Customer Reviews

Duchess of Milan (Onyx)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a book I wish I could write. Historical fiction is a difficult genre in that the story, frequently known to readers already, and the characters, which must be made up almost whole from the author's imagination, must meld somehow into something people want to read. Ennis' "Duchess" is such a book. Intense in its character studies, involved in plot, precise in details such as dress of 15th century Italy, it exudes authenticity. It is more a political novel than an historical one, in that the central theme is one of political machinations the like of which would make Machiavelli proud. I own this book and it is one of only a half dozen that I have re-read. It is rich enough to sustain multiple readings. I can't recommend it highly enough for those who love historical fiction.

I am a History Buff and I loved this book; couldn't put it down and was sorry when I finished reading it. Mr. Ennis is so talented an author that he transported me to the 15th century. From his wonderful description of Renaissance notables and cities - I got to know them and almost felt I walked the streets and saw their palaces. As in any good History Book the facts, dates, characters and events are all there because he is a thorough researcher but he has brought it to a higher, more intimate level by making it a novel - putting words into their mouths,describing villas, decor, battles,costumes,feasts, pagents, with the appearances and manerisms of the principal characters. In so doing he makes this historical period come alive. I hope it will be brought to the screen as we have very few movies of this important period in History.

I "discovered" this book when it was recommended to me by a friend. It turned out to be one of the best books I have ever read. Michael Ennis does a fantastic job of placing the reader squarely in the last decade of the 15th century amid a cast of characters who are vividly brought to life, often through their own words. The sexually charged atmosphere is believable and runs as a strong undercurrent throughout the action of the book. It starts somewhat slowly as the characters are all brought onto the stage, but soon begins to pick up moment as the action commences and the characters are brought into direct conflict. This is a very good read, and an extremely well written book.

All I can say is that Ennis has created an epic masterpiece that happens to take place in the 15th century. His attention to detail is so vivid and lifelike that you are literally transported to a majestic time in history where three women controlled Italy's fate. The characters in this book are masterfully developed (you won't see characters like these often), and this was like reading an enjoyable textbook that combined the Italian language (there are many useful phrases) and 15th Century European History. Many of the characters are historical, and there are even pieces of letters from Leonardo Da Vinci (actually written!), and letters (also actually written) by several major characters, that are tossed in at critical points. Ennis' patience in gathering all the detail and creating the plot exceeds my human capacity to imagine. An outstanding work.

I am a History Buff and I loved this book; couldn't put it down and was sorry when I finished reading it. Mr. Ennis is so talented an author that he transported me to the 15th century. From his wonderful description of Renaissance notables and cities - I got to know them and almost felt I walked the streets and saw their palaces. As in any good History Book the facts, dates, characters and events are all there because he is a thorough researcher but he has brought it to a higher, more intimate level by making it a novel - putting words into their mouths,describing villas, decor, battles,costumes,feasts, pagents, with the appearances and manerisms of the principal characters. In so doing he makes this historical period come alive. I hope it will be brought to the screen as we have very few movies of this important period in History.

Michael Ennis paints a portrait of the turbulent last decade of the 1400s in a manner worthy of artists of this period. Focusing on the brief but memorable life of Beatrice d'Este, wife of one of the most powerful Italian rulers of his time, and her relationship with her equally strong-willed cousin Isabella of Aragon, Ennis brings this exciting period of history to life. While his historical detail is scrupulously accurate--Ennis quotes from the actual diaries of Beatrice's sister, herself a patroness of the greatest artists--I was most impressed by the way he portrayed the viewpoint of the Renaissance mind, seeking the novel while revering the classical, the utter ruthlessness, brutality and jockeying for power that was part of everyday life of the nobility. While all the characters are very well-drawn, the young Beatrice is brought to vivid life as she matures from child-bride to respected equal of her powerful husband. The Renaissance reverence of art and beauty in all forms is evident throughout the book. If you enjoyed the sumptuous setting of Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet," you'll love this novel.

I discovered this book as a throw in when I had made a purchase of other historical fiction. What wonderful luck for me! This was also my first foray into Renaissance Italy and the wonderful Beatrice d'Este! This is the same Beatrice featured along with her sister in Karen Essex's wonderful novel Leonardo's Swans. I read this years ago but it still remains as one of my favorites, maybe that is in part because it brought a section of history to life for me I knew little about. But it was also the minutia of everyday life captured by the author that have stayed with me. For others these details may drag down the story but for me it added depth. If you love reading books that transport you to a different land like Leonardo's Swans, The Last Queen and The Twentieth Wife you will enjoy this book!

I'd never heard of the author nor this book and really wasn't sure I was even going to keep it, never mind read it. Being an art major, the subject matter intrigued me. I opened the book, hopeful but with some trepidation, and quickly found myself swept away to late 15th century Italy. I found myself thinking about events when I was away from the book and frustratingly, at times, when I was trying to get to sleep.

This was my first historical fiction foray into Renaissance Italy and a wonderful introduction to the wonderful Beatrice d'Este, her sister Isabella d'Este, cousin Isabella of Aragaon, Leonardo da Vinci and the powerful and intriguing Lodovico Sforza (Il Moro). Their personal struggles are set amidst the ongoing shifting balance of power of the Italian city-states, its art, culture and commerce. Ennis manages to cover this vast historical landscape while still making his narrative intensely intimate. He further enhances this feeling by the use of excerpts from actual letters between many of the characters/historical personages involved.

What drives this book is the compelling relationship and power struggle between two women, Beatrice and Isabella of Aragon. At a time when submissiveness and heirs is what is expected of high born women, they refused to be passive, instead their choices have historical and cultural significance that have far reaching influence.

To help the reader, and very much appreciated and often referred to by me, a genealogical chart of the ruling houses of Italy and France, map of Italy, cast of characters and a glossary of Italian words and phrases are included.

Now, I can't say how accurately Ennis captures the history, since I am no expert, but I can certainly say I thoroughly enjoyed his interpretation. Even though I read this years ago, it still remains one of my all time favorites and has kept a fascination in me for anything about the Italian Renaissance, especially with a focus on the d'Estes and Sforzas (which are way too few).

Why this hasn't gained a larger readership is a mystery to me. I'm just very fortunate to have been one of those small numbers and very thankful to that person for throwing this book in with my purchase. This book is out of print it is well worth the search.

This is a superb re-creation of a complex and colorful era in Italian history. It's so much superior to the average historical novel that I'd be tempted to give it 5 stars, except for one problem: it's simply too long. The action moves at such a ponderous pace that at times I was tempted to skim over the endless political machinations that form a large portion of the dialogue. But I'd even grant the author the necessity of laying out all that political intrigue, if he'd held back just a bit on the ENDLESS and detailed descriptions of clothing! How many times to we have to be told EXACTLY what each of our two dueling duchesses is wearing each time one of them makes an appearance?

Beyond those criticisms, however, this is a terrific book. It's rare to find a historical novel where the characters are drawn in such vivid psychological, intellectual and emotional detail. The plot follows the course of Italian history in the late 1400s through the early 1500s via the lives of two aristocrat women, each with a claim to being the Duchess of Milan: Isabella of Aragon and Beatrice d' Este. The latter is married to the character who dominates the novel, despite its title: Lodovico Sforza, called "Il Moro," a man at once ruthless and visionary, cultured and brutal, who is determined to displace his incompetent nephew and become Duke of Milan. In the end he succeeds, briefly, and at a terrible price, only to have the wheel of fortune turn again and send him tumbling down, to end his days in a French prison.

The narrative sticks pretty close to the historical record, although Lodovico Il Moro had quite a few more illegitimate children than the novel gives him. All the political deceit, lies, double-dealing and treachery that fill the history of that era, and that are chronicled in such detail here, make one wonder how Italy ever managed to become a unified country!

Kudos for Mr. Ennis in transporting us 500 years in the past to that opulence,lavish, and very deadly world of 15th century Italy where two young noble women battle for love and power.This novel has everything:political intrigue,lust, love murder and betrayal in beautiful and sometimes terrifying time period in italy's history.One of the best historical novels I ever read!

My country Italy, and the beautiful Renaissance.How well Michael Ennis writes.It is as if you can see the daily life coming out of the book or you going and living it step by step.The book not only writes about the intrigues,love, gossips at the court of the Sforza family, but it also describes so well the costumes that were worn at the time. It gives also a very good explanation of the geneological tree of the ruling house of Italy and France in 1491.
I strongly recommend reading this book if you enjoy the Italian History during the time of the Sforza family and the Este family.Although it has history in it this book is so easy to read.
I strongly recommend.