The Marriage Portrait

by Maggie O'Farrell
The Marriage Portrait cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1288
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-03
  • ISBN: 9781472223883
  • Publisher: Tinder Press
  • Published: 2023-07-06
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

The Marriage Portrait is a captivating reimagining of the life of Lucrezia de' Medici, set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance. The novel delves into the opulent yet treacherous world of 16th-century Florence, where art, politics, and personal drama intertwine. Lucrezia, a sheltered sixteen-year-old duchess, finds herself in a remote villa with her husband, Alfonso, who harbors sinister plans. As she uncovers his intentions, she must navigate the complexities of power and survival in a society that offers her little protection. This historical fiction masterpiece by the acclaimed author of Hamnet explores themes of resilience, betrayal, and the struggle for autonomy in a male-dominated world. With vivid descriptions and rich historical detail, the novel brings to life the beauty and brutality of the Renaissance era, offering a poignant portrait of a young woman's fight for her life and identity.

Reviews
Emma's Biblioterasures · Emma · 2025-07-14
excellent 5.00

The novel is dark, alluring, and suspenseful, leaving a lasting impression long after reading. It is highly recommended for its unforgettable qualities.

Emma finds 'The Marriage Portrait' to be a dark and alluring novel that keeps the reader captivated. They highlight the suspenseful elements that make the story unforgettable, noting that it lingers in the mind long after the final page. Emma highly recommends this book for its compelling narrative and the way it draws the reader in, making it a standout read. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters and the richly detailed historical setting.

Quick quotes

    Dark, alluring and suspenseful, this unforgettable novel is one that lingers long after reading.

    Highly recommended.

    The richly detailed historical setting adds to the overall appeal of the story.

I've Read This · Anonymous · 2023-02-09
engaging 4.00

The book is a slow burn with a steadily darkening atmosphere, though it might be a bit long for some readers. The suspense builds effectively throughout the story.

The reviewer appreciates the slow-building suspense in 'The Marriage Portrait,' finding it to be a particularly successful example of the genre. They note that the atmosphere grows steadily darker, creating a sense of unease that keeps the reader engaged. However, they mention that the book might be a tad too long, which could potentially detract from the overall experience for some readers. Despite this, they find the build-up of tension to be well-executed and rewarding.

Quick quotes

    Although a tad long for my tastes, it was a particularly successful example of a slow burn suspense.

    The atmosphere growing steadily darker.

    The suspense builds effectively throughout the story.

The Guardian · Lucy Scholes · 2022-08-28
disappointing 3.00

The author excels in stories of 16th-century women, but this narrative lacks the grip it should have. The historical setting is rich, but the execution falls short of expectations.

The reviewer praises Maggie O'Farrell's ability to bring 16th-century women's stories to life, noting her skill in creating vivid historical settings. However, they feel that 'The Marriage Portrait' doesn't quite live up to the promise of its premise. The narrative, while promising, fails to grip the reader as effectively as it could. They suggest that the story's potential is not fully realized, leaving the reader wanting more depth and engagement.

Quick quotes

    The Hamnet author has found her sweet spot in stories of 16th-century women.

    This promising narrative isn't as gripping as it should be.

    The historical setting is rich, but the execution falls short of expectations.

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