Customer Reviews

The Legacy

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

 

 

I very much enjoyed reading this well researched, well written story of a fictional Guidi Count of Romena. Francesco is a very tortured soul, having to battle everyone for his legacy---Count of Romena---including his own remaining family. I was so intrigued with the story that I did some research and realized that Ms. Ekstrom, in fact, did her homework. The Guidi Counts of Tuscany disappeared around 1440 as a result of bankruptcy after backing the King of Milan against the King of Naples. Although Ms. Ekstrom's character is fictional, the events and background data actually happened and one place is even mentioned in Dante's Inferio---the Guidi Count of Porciano. Ms. Ekstrom's story takes place around 1328 in and around Tuscany and she leaves it open for a sequel in the end, which I would definitely like to see her do. I highly recommend this book.

In Ellen Eckstrom's debut novel, we encounter the often lethal perfidy and labyrinthine political agendas of Italian Renaissance lords, as seen through the eyes of the fictional Count of Romena - an honorable man in a dishonorable world, whose love for a woman and quest for redemption become mired in the twisted alliances and familial treacheries that preclude, and herald, the arrival of such infamous dynasties as the Borgias and the Medicis.

Impeccably researched, romantic yet never sentimental about the age she portrays, Ms Ecsrorm's novel is a stunning read - a tale of pride, revenge, and love in an long-gone age. Highly recommended for all lovers of historical fiction!

This novel contains patches of good writing, the promise of an interesting story and, potentially, some interesting characters. Alas, the particular combination of ingredients offered did not work well for me. Which is a pity, because the historical period and location chosen are well worth exploring and a Francesco who used his brain to attain 'his' legacy may well have made an interesting hero. Part way into the book, I ran out of sympathy for/interest in Francesco, and never found any of the other characters compelling enough to make up for this.

Ms. Ekstrom is an expert storyteller. I didn't want to put the book down once I began reading! Well researched and written -- a must read! Ciao bella!

Move over British regencies. An Italian regency (tho a very early regency) has arrived, bringing with it new rules and a different and wonderful landscape...Tusucany Italy!. With its sweepting panorama, this is a wonderful read with belieaveable characters in a violent time in history on Italian soil. You'll enjoy the story and the change of place.