The Marriage Portrait

Maggie O'Farrell • 2022

Overview

Set in 1550s Florence, the novel follows Lucrezia de’ Medici after her marriage to Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara. Rumours of the duke’s intention to murder his young bride fuel a claustrophobic tale of art, politics and survival. O’Farrell weaves Renaissance detail with psychological suspense, keeping the reader inside Lucrezia’s wary mind.

Who it's for

• Readers who enjoyed Hamnet
• Historical-fiction fans keen on Italian Renaissance settings
• Book-club members looking for layered female perspectives

Key features

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tinder Press
• Year: 2022
• Standalone historical novel