churning accuracy I've ever seen in evoking the dread and desperate inner rationalization of being stuck in a relationship with someone who wants to hurt you.
Nevertheless, I'm glad to have read it. Some of the most stomach-churning accuracy I've ever seen in evoking the dread and desperate inner rationalization of being stuck in a relationship with someone who wants to hurt you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Rape, Violence, Confinement, Gaslighting, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Animal cruelty
sienamon_roll's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gaslighting, Murder, Adult/minor relationship, and Rape
emmaahel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: Rape
laurenzokro's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Maggie has done it again!!! O’Farrell’s attention to historical detail and narrative is so apparent throughout - it’s impossible not to appreciate the care and precision that goes into her writing. I especially enjoyed reading her author’s notes at the end, frankly, because you really get such clear insight into why and how she chooses to stray from historical accuracy, the intention behind it to build a more well-rounded story rather than just serving as a plot device.
As seen in “Hamnet”, Lucrezia’s story showcases both the larger-than-life romanticism that often draws people into the era while balancing it with the harsh, unjust realities of the time. One moment the reader is encapsulated by the beautiful descriptions of Renaissance-era architecture, clothing, and general luxuries that Lucrezia is constantly surrounded and fascinated by, only to be abruptly interrupted by sexist and/or classist power plays. The manner in which both of those themes connect back to (and are often initiated by) Alonso serves as an effectual embodiment of the time period as a whole, and the figures who dominated and represent it.
Needless to say that this book was excellent - O’Farrell’s talent for crafting such a richly-layered yet accessible narrative is very unique, and makes her reads all the more enjoyable.
As seen in “Hamnet”, Lucrezia’s story showcases both the larger-than-life romanticism that often draws people into the era while balancing it with the harsh, unjust realities of the time. One moment the reader is encapsulated by the beautiful descriptions of Renaissance-era architecture, clothing, and general luxuries that Lucrezia is constantly surrounded and fascinated by, only to be abruptly interrupted by sexist and/or classist power plays. The manner in which both of those themes connect back to (and are often initiated by) Alonso serves as an effectual embodiment of the time period as a whole, and the figures who dominated and represent it.
Needless to say that this book was excellent - O’Farrell’s talent for crafting such a richly-layered yet accessible narrative is very unique, and makes her reads all the more enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Child abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Murder