Sarah Dunant

Alessandra is not quite fifteen when her prosperous merchant father brings a young painter back with him from Holland to adorn the walls of the new family chapel. She is fascinated by his talents and envious of his abilities and opportunities to paint to the glory of God. Soon her love of art and her lively independence are luring her...

In 1570, in the Italian city of Ferrara, sixteen-year-old Serafina is ripped from an illicit love affair by her family and forced into the convent of Santa Caterina, renowned for its superb music. Serafina's one weapon is her glorious voice, but she refuses to sing. Madonna Chiara, an abbess as fluent in politics as she is in prayer, finds her...

A Times Best Historical Fiction Book of the Year A Cosmopolitan Best Book of the Year A History Today Book of the Year 'Dunant has made completely her own the story of Italy's most infamous ruling family . . . in a way that we can see, hear and smell' — Mark Lawson, Guardian 'A stunning tale of power and...