Customer Reviews

Borgia Bride

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

[...]

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.

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.

If you're looking for a good book to read on a plane--one that you can pick up, be engrossed in and then quickly forget about--then this is the book for you. The book may have some historical facts in it, but it's really just a romance novel with some historical facts thrown in for good measure. Is it enjoyable for what it is? Yes. Are you going to forever remember this book as a pinnacle of fiction? No, but it's a nice diversion nonetheless.

Seventeen years old Princess Sancha de Aragon, the illegitimate daughter of Naples King Alfonso II, is forced to marry into the powerful Borgia family to Jofre, a man younger than her. As such she leaves her home to live in the Vatican where Jofre's father is Pope Alexander VI. However, she is shocked to observe the depravity of the papal court including her new spouse who beds women including several at the same time with an insatiable lust yet ignores his new bride.

Stunned and disillusioned Sancha befriends first Jofre's sister Lucrezia and then his older brother, the seemingly caring Cesare. Not knowing yet how Lucrezia eliminates anyone interested in her brother Cesare, they have an affair until she concludes he is as debauched as his father and two siblings. With nothing to lose as life is worthless in the Borgia pit, Sancha vows to destroy her spouse and in-laws before they obliterate her loved ones back in Naples.

This Borgia era historical fiction is an insightful look at late fifteenth century politics mostly in Rome and the Vatican, but somewhat in Napes that makes the Congressional ethics questions of Congress seem like an elementary school spitball fight. The story line brings to life real persona in which the depraved Borgia brood was violent predators. Fans of Roberta Gellis especially her work LUCREZIA BORGIA AND THE MOTHER OF POISONS will appreciate this powerful historically detailed novel.

Harriet Klausner

I know it's been mentioned here before, but I also would like to voice my extreme displeasure with the formatting of this book. While the story was a definite page-turner, the Kindle version was an absolute mess. Numbers appeared in place of letters, quotations were missing in important places. Numerous times I had to re-read a paragraph because I realized someone was speaking, only to read it again and see that, no, TWO people were speaking, but the lack of quotations didn't make this apparent. I can't even begin to count how many times the letter T or number 1 appeared in place of the letter I. Words were unnecessarily hyphenated, and in some places you could tell words were missing. The publishers wanted my $9.99 for this book, and I paid it. In return I expect to have a smooth and enjoyable reading experience, not one where I'm constantly shaking my head at the total lack of care that went into formatting this.

Now, the book. This was my introduction into the world of the Borgia's, and wow...what a family they were. They make Henry VIII (my favorite) and all his troubles with women look like high school angst. Forget court intrigue, these people were ruthless murderers, killing anyone who got in their way, or killing them solely because they wanted their property. Incest, rape, torture...this is not by any means a light read.

I'm really glad I chose this book to start with. Sancha of Aragon is a strong, confident woman who is not afraid to stand up to the corrupt Borgia's, even though it puts her own life in danger. While incredibly sad, yet also absolutely infuriating, I just couldn't put this down. It did make me very angry at times, and I hoped that someone would just take Cesare out already, but I knew that wouldn't happen. I knew so many more injustices had to happen before the Borgia's reign of terror finally came to an end. I loved how Ms. Kalogridis ended the book. Is that how I think things happened? No. But NO ONE knows who poisoned Cesare and Alexander, so her ending works just fine for me.

Overall, I absolutely recommend this book and will be picking up the other novels this author has written. I think I may take a small break from the Borgia's though...they're one very disturbing family to read about. I think I need to read something with a happy ending before I jump back into the 7th circle of hell with these folks. I do recommend reading the BOOK though, not the Kindle edition. The poor translation was an unnecessary distraction.

I LOVED this book. I read it in two sittings. If you like the works of Philippa Gregory, Karleen Koen, Sarah Dunant, Anya Seton, Susan Carroll, and Alison Weir you will enjoy this novel immensely.

This was the first novel that I have ready by J. Kalogridis. I couldn't put it down. I never knew what to expect when I turned the page. The book was fast paced, exciting and I found it fascinating to learn about the Borgia family.

It's a compelling read. I wanted to devour it all at once, but forced myself to make the book last. It captures the essence of a strong and intelligent woman surviving the twists of a powerful and corrupt papal government and the equally evil and depraved actions of the pope's family. It stirs an interest in this fascinating piece of European history and makes you cheer for strong women of every era.

I'll be frank here ~~ it wasn't what I expected at all but that didn't stop me from reading. I thought it'd be similar to "The Ruby Ring" but it's nothing like that novel. This one is darker and more sensual and more troubling. I couldn't put the book down though as I wanted to see how this book ends.

This is probably the first book I've ever read on The Borgias. Like one reviewer here mentioned, they sure bring new meaning to dysfunctional family! This novel focuses on Sancha of Aragon who marries the Pope's youngest and ineffectual son, Jofre Borgia. Once she arrives in Rome with Jofre, Sancha becomes ensared with Lucrezia and her brother, Cesare, who are also Pope Alexander's children ~~ and Sancha becomes deeply ensared in the sinister web of the Borgia family. Incest, murder, jealousy, adultery, lavish gluttony, and rumors swirl around Rome and Sancha had to rely on her own cunning to remain alive and beat the Borgias at their game.

This is a dark novel ~~ very sensual and troubling. Everything that man can possibly do to his loved ones ~~ are written here. It is a fast page-turner and while disturbing, it's also fascinating. I have not heard much about the Borgias and if this historical fiction is anything to go by ~~ they are intriguing and definitely interesting. That old saying that power corrupts definitely fit this family. It is an interesting historical fiction ~~ one that won't leave my mind for a long time.

7-18-06