Costanza by Rachel Blackmore

Costanza by Rachel Blackmore

Based on the true story of Costanza Piccolomini - a fierce feminist icon who has been written out of history - this unputdownable, sultry and deliciously evocative novel brings to life the dizzying rise and fall of a brilliant young woman in 1600's Rome, and Costanza reclaiming herself after she loses everything.

From the first page I was hooked, completely immersed in Costanza's version of RomeLove, 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

Born in Birmingham, Rachel spent her childhood in the Northeast, then the Midlands. She studied history at King's College London, where her fascination for women's history took root. After a brief stint in politics, Rachel built a senior career in corporate communications. In 2021, she was runner-up in the Harper's Bazaar Short Story Competition and won the Irish Writers Centre 2022 Novel Fair. Rachel lives in London with her three teenagers, two cats and one dog.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780349131092
ISBN 10	0349131090
Title	Costanza
Author	Rachel Blackmore
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Dialogue
Year published	2024-08-01
Number of pages	432
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.