pickThis was a really easy and informative read. It offers information on the whole family but in a way that is easy to take in and understand. Especially if you don't know a whole lot and want a comprehensive introduction to this part of Italian history. #bookspin @thearomaofbooks
pickI watched the TV series “The Borgias” years ago when it was shown on TV. Her father was chosen to be the Pope in 1492 and his rapacity is seen as the most corrupt in Vatican history.
This is the story of Lucrezia, deemed the most beautiful women of her time. She had been engaged 3 times before she was 13, at 13 she was mad for the first time. Her father had her marriages annulled and husbands killed as he saw fit. Her 3rd marriage was her last,
"Family. The greatest loyalty after God."
"There have been none like us before. And there will be none afterwards. Be careful what you write."
pickGortner does a really good job of historical fiction from the viewpoint of a woman. I upped my rating in the last ¼ of the book or so, after Lucrezia married her second husband, whom she loved. The afterword goes a bit further into history after where the book leaves off so we know what happened to all the major players in the book, in addition to talking a bit about the author‘s research.
pickThis was book was free with my Audible sub so I gave it a listen. The true story of Rodrigo Borgia, better known as Pope Alexander VI, is full of intrigues, murders, bribes, and syphilis. The Pope brazenly promoted his children Cesare and Lucreza into the highest spheres of wealth and influence. This book makes the Catholic Church look like a corrupt multinational corporation. The Borgia family was definitely the best of the worst! ☠️
Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI. I‘m really enjoying the narrator‘s pronunciation of the phrase “cloth of gold” especially in the chapter where Cesare‘s entourage arrives at the French royal court in Chinon. 💎 👑 ⛪️
“He had had many mistresses in the past, from one of whom he had contracted syphilis, and as a cardinal he had fathered three daughters.”
on Cardinal Della Rovere/Pope Julius
Is there anyone in this book who *doesn‘t* have syphilis??
My new book sleeve just arrived and I'm over the moon about it. 🥰🪐🌌 It's the perfect companion for Blood and Beauty, which I started yesterday to get out of an almost-reading slump.
P.S. It glows in the dark. 🤓
How am I only discovering stickers now?? 😲
It's already Valentine's Day on this side of the world so Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! 💕
