The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell is a stunning historical novel that brings to life the story of Lucrezia de' Medici, a young Renaissance noblewoman whose portrait may hold the key to a deadly secret. Set in 1560s Florence and Ferrara, the novel opens with Lucrezia alone in a remote villa with her husband Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara, and the growing realization that he intends to kill her.
Through alternating timelines, O'Farrell reveals Lucrezia's journey from a spirited, unconventional girl in the powerful Medici family to a teenage bride trapped in a dangerous marriage. As the youngest daughter, she was never meant to marry Alfonso—that fate belonged to her older sister. But when tragedy strikes, Lucrezia is thrust into a political alliance that will determine her fate. In her new home, she must navigate the treacherous world of court politics, her husband's volatile moods, and the mystery of what happened to his first wife.
This breathtaking novel showcases O'Farrell's masterful prose and deep understanding of her characters' inner lives. Inspired by the real Lucrezia de' Medici and the famous portrait by Renaissance master Bronzino, the story explores themes of power, art, survival, and a young woman's determination to control her own destiny. Perfect for fans of literary historical fiction with richly drawn characters, lush period detail, and stories about women who refuse to be silenced by the constraints of their time.
Condition: Very Good - minor shelf wear, pages clean and intact, binding tight
Format: Trade Paperback
