The Borgia Bride, Jeanne Kalogridis

The Borgia Bride

Jeanne Kalogridis

Storyline

It is Italy in 1492, and pope Alexander VI murders, bribes and betrays to establish his dynasty. So begins the Borgia reign of terror. Rome is a hotbed of accusation and conspiracy and every day, the River Tiber is full of new bodies. Debauchery and every lust is indulged within the Borgia inner-circle and every indisceretion is overlooked. Lucrezia Borgia develops a friendship with Sancha de Aragon daughter of King Alfonso II of Naples and this friendship strengthens when Lucrezia marries Sancha's brother. When Sancha falls in love with Lucrezia's brother she disovers just how bizarre and internecine the family's true ties are....

Review

In her captivating book, "the Borgia Bride," Jeanne Kalogridis takes readers on a journey through the intricate and surprising adventures of the infamous Borgia family. The narrative unfolds in the period immediately following the death of Lorenzo de' Medici, known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, in 1492—an event that marks the end of an era and deprives Italy of its political "balance of power, described by Filippo de' Nerli. With Lorenzo’s passing, the country faces foreign invasions, while the Italian states, lacking a true sense of unity, navigate alliances and conflicts based on their own interests.
The author chooses to narrate this story through the perspective of a lesser-known yet equally captivating character: Sancha of Aragon. This young and courageous daughter of Alfonso II, King of Naples, is betrothed to Gioffre, the son of Rodrigo Borgia, who is known as Pope Alexander VI. This marriage is intended to secure the papacy's support for the Aragonese dynasty.
Sancha emerges as a resilient and determined figure, capable of confronting adversity without ever fully yielding, while also experiencing profound passion and genuine affection. Alongside her, the ambitious Cesare Borgia stands out, envisioning the unification of Italy under the command of his father's armies, led by Pope Alexander VI.
Kalogridis's novel is an extraordinary work for those seeking to explore the history of the Borgia family, which has long been regarded as a symbol of cruelty and an insatiable lust for power. The author presents a compelling and stylistically refined narrative, featuring a detailed depiction of historical events, political alliances, and the context of the Renaissance. The historical reconstruction is masterfully executed in an original and engaging manner.
Against the vibrant backdrop of the Italian Renaissance, Jeanne Kalogridis skillfully intertwines power intrigues and turbulent passions, crafting a novel that radiates the intensity and suspense of a captivating thriller, fully deserving five beautiful sunflowers.