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The Life of Caterina Sforza #1
Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One
Vilified by history, Caterina Sforza learned early that her life was not her own. Married at age ten, she was a pawn in the ever-changing political environment of Renaissance Italy.
Resigned to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was expected to raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.
“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”
Resigned to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was expected to raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.
“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
145 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Evans
28 books5 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:
Kelly Evans - Historical Fiction, History
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:
Kelly Evans - Historical Fiction, History
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 15, 2023
From my earlier reading, my impression of Caterina Sforza was of a feisty, outrageous hellcat. But I forgot that it takes a lot of tribulation to turn a woman into a She-Wolf. Or was Caterina a She-Wolf at all? This book give us her early years and the beginning of her troubles. Married at the ripe young age of thirteen, Caterina suffered the misfortune of being bedded immediately by a coarse, unsympathetic boor who neither knew nor cared whether she had a brain in her head. Only a resourceful, courageous woman could turn such disadvantages into strengths, and Caterina managed to overcome her husband’s ill-judged offenses against his subjects and herself. By the time she was a grown woman, people looked up to her and trusted her judgment, to the chagrin of her spouse. By then, she knew what she had to do, and no treacherous consort was going to stand in her way. As usual, Kelly gives us a well-researched and fascinating tale of a relatively obscure historical woman.
June 8, 2023
Interesting Woman
I love reading about lesser known people, particularly women. Catarina was a very determined woman whose start to life was unbelievable and very sad. She made the best of a difficult situation and it's great watching her grow. The author does a remarkable job of keeping the historical facts integrated into the story. I took one star off because it did slow down around the middle of the book. Looking forward to the next book.
I love reading about lesser known people, particularly women. Catarina was a very determined woman whose start to life was unbelievable and very sad. She made the best of a difficult situation and it's great watching her grow. The author does a remarkable job of keeping the historical facts integrated into the story. I took one star off because it did slow down around the middle of the book. Looking forward to the next book.
July 17, 2023
We meet Catarina, a woman who suffers a rather unpleasant and sad start in life but as the book goes on she becomes so much stronger! This is a story about bravery, hope and the strength and courage this woman possesses inside of her.
She uses her strength and courage to propel herself forward in life and is sure to be an inspiration for anyone who has the pleasure of reading about her and her life.
Sensitively written, and historically accurate this was one amazingly powerful and detailed read with all the ingredients of a great story! Hard to take in at some points but beautifully crafted!
An easy 5 stars
She uses her strength and courage to propel herself forward in life and is sure to be an inspiration for anyone who has the pleasure of reading about her and her life.
Sensitively written, and historically accurate this was one amazingly powerful and detailed read with all the ingredients of a great story! Hard to take in at some points but beautifully crafted!
An easy 5 stars
July 17, 2023
This is part one about Caterina Sforza's life, between 1472 and 1488.
Caterina is 10 years old and her father decides that she is to marry!! Although confused and scared, Caterina goes ahead with this political marriage with a 30 year old roman and performs her marital duty.
Luckily, Bona her stepmother is there, as is her confident Luisa, offering support and guidance.
After her father dies, she goes to live with her husband, a man united with the power of the church and involved in bringing down the Medici.
This novel is a very interesting read since it shows a different perspective of Caterina, describing more her role as a Mother and a wife and later as a woman with power.
Also really appreciated the author's note at the end of the book, that helped to have a better perception on the historical facts.
Caterina is 10 years old and her father decides that she is to marry!! Although confused and scared, Caterina goes ahead with this political marriage with a 30 year old roman and performs her marital duty.
Luckily, Bona her stepmother is there, as is her confident Luisa, offering support and guidance.
After her father dies, she goes to live with her husband, a man united with the power of the church and involved in bringing down the Medici.
This novel is a very interesting read since it shows a different perspective of Caterina, describing more her role as a Mother and a wife and later as a woman with power.
Also really appreciated the author's note at the end of the book, that helped to have a better perception on the historical facts.
July 19, 2023
Turning the world to stone is a interesting read about Caterina Sforza over the period of 16 years. We see how she grows and matures over time and become a stronger woman. It's a story of bravery, courage, strength as well as hope.
December 9, 2024
Their marriage would forge a powerful alliance between Milan and Rome. But Caterina Sforza was only ten years old and her groom, Girolamo Riario, was twenty years her senior.
Married in haste to secure the alliance, Caterina is forced to grow up quickly.
Under the watchful and kind guidance of her stepmother Bona, Caterina learns the responsibilities of running a household. In addition, she is taught the skills of a healer.
Though she loves her family dearly, Caterina soon reaches the age where she must leave the warmth of her home and embark on a new life with her husband. She is hopeful that she will find some common ground with Girolamo. Alas, despite their mutual passion for hunting, they are as different as night and day. Compassion fills Caterina’s heart, while greed consumes Girolamo’s. Caterina’s obligation to her husband is clear, even in the face of their mutual dislike, as their union had been blessed by the Pope himself. Although faced with emotional adversity, she’s committed to creating the best possible environment for her children, and the people who came under her care.
Caterina’s vibrant personality and sociability means she becomes a prominent figure within Roman aristocratic circles and a favourite niece of Pope Sixtus IV. But there is a darkening shadow on the horizon, for there is unrest between the powerful families of Italy. Caterina must exercise patience, vigilance, and unwavering devotion to God in her hope that her husband stays clear of political conspiracies and whispered rumours of defiance.
Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488) by Kelly Evans is the unforgettable story of the early years of Caterina Sforza's life.
The combination of a captivating story, elegant prose, and careful attention to historical detail makes this novel a truly compelling read. The reader does not need a comprehensive knowledge of this period of history for Evans is a masterful storyteller, she brings this era and the people who lived there back to glorious life. The dialogue between the characters is as rich, radiant and sometimes as bold as the colourful silks that adorned the nobles. Everything about this book is vibrant, and it is utterly compelling from beginning to end.
Rome’s spiritual essence is captured in all its sacred magnificence. Set in the Early Renaissance period, this book features fleeting encounters with Botticelli and Da Vinci as they start their iconic works. While the Vatican may seem dazzling, beneath the façade lies an undercurrent of tension, that no amount of paint can hide. The political scheming and the instability inherent in those who crave more power and status is evident if one were to just scratch the surface.
Evans has presented her readers with a concise retelling of Caterina’s life, focusing not only on the key events of the era such as the Pazzi Conspiracy, but also the everyday mundane things, although there was not much in Caterina’s life that could be called mundane, even a trip to the market could become something of an adventure! Evans’ retelling of Caterina’s early years and adulthood is a glorious success. Caterina, though sometimes maligned by history (by rumours), is a fascinating historical figure who commands respect and this novel gives her the respect that she is long overdue. Circumstance, not ambition, has made her a heroine that is worth reading about. The details of her marriage, her time in Rome, and her husband’s dishonesty make this story incredibly captivating. But her courage under adversary is where she achieves the most admiration from the reader.
Pope Sixtus IV’s depiction highlights his kindness and indulgence as an uncle, especially towards Caterina. He shows genuine fondness for her, and she feels a strong sense of support from him. Caterina is still young and learning that appearances can be deceiving. Pope Sixtus IV has his own agenda, and despite his accomplishments, including commissioning the Sistine Chapel and expanding the Vatican Library, Pope Sixtus IV’s open practice of nepotism, prioritizing family over merit, results in significant harm and resentment, and the reader can understand why. His persistent backing of men like his nephew, Girolamo, the Church’s Captain General, exposes the fragility of patronage. Such patronage leaves Caterina open to hostile encounters that are not of her making.
Merit, based on connections rather than true worth, may not endure when faced with a strong adversary. But while the Pope is alive, Girolamo is seemingly untouchable. This trait, however, makes Girolamo incredibly susceptible, not just to adversaries, but also to his own hubris and cruelty. From the start, Girolamo is unlikeable, creating a strong aversion in the reader that persists throughout the story. Despite Caterina’s earnest efforts to make their marriage work, his unpredictable nature and later, his paranoia (though not entirely unwarranted) about being assassinated, ultimately prevents the reader from feeling much sympathy for his situation. Despite Caterina’s best efforts to win over her people, Girolamo’s actions seem to sabotage her attempts, leaving her frustrated and often simmering with anger. Although Girolamo is essential to the narrative’s progress, it is evident that his greed and fear bring with them a serious threat to his family.
This novel is set during an era when child marriages were considered the norm, and therefore there are some scenes which some readers may find very upsetting. Evans has treated Caterina’s wedding night depiction delicately, showing respect for her readers and Caterina herself. There are no explicit details, but Evans has not shied away from the horrors that young girls faced. Caterina is very accepting of her situation, which is utterly heart-breaking for the modern reader, for she knows this is the way things are and there is nothing she can say that will change her situation. There are, therefore, some very distressing scenes in this novel, so having a box of tissues nearby is a must.
“Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488)” by Kelly Evans is a scholarly masterpiece that draws you in and holds your attention. It’s a heart-wrenching story, yet it also possesses a certain beauty that celebrates the life of a truly extraordinary woman. This novel comes highly recommended.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion
Married in haste to secure the alliance, Caterina is forced to grow up quickly.
Under the watchful and kind guidance of her stepmother Bona, Caterina learns the responsibilities of running a household. In addition, she is taught the skills of a healer.
Though she loves her family dearly, Caterina soon reaches the age where she must leave the warmth of her home and embark on a new life with her husband. She is hopeful that she will find some common ground with Girolamo. Alas, despite their mutual passion for hunting, they are as different as night and day. Compassion fills Caterina’s heart, while greed consumes Girolamo’s. Caterina’s obligation to her husband is clear, even in the face of their mutual dislike, as their union had been blessed by the Pope himself. Although faced with emotional adversity, she’s committed to creating the best possible environment for her children, and the people who came under her care.
Caterina’s vibrant personality and sociability means she becomes a prominent figure within Roman aristocratic circles and a favourite niece of Pope Sixtus IV. But there is a darkening shadow on the horizon, for there is unrest between the powerful families of Italy. Caterina must exercise patience, vigilance, and unwavering devotion to God in her hope that her husband stays clear of political conspiracies and whispered rumours of defiance.
Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488) by Kelly Evans is the unforgettable story of the early years of Caterina Sforza's life.
The combination of a captivating story, elegant prose, and careful attention to historical detail makes this novel a truly compelling read. The reader does not need a comprehensive knowledge of this period of history for Evans is a masterful storyteller, she brings this era and the people who lived there back to glorious life. The dialogue between the characters is as rich, radiant and sometimes as bold as the colourful silks that adorned the nobles. Everything about this book is vibrant, and it is utterly compelling from beginning to end.
Rome’s spiritual essence is captured in all its sacred magnificence. Set in the Early Renaissance period, this book features fleeting encounters with Botticelli and Da Vinci as they start their iconic works. While the Vatican may seem dazzling, beneath the façade lies an undercurrent of tension, that no amount of paint can hide. The political scheming and the instability inherent in those who crave more power and status is evident if one were to just scratch the surface.
Evans has presented her readers with a concise retelling of Caterina’s life, focusing not only on the key events of the era such as the Pazzi Conspiracy, but also the everyday mundane things, although there was not much in Caterina’s life that could be called mundane, even a trip to the market could become something of an adventure! Evans’ retelling of Caterina’s early years and adulthood is a glorious success. Caterina, though sometimes maligned by history (by rumours), is a fascinating historical figure who commands respect and this novel gives her the respect that she is long overdue. Circumstance, not ambition, has made her a heroine that is worth reading about. The details of her marriage, her time in Rome, and her husband’s dishonesty make this story incredibly captivating. But her courage under adversary is where she achieves the most admiration from the reader.
Pope Sixtus IV’s depiction highlights his kindness and indulgence as an uncle, especially towards Caterina. He shows genuine fondness for her, and she feels a strong sense of support from him. Caterina is still young and learning that appearances can be deceiving. Pope Sixtus IV has his own agenda, and despite his accomplishments, including commissioning the Sistine Chapel and expanding the Vatican Library, Pope Sixtus IV’s open practice of nepotism, prioritizing family over merit, results in significant harm and resentment, and the reader can understand why. His persistent backing of men like his nephew, Girolamo, the Church’s Captain General, exposes the fragility of patronage. Such patronage leaves Caterina open to hostile encounters that are not of her making.
Merit, based on connections rather than true worth, may not endure when faced with a strong adversary. But while the Pope is alive, Girolamo is seemingly untouchable. This trait, however, makes Girolamo incredibly susceptible, not just to adversaries, but also to his own hubris and cruelty. From the start, Girolamo is unlikeable, creating a strong aversion in the reader that persists throughout the story. Despite Caterina’s earnest efforts to make their marriage work, his unpredictable nature and later, his paranoia (though not entirely unwarranted) about being assassinated, ultimately prevents the reader from feeling much sympathy for his situation. Despite Caterina’s best efforts to win over her people, Girolamo’s actions seem to sabotage her attempts, leaving her frustrated and often simmering with anger. Although Girolamo is essential to the narrative’s progress, it is evident that his greed and fear bring with them a serious threat to his family.
This novel is set during an era when child marriages were considered the norm, and therefore there are some scenes which some readers may find very upsetting. Evans has treated Caterina’s wedding night depiction delicately, showing respect for her readers and Caterina herself. There are no explicit details, but Evans has not shied away from the horrors that young girls faced. Caterina is very accepting of her situation, which is utterly heart-breaking for the modern reader, for she knows this is the way things are and there is nothing she can say that will change her situation. There are, therefore, some very distressing scenes in this novel, so having a box of tissues nearby is a must.
“Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488)” by Kelly Evans is a scholarly masterpiece that draws you in and holds your attention. It’s a heart-wrenching story, yet it also possesses a certain beauty that celebrates the life of a truly extraordinary woman. This novel comes highly recommended.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion
December 9, 2023
Turning the World to Stone follows the life of young Caterina Sforza through her marriage to the nephew of the current pope. It is a story of the city-states of Italy, told through the eyes of one girl as she becomes a young woman in a world where family names are important.
Her husband, chosen for her by her father, is not at all a dashing figure of early Renaissance Italy but rather a bit of a fool who thinks more of himself than he should, relying on his relationship with the pope until the pope's death plunges him, and his ever-growing family into strife, which his wife, Caterina, is unprepared to accept.
This is a story of its time when women were ruled by their fathers and then their husbands, expected to do little more than breed and look pretty. Still, Caterina has other plans and, while saddled with a useless and politically inept husband, can make much of her birth family to ensure the survival of her and her children.
It is an engaging tale, sure to delight fans of stories concerning the forgotten women of history and those interested in Italian history.
Her husband, chosen for her by her father, is not at all a dashing figure of early Renaissance Italy but rather a bit of a fool who thinks more of himself than he should, relying on his relationship with the pope until the pope's death plunges him, and his ever-growing family into strife, which his wife, Caterina, is unprepared to accept.
This is a story of its time when women were ruled by their fathers and then their husbands, expected to do little more than breed and look pretty. Still, Caterina has other plans and, while saddled with a useless and politically inept husband, can make much of her birth family to ensure the survival of her and her children.
It is an engaging tale, sure to delight fans of stories concerning the forgotten women of history and those interested in Italian history.
July 18, 2023
This was an excellent read based on fact but fictionalised; you can read more about this in the authors notes. Set in Italy it covers a 16 year period in Caterina Sforza tumultuous life. Brought up in a wealthy and powerful family in Milan, illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Milan, Caterina is married, and bedded by her husband, aged 10 but then remains with her family until she is 14 as was the custom at that time. Throughout her story the one pillar of strength always with her is her maid and companion Luisa.
Briefly, Caterina joins her husband Girolamo Riario in Rome accepting her new role as wife and eventually mother. Initially, she is content with her life as she finds ways to occupy her time whilst her husband virtually ignores her other than ensuring she is pregnant almost annually giving him 6 children. Her husband is the nephew of Pope Sixtus IV and she has access to the Papal library, becoming quite close to the pope. But her comfortable life ends with the popes death and it’s then her inner strength really shows!
What an incredible child/woman Caterina was. The author has clearly done extensive research and it was worth it, I was completely engrossed in this book and when it ended I started googling as I couldn’t leave it there. She comes across as a loyal wife and dedicated mother but above all a strong and committed woman determined to see right done, albeit her methods might at times bear some scrutiny! This was such a good read with some incredible insight into life in 15th century Italy. Excellent historical novel.
Briefly, Caterina joins her husband Girolamo Riario in Rome accepting her new role as wife and eventually mother. Initially, she is content with her life as she finds ways to occupy her time whilst her husband virtually ignores her other than ensuring she is pregnant almost annually giving him 6 children. Her husband is the nephew of Pope Sixtus IV and she has access to the Papal library, becoming quite close to the pope. But her comfortable life ends with the popes death and it’s then her inner strength really shows!
What an incredible child/woman Caterina was. The author has clearly done extensive research and it was worth it, I was completely engrossed in this book and when it ended I started googling as I couldn’t leave it there. She comes across as a loyal wife and dedicated mother but above all a strong and committed woman determined to see right done, albeit her methods might at times bear some scrutiny! This was such a good read with some incredible insight into life in 15th century Italy. Excellent historical novel.
July 27, 2023
I really liked the writing style of this book, it is based on historical events and people, but the way that the author wrote the book is more like a fiction/historical fiction. I loved reading about Caterina and her life as a young girl who became a wife at such a young age. I was saddened by her story in the beginning, but she is such a strong female character as the story goes by that you can’t help get engrossed into the story about her.
The story starts as Caterina is the young age of 10 and waiting to be married to her much older, 30-year-old husband. There is some betrayal, murder, and more that happens in the life of Caterina, but that makes this such an interesting read!
I can not wait to read Part 2! This was such an amazing book and such an incredible story of Caterina!
The story starts as Caterina is the young age of 10 and waiting to be married to her much older, 30-year-old husband. There is some betrayal, murder, and more that happens in the life of Caterina, but that makes this such an interesting read!
I can not wait to read Part 2! This was such an amazing book and such an incredible story of Caterina!
October 13, 2023
I didn’t know anything about Caterina Sforza or her time period before starting this book, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this vivid, fascinating story told by Kelly Evans.
Caterina’s young age at her marriage and the treatment she receives from her husband is tragic, and while Caterina herself is angry at her situation, she grows into a strong, determined young woman whose priority is the safety of her family, and trying to undo the damage done by her foolish husband, because she realises he won’t ensure their future and their protection himself.
While the book covered a lot of years in Caterina’s early life as noblewoman, it didn’t drag and there was plenty going on.
Caterina’s young age at her marriage and the treatment she receives from her husband is tragic, and while Caterina herself is angry at her situation, she grows into a strong, determined young woman whose priority is the safety of her family, and trying to undo the damage done by her foolish husband, because she realises he won’t ensure their future and their protection himself.
While the book covered a lot of years in Caterina’s early life as noblewoman, it didn’t drag and there was plenty going on.
August 23, 2023
A very good insight into Caterina Sforza's life! This novel was very pleasant to read and extremely interesting as to Italian politics in the 17th century. I found it surprising to learn about a ten-year-old girl (Caterina) getting married, and her acceptance of being raped by her husband , her acceptance of the ways of the times as a woman. It doesn't mean though that she did not fight to make her voice heard ..... A fascinating character! I can't wait for book two!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews