Costanza
'Striking fictional retelling of this true history' – Sunday Times
Rachel Blackmore author Priscilla Layne translator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:John Murray Press
Published:1st Aug '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This gripping novel follows Costanza Piccolomini, a fierce feminist icon, as she navigates love, betrayal, and resilience in 1600s Rome. Costanza reclaims her story against societal norms.
Based on the true story of Costanza Piccolomini, this novel intricately weaves the life of a fierce feminist icon who has been largely overlooked by history. Set in 1600s Rome, Costanza captures the tumultuous journey of a brilliant young woman navigating a society rife with male exploitation. The narrative paints a vivid picture of her dizzying rise and fall, as she grapples with the consequences of a passionate yet perilous love affair with the renowned sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini.
As their secret romance unfolds, Costanza's reputation hangs in the balance. Bernini's desire to immortalize her in marble becomes a double-edged sword, leading to a scandal that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. When he unveils his sculpture, the world sees her not just as a muse but as a victim, marking a turning point in her life. However, Costanza is not simply a tale of betrayal; it is a powerful story of resilience and reclamation, showcasing how one woman can rise from the ashes of despair.
Through rich, evocative prose, the novel delves into themes of desire, betrayal, and female empowerment. Costanza is a celebration of a woman's struggle against societal constraints and a reminder of the strength found in reclaiming one's narrative. This captivating tale resonates with contemporary readers, offering insights into the timeless issues of gender and power dynamics in both historical and modern contexts.
From the first page I was hooked, completely immersed in Costanza's version of Rome. Love, lust, fury and betrayal leap from the page. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read a true feminist retelling -- Louise Hare
I loved it . . . Rich and evocative in its portrayal of 17th Century Rome. A fabulous, evocative novel -- Elizabeth Chadwick
I was mesmerised by Costanza, a searing, fierce tale of obsession, revenge, and resilience. Blackmore's lush, sensuous prose evokes 17th Century Rome superbly, from its seamy underbelly to the glamourous Bernini circle. An unforgettable debut novel -- Naomi Kelsey
I sat up into the early hours, unable to drag myself away from Costanza - what a joy! Rachel Blackmore rescues Costanza, wronged and defiant, from the shadows of history -- Karen Powell
A shocking story... Most persuasively written, deeply felt and the detail is excellent. Quite apart from anything else, I will look at Bernini in a new light -- Elizabeth Bucan
Like all the best writers of historical fiction, Blackmore uses her examination of the past to shed light on the present day, in this searing indictment of the treatment and objectification of women. Meticulously researched, atmospheric and beautifully observed, this is a heartbreaking but ultimately triumphant story of one woman's determination to follow her own path -- Bridget Walsh
A stunning read, very powerful. The writing is so beautiful and the historical detail mesmerising and immersive -- Nicola Cornick
In Blackmore's striking fictional retelling of this true history, Costanza refuses to accept a fate as nothing more than a victim of male exploitation * SUNDAY TIMES, BEST HISTORICAL FICTION *
Emotionally intense * DAILY MAIL *
A stunning, visceral portrait of a woman and her life and a story as relevant now as it was then. I was gripped -- JENNIE GODFREY
Wonderful... This novel took over my life for the time I was buried in it. Powerful and deeply affecting * PATERSON JOSEPH *
ISBN: 9780349131092
Dimensions: 162mm x 236mm x 42mm
Weight: 643g
432 pages