The Borgia Bride [Import] [Print on Demand (Paperback)]

Jeanne Kalogridis (Author)

Product Details

• Print on Demand (Paperback): 384 pages
• Publisher: Harper Collins (2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007148836
• ISBN-13: 978-0007148837
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,640,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gives New Meaning to the term DYSFUNCTIONAL family, September 16, 2005

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Borgia Bride: A Novel (Paperback)

Most fans of historical novels love history, and as a result I'm sure most have some idea of the depravation that was inherent in the `Borgia' family line, especially that of one I'd always thought of as the most depraved - Lucrezia. Well, I admit to my ignorance. Though Lucrezia was far from innocent - her father, the very decadent Rodrigo Borgia aka POPE ALEXANDER VI and her brothers Juan and Cesare were the true monsters.

The Borgia bride is a powerfully historical novel told in the first person from the point of view of Princess Sancha of Aragon, a young woman whose father would, for political reasons, marry her to one of the Pope's acknowledged sons, the youngest Borgia, Jofre. While Sancha was spoilt and pampered as the daughter of King Alfonso II of Naples, her worth was calculated only by what advantageous marriage could benefit her family, with no concern over happiness or love. Married to the youngest Borgia, Jofre, they were eventually summoned to Rome, by Jofre's father. It would be in Rome where Sancha met Cesare Borgia. From the moment their eyes met Sancha would finally come to understand passion and a line from Plutarch that she, had once mocked, " I fear, yet hope; I burn, and I am ice." Sancha would discover an all consuming passion falling hopelessly in love, but she would eventually see that passion turn to hatred as she came to see Cesare for the coldly calculating and depraved power hungry murderer that he was.

*** This took me a long time to read; not so much for the length (500+ pages) but more so for the time I took to look up actual historical events, persons, and whether Sancha was real (or a figment of the authors imagination). It explores the tenuous friendship Sancha cultivated knowing how dangerous Lucrezia could be whose jealousy and possessiveness of her father's and brother's affection was legendary. While the story was set during a fascinating historical era of Italian and Papal history with the infamous Borgia family center stage, it provides a fascinating view of the decadence and what could be construed as a prime example of the term dysfunctional family. Did I like and enjoy this book? Yes, most definitely! It was fascinating and I would recommend it to any lover of historical books, but while there were some very graphic sexual encounters, it was not what I could term a romance novel.

[...]

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story, January 6, 2006

By 

K. Huff (Radnor, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Borgia Bride: A Novel (Paperback)

I finished reading this book in about two days- it was a quick read, though not one of the best-written. The book follows the story of Sancha of Aragon, the granddaughter of the King of Naples and the daughter of one of the cruelest men in Europe. She weds Jofre Borgia, the weak and inneffectual son of Pope Alexander- and brother to the infamous Lucrezia and Cesare Borgia. Despite her upbrining, Sancha is in no way prepared for what awaits her when she goes to Rome.

Of course, Popes aren't supposed to father children, let alone admit that they're his. But this Alexander (born Rodrrigo Borgia) certainly does, even having his children live in the papa; palace with him. Upon marriage, Sancha and Jofre are sent to live in Squillace, in a palace that seems like a hovel in comparison to the finery they lived in before they were married. Sancha is 16, and her husband is 13; despite his young age, he takes to carousing at all hours of the night.

When called to Rome by the Pope (a most lecherous man, whose desire is to meet his daughter-in-law), Sancha and Jorfe must go. When there, Sancha meets Jofre's brother and sister. Lucrezia is insanely jealous at first, but eventually warms to her sister-in-law. Lucrezia is depicted in this novel as a victim of the machinations of her brother and father. I never thought of her like this before.

Sancha also meets Cesare Borgia, Cardinal of Valencia, with whom she falls desperately in love. They start a torrid love affair (you can skip over the sex scenes, as they're a bit superfluous to the flow of the story), which ends badly. Soon it becomes quite apparent that Cesare is not all he seems to be. Once divested of his clerical duties, and given a secular role to play, Cesare sets out to conquer the Romagna (the area of Italy north of Rome). His ambitions lead him to want more- including, as retribution for the hurt Sancha caused him, Naples. He soon sides with Naples' worst enemy, France, to accomplish his goal. Suddenly, no one in Rome is safe, especially Sancha, Lucrezia, and her husband Alfonso, who is also Sancha's brother. Soon, fearful for their lives, they are held prisoner in their own home. After Alfonso's death at the hands of Cesare, Sancha swearsthat she will seek revenge.

The Borgia Bride has a fast-paced story, as well as a major what-if: who poisoned Pope Alexander and his son Cesare? No one knows the real answer, but Jeanne Kalogridis gives a possible answer in this novel. I really enjoyed it; I also recommend Pope Joan, by Donna Woolfolk Cross.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kalogridis on top of her game again, February 6, 2006

By 

ellen "ellen in atlanta" (Atlanta, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Borgia Bride: A Novel (Paperback)

The Borgias were probably one of the most dysfunctional and fascinating families in history. Ms. Kalogridis, most famous for her family Dracul trilogy, does a masterful job describing the era and bringing the characters to life. Pope Alexander and his children were formidable forces - Cesare to me is the most sensual villians in history - and The Borgia Bride portrays each character with the spark each deserves. A definite must read not only for Kalogridis fans, but history fans, and those who crave well written works - Highly recommended.