A review by balfies
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell

dark mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Wanted to read some of the shortlist for the women's prize for fiction. This historic novel about the marriage and murder of the 16th century Duchess of Ferrara was quietly absorbing. 

O'Farrell's ability to create depth within these unknowable women from history is a true skill. I found the ending slightly convoluted, but the depiction of Lucrezia's despair at her sexual duties was verisimilitudinous and evoked deep empathy.
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