The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell Book Review

I don’t usually read historical fiction novels, but when I came across The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell, I knew I had to read it. The novel is set in winter 1561 and follows the story of sixteen-year-old Lucrezia, Duchess of Ferrara, who is taken on an unexpected visit to a remote country villa by her husband Alfonso. Lucrezia soon realises that Alfonso has sinister plans for her and intends to kill her. The Marriage Portrait is a gripping tale of survival that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

Click me to go to my Review

Synopsis

Winter, 1561. Lucrezia, Duchess of Ferrara, is taken on an unexpected visit to a country villa by her husband, Alfonso. As they sit down to dinner it occurs to Lucrezia that Alfonso has a sinister purpose in bringing her here. He intends to kill her.

Lucrezia is sixteen years old, and has led a sheltered life locked away inside Florence’s grandest palazzo. Here, in this remote villa, she is entirely at the mercy of her increasingly erratic husband.

What is Lucrezia to do with this sudden knowledge? What chance does she have against Alfonso, ruler of a province, and a trained soldier? How can she ensure her survival.

The Marriage Portrait is an unforgettable reimagining of the life of a young woman whose proximity to power places her in mortal danger.

About The Author

Maggie O’Farrell, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, is the author of HAMNET, Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2020, and the memoir I AM, I AM, I AM, both Sunday Times no. 1 bestsellers. Her novels include AFTER YOU’D GONE, MY LOVER’S LOVER, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, which won a Somerset Maugham Award, THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX, THE HAND THAT FIRST HELD MINE, which won the 2010 Costa Novel Award, INSTRUCTIONS FOR A HEATWAVE and THIS MUST BE THE PLACE, and THE MARRIAGE PORTRAIT. She is also the author of two books for children, WHERE SNOW ANGELS GO and THE BOY WHO LOST HIS SPARK. She lives in Edinburgh.

My Review

The Marriage Portrait is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that captures the reader’s imagination. O’Farrell has created a vivid world that transports the reader back in time to 16th-century Italy. The novel is beautifully written and showcases O’Farrell’s talent as a writer. What I loved most about the book was the character of Lucrezia. Despite being a young girl, she is strong, resilient, and determined to survive. The reader cannot help but root for her as she navigates the treacherous path that lies ahead.

The Marriage Portrait is not just a story about survival but also about power, gender, and control. O’Farrell seamlessly weaves these themes into the story, making it both thought-provoking and insightful. The novel also explores the relationships between men and women during this period and how women were often treated as objects and possessions. The author does an excellent job of portraying the realities of the time while still giving Lucrezia the agency she deserves.

One of the things that impressed me the most about The Marriage Portrait was O’Farrell’s attention to detail. The historical setting and atmosphere of the novel are vividly described, bringing the story to life. From the clothing and food to the political climate of the time, every detail is meticulously researched, making the story all the more immersive. My favourite descriptions were of the tiger held captive; it was so well described you could clearly picture the scenes in your mind as if they were real.

Another aspect of the novel that I enjoyed was the use of multiple perspectives. O’Farrell seamlessly transitions between Lucrezia’s point of view and other characters’ perspectives, adding depth and complexity to the story. The various perspectives also offer the reader a glimpse into the other characters’ minds and motivations.

In conclusion, The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell is a stunning, captivating, and thought-provoking novel. The story is well-paced, the characters are beautifully crafted, and the attention to detail is impressive. The novel is a testament to the author’s talent and will stay with the reader long after turning the last page. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is looking for a thrilling and captivating read.

Rated