Legacy, Matteo Strukul

I Medici, Legacy

Matteo Strukul

Storyline

Fontainebleau, 1536. Francis II, Dauphin and heir to the French throne, is dead. Poisoned. And the royal court believe Catherine de' Medici to be the murderer. Catherine's husband Henry will now be the next King of France – and the Medici are known to stop at nothing in the pursuit of power.
But not yet queen and without an heir of her own, seventeen-year-old Catherine cannot be sure of securing her family's legacy. To ensure the conception of an heir, she will need to seek help from an unexpected ally: Nostradamus, the reclusive astronomer and purported seer. Dismissed by most as a charlatan and a heretic, Catherine knows he will be her only hope in becoming a mother to the future king.
Amid court intrigues, betrayals, and humiliations, Catherine waits. She awaits the death of her father-in-law, King Francis, and the birth of a son to carry her name. For once she is queen, Catherine de' Medici's power will only grow.

Review

In this third installment of the saga, Matteo Strukul delves into the fascinating and controversial figure of Catherine, one of the most intriguing women of the Medici dynasty. Her character, rich in nuances and complexity, is driven by a profound sense of loneliness and a burning desire for love—elements that shape every decision she makes. Strukul demonstrates an extraordinary talent for revisiting well-known historical events, skillfully evoking unexpected empathy for the woman who orchestrated the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Throughout the novel, we witness Catherine’s transformation and growth, exploring both her brighter and darker sides.
Catherine is depicted as an ambivalent and intricate figure in her roles as a wife and mother. Despite the humiliation inflicted by Henry II, who not only favors his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, but is also politically swayed by her, Catherine continues to hold deep affection for her husband. Following Henry II’s tragic death in a jousting accident during the festivities for their daughter Elisabeth's wedding to Philip II of Spain, Catherine withdraws into her sorrow, donning black attire at the French court for the first time—a conspicuous symbol of her mourning.
Strukul narrates Catherine’s story with his distinctive, compelling, and intense style, paying tribute to a strong and determined character, perfectly in line with the heroines of the previous volumes. As in the earlier chapters, the author employs a tableau narrative, highlighting significant figures and events. Alongside Catherine, prominent characters such as the ambitious King Francis I, his impressionable successor Henry II, and the alluring yet dangerous Diane de Poitiers also stand out.
“Legacy” is a pleasure to read, thanks to the author's mastery in blending history with legend. However, compared to the previous novels, I believe it benefits from readers having a solid background knowledge of the historical context, given the complexity of the events depicted.
In my view, Matteo Strukul reaffirms his position as a skilled storyteller and a master at transforming history into an engaging narrative. For my personal taste, I give this story 4 sunflowers.