- The Vatican Princess A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia.
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 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 her’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 her 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
Nes, yet as scandalous accusations of murder and incest build
against her, menacing those she loves, Lucrezia must risk
everything to overcome the lethal e 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 in.”—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
From the Hardcover edition.