I had a look at the NYC public library suggestions and His Last Duchess was one of the twenty books selected. After turning the last page I can't actually believe this was in the selection by conscious choice. Gabrielle Kimm tells us the story of Lucrezia de Medicis, wife of the Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d'Este. Neglected by her husband who fails to consummate their wedding, the young Duchess fells in love with a painter.
At the end of the book, the writer clarifies modestly that the novel is inspired by historical facts but that she took some liberties. This warning should have been at the beginning. Everything in this book is fake. I do not mind historical romance but in this case please use fictional characters. There is nothing more annoying than using real historical facts and spinning them in a tale far from the reality. Fiction is a powerful tool and can be used to overcome some historical mystery. But, in His Last Duchess the historical truth has no place. If you like history stay far from this book.
Author: Gabrielle Kimm
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
At the end of the book, the writer clarifies modestly that the novel is inspired by historical facts but that she took some liberties. This warning should have been at the beginning. Everything in this book is fake. I do not mind historical romance but in this case please use fictional characters. There is nothing more annoying than using real historical facts and spinning them in a tale far from the reality. Fiction is a powerful tool and can be used to overcome some historical mystery. But, in His Last Duchess the historical truth has no place. If you like history stay far from this book.
Author: Gabrielle Kimm
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark