Review: "The Vatican Princess" by C. W. Gortner

This is a fabulous novel of intrigue!! There are countless twists and turns that keep you reading!! This is a historically fictional novel about Lucrezia Borgia, the daughter of Rodrigo Borgia, also known as Pope Alexander VI. Lucrezia was a typical young girl who idolizes her father but that is the only typical thing about her. From the day that her father is elected Pope, she becomes a pawn in his bid to secure his legacy for his sons. She is a hostage to be used and married off to whoever can benefit her family’s position and make their stance stronger among the political intrigue that is taking place between France, Spain, Naples and Rome. When her husband can no longer serve his purpose, he is dispatched by annulment or murder for someone who can. In fact, anyone who can harm the Burgia family by secrets that they know, is either sent away or murdered. Throw in two brothers who are jealous and want to destroy the other, any way they can and you have a story that you don’t want to put down until you turn the last page.

The author tells the story in the first person narrative through the eyes of Lucrezia. This give the story an extra depth. You feel her happiness, joy and pain as she struggles with the intrigues and demands put on her by both her father and her brothers. You ache for her as she loses the loves of her life as she is forced to do what is best for the family. This is truly a heartbreaking story when you realize the tragedy that she endures, all before the age of twenty.

I usually do not chose to read or review books about the intrigues of the courts of Europe but I’m glad I chose this one. The writing is superb and keeps you on the edge of your seat, unable to put it down. It can also be enjoyed by young adults and older because it is not overly graphic is any area. I will certainly be adding C. W. Gortner to my list of authors to read!!