Lucia in the Age of Napoleon by Andrea di Robilant.Andrea di Robilant is well known as an historian. His previous novelistic venture was 'A Venetian Affair - a true story of impossible love in the eighteenth century'.
This book is also based on a true story that of Lucia Mocenigo, a direct descendant of the author. The empathic relationship between the subject and author added to the inclusion of numerous passages from Lucia's correspondence and personal diaries make reading this book an intimate and inriguing experience. On the other hand, the minute attention to political history can become a little tiresome if you are not an avid fan of the era.
**** 1/2
For a more detailed review, click on the following link: Review
Elizabeth's Women by Tracy Borman.I'm addicted to this particular historic era, so it's not surprising that I'd opt for an Elizabethan-based novel; however, if you are not an avid historical fiction fan, Borman's book is still written in such an engaging manner that you won't mind.
The book is incredibly informative providing good cross-referencing considering that most of the biographical and fictional accounts I have read to date have been about Queen Elizabeth, herself or one of the influencial men who lived at that time.
It was also interesting to gain insight into a woman's perspective of those turbulant times. If you have seen any of the rather many film versions of Elizabeth's life and reign you will be well aware that the plot must be exciting but what you may not expect is the intimate descriptions of Elizabeth's court and the surprising power weilded by the women close to her.
*****
For a more detail review, click on the following link: Review
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