Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
Stunned and disillusioned Sancha befriends first Jofre’s sister Lucrezia and then his older brother, the seemingly caring Cesare. Not knowing yet how Lucrezia eliminates anyone interested in her brother Cesare, they have an affair until she concludes he is as debauched as his father and two siblings. With nothing to lose as life is worthless in the Borgia pit, Sancha vows to destroy her spouse and in-laws before they obliterate her loved ones back in Naples.
This Borgia era historical fiction is an insightful look at late fifteenth century politics mostly in Rome and the Vatican, but somewhat in Napes that makes the Congressional ethics questions of Congress seem like an elementary school spitball fight. The story line brings to life real persona in which the depraved Borgia brood was violent predators. Fans of Roberta Gellis especially her work LUCREZIA BORGIA AND THE MOTHER OF POISONS will appreciate this powerful historically detailed novel.