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camsand 's review for:
The Marriage Portrait
by Maggie O'Farrell
Her father would have found her an advantageous match because, after all, that is what she has been brought up for, to be married, to be used as a link in his chains of power, to produce heirs.
Lucrezia, the daughter of a Florentine Medici grand duke, is married off to the duke of Ferrara. Her new husband intentionally isolates her from his political dealings. She is expected to meet one duty: produce an heir. But observant Lucrezia can’t ignore what she sees and has to contend for her own future.
Renaissance Florence is ripe with stories and this one, based on historical events and people, is especially absorbing. As a girl in the Medici family, Lucrezia is married for political purposes. Because she is kept on the fringes of court intrigue, so are we as readers. The unknowing builds suspense and disorientation as Lucrezia learns more about her husband, his family, and his court.
Maggie O’Farrell’s writing is sumptuous with subtle metaphors and foreshadowing. An exquisite reading experience.
If you like this, try:
[b:Be Like the Fox: Machiavelli in his World|36236113|Be Like the Fox Machiavelli in his World|Erica Benner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1508533989l/36236113._SX50_.jpg|52782563] by Erica Benner. I couldn’t help but see ‘The Prince’ in the actions of the Italian ruling families. I know how the men ‘The Marriage Portrait’ would answer Machiavelli’s question: “Whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved?”
[b:Rebecca|17899948|Rebecca|Daphne du Maurier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386605169l/17899948._SX50_.jpg|46663] by Daphne du Maurier. This classic gothic noir has similar themes to ‘The Marriage Portrait.’ A new bride joining her husband at his estate finds that the household is still under the shadow of his deceased wife.
Lucrezia, the daughter of a Florentine Medici grand duke, is married off to the duke of Ferrara. Her new husband intentionally isolates her from his political dealings. She is expected to meet one duty: produce an heir. But observant Lucrezia can’t ignore what she sees and has to contend for her own future.
Renaissance Florence is ripe with stories and this one, based on historical events and people, is especially absorbing. As a girl in the Medici family, Lucrezia is married for political purposes. Because she is kept on the fringes of court intrigue, so are we as readers. The unknowing builds suspense and disorientation as Lucrezia learns more about her husband, his family, and his court.
Maggie O’Farrell’s writing is sumptuous with subtle metaphors and foreshadowing. An exquisite reading experience.
If you like this, try:
[b:Be Like the Fox: Machiavelli in his World|36236113|Be Like the Fox Machiavelli in his World|Erica Benner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1508533989l/36236113._SX50_.jpg|52782563] by Erica Benner. I couldn’t help but see ‘The Prince’ in the actions of the Italian ruling families. I know how the men ‘The Marriage Portrait’ would answer Machiavelli’s question: “Whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved?”
[b:Rebecca|17899948|Rebecca|Daphne du Maurier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386605169l/17899948._SX50_.jpg|46663] by Daphne du Maurier. This classic gothic noir has similar themes to ‘The Marriage Portrait.’ A new bride joining her husband at his estate finds that the household is still under the shadow of his deceased wife.