What a marvelous idea for this enthralling novel! From Robert Browning's interior-monologue poem "My last duchess" as a jumping-off point, the author has fashioned a plausible mystery. Set in 16th century Ferrara, Italy, the novel tells how Barbara, Archduchess of Austria and second wife to Alfonso d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, investigates every lead as to the murder of Alfonso's first wife. She believes him when he says he didn't do it, although he **is** a frightening, arrogant figure. She investigates on her own, then finally the two work in tandem. The denouement came out of the blue and was completely unexpected. You will fall in love with Barbara, this strong woman character, who follows her nose where it leads her. Someone tries to stop her with a poisoning which someone else suffers and on a hunt someone cuts her horse's girth, but she survives this assassination attempt. Stunning descriptions of the d'Este court permeated the book: balls, celebrations, rich food, gorgeous clothes and jewels. I'm glad my copy included Browning's original poem at the end. This has now been added to my favourite books! What a read! If you haven't read it already, then do so. You won't be disappointed, I promise. Anything Renaissance Italy interests me anyway but with the added detail of a little know Hapsburg bride, my fascination was on overload. I find the whole Hapsburg dynasty to be so interesting, the way they inter-married and at one point were ruling half of Europe. Anyway, back to the book... Loupas mixes the story of Alfonso D'Este, his marriage to his second bride Barbara of Austria with a wonderful element of mystery. Barbara has heard so many tales and rumours that Alfonso murdered his first wife, Lucrezia De Medici. Barbara needs so know the truth and so sets about some detective work, trying to figure out the cause of Lucrezia's death. There is a second narrative, at the end of each chapter, telling the truth of what happened. I'm not going to mention the name of this person as it'll spoil the story. The writing is wonderful, the details and wonderful, the descriptions are wonderful. I actually can't fault this book at all. I can't wait to get started on The Flower Reader next :)
What do You think about Vojvotkinja (2011)?
Awesome historical fiction and a great love story/murder mystery.
—EAisyah
