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Sinners: A fiery historical tale of rebellion and survival in Renaissance Rome - a bold feminist retelling
Rome, 1599.
A young noblewoman accused of murder, awaits execution. Imprisoned in the Corte Savella, she has captured the hearts and sympathy of all Rome...
This is the true and tragic tale of Beatrice Cenci.
History has sold her short. She is no doe-eyed victim of her father’s brutality, nor the cunning murderer who plotted her father’s demise. No, this Beatrice - a woman pregnant by her lover, incarcerated in a remote castle by her father, and brim-full of white-hot rage - is both innocent and guilty, saint and sinner.
And she will stand tall in the face of the violence of men, no matter the cost.
A young noblewoman accused of murder, awaits execution. Imprisoned in the Corte Savella, she has captured the hearts and sympathy of all Rome...
This is the true and tragic tale of Beatrice Cenci.
History has sold her short. She is no doe-eyed victim of her father’s brutality, nor the cunning murderer who plotted her father’s demise. No, this Beatrice - a woman pregnant by her lover, incarcerated in a remote castle by her father, and brim-full of white-hot rage - is both innocent and guilty, saint and sinner.
And she will stand tall in the face of the violence of men, no matter the cost.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2025
About the author
Elizabeth Fremantle
13 books576 followersElizabeth Fremantle is the critically acclaimed author of Tudor and Elizabethan set novels: Queen's Gambit, Sisters of Treason, Watch the Lady and Times Books of the Year: The Girl in the Glass Tower and The Poison Bed, a historical thriller written under the name EC Fremantle described as 'a Jacobean Gone Girl.'
Her latest novel is The Honey and the Sting, published August 6th 2020 as EC Fremantle
She lives in London
Her latest novel is The Honey and the Sting, published August 6th 2020 as EC Fremantle
She lives in London
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 23, 2025
Oh Beatrice, you were so doomed by the narrative. An intense look into an incredibly tragic young woman’s life. While this is a work of fiction, this book still gives Beatrice Cenci a voice. Fremantle does this by producing a highly researched and sensitive story of survival, love, and death. In this book, Beatrice is given a sense of agency that the historical records do not.
This is a heavy book; Beatrice’s life is tragic and filled with dark themes. At times, I felt truly unwell reading. But there were little bursts of light in the forms of Beatrice’s relationship with her stepmother, her lover and her friends.
This story is also full of classical references that I enjoyed. Women in the past are often portrayed as uneducated or ignorant due to the lower literacy rates. However, for a woman of Beatrice’s background, it made perfect sense for her to be well read and academically versed. I think it added a wonderful layer to her character that people forget.
This book is wonderfully and sensitively researched; it presents a darker picture of 16th century Italy. This period of European history was full of tumultuous moments and Beatrice was one of them.
Thank you to the publisher for this arc. All thoughts are my own.
This is a heavy book; Beatrice’s life is tragic and filled with dark themes. At times, I felt truly unwell reading. But there were little bursts of light in the forms of Beatrice’s relationship with her stepmother, her lover and her friends.
This story is also full of classical references that I enjoyed. Women in the past are often portrayed as uneducated or ignorant due to the lower literacy rates. However, for a woman of Beatrice’s background, it made perfect sense for her to be well read and academically versed. I think it added a wonderful layer to her character that people forget.
This book is wonderfully and sensitively researched; it presents a darker picture of 16th century Italy. This period of European history was full of tumultuous moments and Beatrice was one of them.
Thank you to the publisher for this arc. All thoughts are my own.
July 4, 2025
This is the true and tragic tale of Beatrice Centi. A voice that has every right to be heard, to be understood, and to be judged? Perhaps. Perhaps not.
Rome, 1599.
Beatrice yearns to finally step out of the haunting, ruthless, abusive shadow that her father casts not only upon herself but all those she loves, and more besides, and after tragedy strikes, her father decides he must swiftly spirit them away in order to lay low from the enemies he continues to make.
It is within the confines of her new prison that Olympio, the castles keeper, becomes not only her lifeline but also something much more dear to her as love starts to grow around the pair like creeping ivy, pulling them together, altering Beatrice’s future for better and for worse.
Yet as she struggles to hide her adoration for Olympio from her brutish, monstrous father, Beatrice comes to the realisation that he cannot continue his relentless control of her whole being, and it is then Beatrice orchestrates his demise, for it is truly time for judgement to be passed on a soul so dark it is far beyond redemption.
And it will be without mercy or guilt. For he has done things to her that would make the devil himself question his own morals.
But is it murder most foul or vengeance most just?
Was she a helpless victim or resolute heroine?
That is up to you to decide…
An evocatively ambitious read that will leave you gasping for breath all the way through to its stunning conclusion! A must-read!
Rome, 1599.
Beatrice yearns to finally step out of the haunting, ruthless, abusive shadow that her father casts not only upon herself but all those she loves, and more besides, and after tragedy strikes, her father decides he must swiftly spirit them away in order to lay low from the enemies he continues to make.
It is within the confines of her new prison that Olympio, the castles keeper, becomes not only her lifeline but also something much more dear to her as love starts to grow around the pair like creeping ivy, pulling them together, altering Beatrice’s future for better and for worse.
Yet as she struggles to hide her adoration for Olympio from her brutish, monstrous father, Beatrice comes to the realisation that he cannot continue his relentless control of her whole being, and it is then Beatrice orchestrates his demise, for it is truly time for judgement to be passed on a soul so dark it is far beyond redemption.
And it will be without mercy or guilt. For he has done things to her that would make the devil himself question his own morals.
But is it murder most foul or vengeance most just?
Was she a helpless victim or resolute heroine?
That is up to you to decide…
An evocatively ambitious read that will leave you gasping for breath all the way through to its stunning conclusion! A must-read!
August 10, 2025
In Beatrice Cenci, the city of Rome had someone to believe in, someone who felt more humane than a justice system holding them captive by criminal tyrants excused by wealth and power, whose assets were surrendered by the Papal State if foul play could be determined through illegitimate means.
In Beatrice Cenci, Rome found a voice. One of rising fury and vengeance against poisonous propaganda.
In Beatrice Cenci, Rome saw a sparkle of hope. A speck of an alternative power. One that continues to strengthen with each passing day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In Beatrice Cenci, Rome found a voice. One of rising fury and vengeance against poisonous propaganda.
In Beatrice Cenci, Rome saw a sparkle of hope. A speck of an alternative power. One that continues to strengthen with each passing day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 26, 2026
A wonderfully moving work of historical fiction inspired by the real-life figure of Beatrice Cenci. Set in Renaissance Rome, it follows the tragic familial drama of the Cenci family, unfolding slowly while ever circling questions of sin, innocence, and justice.
Sinners marks the second feminist retelling by Elizabeth Fremantle that I've had the pleasure of reading, and it pairs seamlessly with Disobedient. I'd recommend reading Sinners first, however, as the opening scene of Disobedient somewhat spoils its ending for those not aware of the real historical events (if I remember correctly). That said, both novels stand brilliantly on their own, evoking rage, sorrow, and sympathy in equal measure.
Fremantle excels at crafting rich, compelling interior lives for her characters. Their thoughts and motivations feel deeply authentic, making them wonderfully complex and ensuring that the tragedies they endure are all the more devastating to witness.
"Fate is driving me to bring an end to the curse of my family... I have not been made strong-willed for no purpose. Strength is in my nature. I am the woman holding the lion's jaws open, driven by some high power, some ancient goddess of natural order to right all the wrongs stitched into the weft of my family."
Sinners marks the second feminist retelling by Elizabeth Fremantle that I've had the pleasure of reading, and it pairs seamlessly with Disobedient. I'd recommend reading Sinners first, however, as the opening scene of Disobedient somewhat spoils its ending for those not aware of the real historical events (if I remember correctly). That said, both novels stand brilliantly on their own, evoking rage, sorrow, and sympathy in equal measure.
Fremantle excels at crafting rich, compelling interior lives for her characters. Their thoughts and motivations feel deeply authentic, making them wonderfully complex and ensuring that the tragedies they endure are all the more devastating to witness.
"Fate is driving me to bring an end to the curse of my family... I have not been made strong-willed for no purpose. Strength is in my nature. I am the woman holding the lion's jaws open, driven by some high power, some ancient goddess of natural order to right all the wrongs stitched into the weft of my family."
July 13, 2026
An amazing read! I’m telling you I was there!! I was there in that castle and I was Bea! Incredible storytelling! And to think it was inspired by a true story.
My only qualm is that some bits felt dragged on and I found myself wishing for a fast forward button - maybe a fault of my own attention span though!
My only qualm is that some bits felt dragged on and I found myself wishing for a fast forward button - maybe a fault of my own attention span though!
January 11, 2026
Actually a very good story but the pacing was just a bit slow for my rotted brain.
July 25, 2025
Elizabeth Fremantle is an author I’ve been following since her first book, Queen’s Gambit, was published in 2013. I’ve enjoyed all of her novels, to varying degrees, but I think her latest one, Sinners, is the best so far. It’s the story of the Italian noblewoman, Beatrice Cenci, and is a very dark and powerful read.
The book begins in Rome in 1598 with Beatrice discovering the dead body of her brother Rocco, a victim of one of her father’s long-running feuds. To avoid any further retaliations, the family flee to La Rocca, a hunting lodge in the mountains, but this proves not to be a place of safety for Beatrice as her father, Francesco Cenci, becomes increasingly cruel and unpredictable, abusing her physically, verbally and sexually. Her stepmother, Lucrezia, and younger half-brother, Bernardo, are also targets for his brutal violence and abuse, while her other brother, Giacomo, who is gay, remains estranged from the family, forced to communicate with Beatrice in secret.
As life behind the walls of La Rocca becomes more and more unbearable, Beatrice finds some solace in her growing friendship with Olimpio Calvetti, one of her father’s servants. When she becomes pregnant with Olimpio’s child, Beatrice fears for their lives if her father learns the truth – especially if he also learns that Beatrice has been reporting him to the authorities for his abusive behaviour! And so Beatrice comes up with a plan which, if it works, could set them all free, but if it fails could leave them in even more danger than before.
As you’ll be able to tell, Sinners is not an easy or comfortable book to read. Francesco Cenci is one of the most wicked, depraved characters you’re likely to come across in fiction and the way he treats his wife and children is unimaginably cruel. Knowing that he was a real person and that his family really did suffer at his hands makes it even more horrible to read about. It also makes it easy for the reader to have sympathy for Beatrice when she decides to take action, although Fremantle explains in her author’s note that her intention in writing the book was to portray Beatrice as a complex woman who is both innocent and guilty, saint and sinner, something which I think she achieves.
Fremantle also uses her author’s note to clarify where the book sticks to historical fact and where she uses her imagination to produce a compelling work of fiction. I found it particularly fascinating to read about the famous portrait of Beatrice Cenci, attributed to Guido Reni, which is now thought to be by Ginevra Cantofoli and maybe not even a portrait of Beatrice at all. Fremantle works the painting of the portrait into the plot in an interesting way, showing how it was used to evoke sympathy for Beatrice from the public.
I love the way Fremantle recreates the feel of late-16th century Italy and although it’s set a decade or two earlier, Sinners makes a good companion novel to Disobedient, her book about Artemisia Gentileschi. Artemisia’s story even overlaps with Beatrice’s in the first chapter. I’m looking forward to seeing who and what Fremantle decides to write about next!
The book begins in Rome in 1598 with Beatrice discovering the dead body of her brother Rocco, a victim of one of her father’s long-running feuds. To avoid any further retaliations, the family flee to La Rocca, a hunting lodge in the mountains, but this proves not to be a place of safety for Beatrice as her father, Francesco Cenci, becomes increasingly cruel and unpredictable, abusing her physically, verbally and sexually. Her stepmother, Lucrezia, and younger half-brother, Bernardo, are also targets for his brutal violence and abuse, while her other brother, Giacomo, who is gay, remains estranged from the family, forced to communicate with Beatrice in secret.
As life behind the walls of La Rocca becomes more and more unbearable, Beatrice finds some solace in her growing friendship with Olimpio Calvetti, one of her father’s servants. When she becomes pregnant with Olimpio’s child, Beatrice fears for their lives if her father learns the truth – especially if he also learns that Beatrice has been reporting him to the authorities for his abusive behaviour! And so Beatrice comes up with a plan which, if it works, could set them all free, but if it fails could leave them in even more danger than before.
As you’ll be able to tell, Sinners is not an easy or comfortable book to read. Francesco Cenci is one of the most wicked, depraved characters you’re likely to come across in fiction and the way he treats his wife and children is unimaginably cruel. Knowing that he was a real person and that his family really did suffer at his hands makes it even more horrible to read about. It also makes it easy for the reader to have sympathy for Beatrice when she decides to take action, although Fremantle explains in her author’s note that her intention in writing the book was to portray Beatrice as a complex woman who is both innocent and guilty, saint and sinner, something which I think she achieves.
Fremantle also uses her author’s note to clarify where the book sticks to historical fact and where she uses her imagination to produce a compelling work of fiction. I found it particularly fascinating to read about the famous portrait of Beatrice Cenci, attributed to Guido Reni, which is now thought to be by Ginevra Cantofoli and maybe not even a portrait of Beatrice at all. Fremantle works the painting of the portrait into the plot in an interesting way, showing how it was used to evoke sympathy for Beatrice from the public.
I love the way Fremantle recreates the feel of late-16th century Italy and although it’s set a decade or two earlier, Sinners makes a good companion novel to Disobedient, her book about Artemisia Gentileschi. Artemisia’s story even overlaps with Beatrice’s in the first chapter. I’m looking forward to seeing who and what Fremantle decides to write about next!
May 15, 2025
This is the first book by Elizabeth fremantle that I have read but will certainly not be my last. I had never heard of Beatrice Cenci prior to reading this novel but the authors descriptions bring her story to life to the point you feel the emotions that Beatrice is.
The novel is so well written that you can picture every scene. I highly recommend this to everyone.
The novel is so well written that you can picture every scene. I highly recommend this to everyone.
December 19, 2025
Ugh why did I not take in the “bold feminist retelling part” 🥱😴
August 29, 2025
Sinners by Elizabeth Fremantle, tells the story of Beatrice Cenci, an aristocrat whose defiance of her tyrannical father shook 16th century Rome. I went in to this novel expecting Beatrice Cenci the martyr, the icon of doomed female resistance. What I found was something more intimate, a first-person narrative that forces us to live inside her defiance, her fear, her fury and I was surprised at how family-centred the novel was. Bernardo, Beatrice’s autistic brother, Lucrezia her step-mother, the idea of some many innocent people caught in the crossfire of Francesco Cenci’s cruelty.
Like in Disobedient and The Queen’s Gambit, Fremantle writes proto-feminist history, refusing the virgin/whore binary, refusing neat moral narratives. Instead, she gives us women whose resistance is punished because it disrupts the patriarchal status quo. That’s what makes this book and her previous works so compelling. It acknowledges the brutal limits of female agency while leaving space for rage, survival, and shadow. Where to exist outside of submission meant inevitable retribution, Beatrice’s rebellion against her father is never romanticised; it is necessary, human and unbearably costly.
Fremantle’s prose is addictive, her rhythm and atmosphere capturing Renaissance Rome in a way that feels lived rather than described. That’s why she’s an automatic grab for me when it comes to historical fiction that is as thoughtful as it is beautifully written.
Sinners is a dark, resonant exploration of resistance, punishment and survival. I will read whatever Elizabeth Fremantle writes because her voice is one of the few in historical fiction that makes the past feel both beautifully alive and uncomfortably relevant.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and MichaelJBooks for this ARC
Like in Disobedient and The Queen’s Gambit, Fremantle writes proto-feminist history, refusing the virgin/whore binary, refusing neat moral narratives. Instead, she gives us women whose resistance is punished because it disrupts the patriarchal status quo. That’s what makes this book and her previous works so compelling. It acknowledges the brutal limits of female agency while leaving space for rage, survival, and shadow. Where to exist outside of submission meant inevitable retribution, Beatrice’s rebellion against her father is never romanticised; it is necessary, human and unbearably costly.
Fremantle’s prose is addictive, her rhythm and atmosphere capturing Renaissance Rome in a way that feels lived rather than described. That’s why she’s an automatic grab for me when it comes to historical fiction that is as thoughtful as it is beautifully written.
Sinners is a dark, resonant exploration of resistance, punishment and survival. I will read whatever Elizabeth Fremantle writes because her voice is one of the few in historical fiction that makes the past feel both beautifully alive and uncomfortably relevant.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and MichaelJBooks for this ARC
September 6, 2025
** 4.75 stars** I really enjoyed this book, despite its very dark subject matter- the dramatised events of the life of Beatrice Cenci- it was engaging and powerful. It was fascinating to hear of her story, from her imagined perspective showing that living in 16th century Europe as a woman was not a life to be envied.
March 7, 2026
This book ripped out my heart in a good kind of way. I can't stop thinking about how it didn't matter that the story is set 400+ years ago, it is a story that so many woman can relate to today (give or take a few things). Beautifully written and perfectly paced, an engrossing and compassionate retelling of Beatrice tragic story.
August 18, 2025
review to come but oh my god
January 17, 2026
Loved this book and storytelling
Would love to have know more of her
Worth the read
Would love to have know more of her
Worth the read
July 6, 2025
A masterpiece. A dark, harrowing, and emotional read, that gives light to the darkness of the lives of this family and those of that period of history. It is truly appalling and hard to read what went on at this time. But the writing so expertly draws you into the lives of the characters, painting them so vividly, giving possible motivations and nuance. No one is truly saint, no one is truly sinner, they are all simply human. The balance of good and sin just sway more strongly in one direction or another for each of them.
I was moved to tears by this story. I know I will not stop thinking about them for a long time. It makes you question morality, what is sin, and forgiveness.
This was my first book of the author, and it certainly will not be the last.
I was moved to tears by this story. I know I will not stop thinking about them for a long time. It makes you question morality, what is sin, and forgiveness.
This was my first book of the author, and it certainly will not be the last.
March 17, 2026
DNF at 90 pages.
This may well be as compelling as story as the blurb promises, but the 21st century language bounced me out on every page.
The problem for me is that if the author doesn't even try to moderate her modern language (rifles, bruisers, earshot etc) and constantly puts her heroine in situations which simply wouldn't have happened (high born Roman woman casually chatting with the housekeeper about her brutal authoritarian father's childhood), then I feel like I have lost all trust that she (the author) has put any effort into writing an authentic historical novel.
I hate to be so harsh, but what I read had so much promise and I feel terribly let down by the laziness of the writing.
This may well be as compelling as story as the blurb promises, but the 21st century language bounced me out on every page.
The problem for me is that if the author doesn't even try to moderate her modern language (rifles, bruisers, earshot etc) and constantly puts her heroine in situations which simply wouldn't have happened (high born Roman woman casually chatting with the housekeeper about her brutal authoritarian father's childhood), then I feel like I have lost all trust that she (the author) has put any effort into writing an authentic historical novel.
I hate to be so harsh, but what I read had so much promise and I feel terribly let down by the laziness of the writing.
April 6, 2026
Given the blurb, this was actually rather underwhelming in many aspects- characterisation, plotting, pacing, the actual writing style. I was relieved for it to be over tbh, a bit disappointing though as it had plentiful opportunity to achieve much more than it did. The focal character was neither endearing nor sympathetic and so much happened to her passively (which is also a problem of the writing style). I think more editing and a different writing style would have helped this significantly.
February 14, 2026
Lost the will to live in the first quarter of the book. This story needed a prologue of sorts to properly engage the reader. As it is, I had no particular interest in finding out the fate of any of the characters.
A big DNF.
A big DNF.
June 19, 2025
First and foremost, thank you so much to Penguin Michael Joseph for this ARC. I really appreciate it.
Oh. My. God.
This book details the story of what happens when a girl, and her family, are pushed beyond breaking point by a vicious, domineering, evil man, who does things unto people that should never be done. It is a heartbreaking, emotional, and complex story, which was made even more devastating by the fact that it was inspired by the case of Beatrice Cenci in 1599, who was executed for the murder of her father, who was, by all accounts, a monster.
Fremantle manages to weave a complex narrative through Beatrice's eyes; Beatrice, who is presented as a multidimensional figure. She is not just a victim of her father's cruel actions, but she is also not just a murderer; she took control in the only way she - and the rest of her family, including her stepmother, brothers, and servant - could, taking happiness where she can find it. Namely, in her father's servant, Olimpio.
Though Beatrice does have an affair with Olimpio, which results in a baby, which in turn brings the story to its crescendo, it is not a love story. Don't expect to find much romance in this story. This story, as I said earlier, is a story about what happens when a family is pushed to its' breaking point.
(SPOILER WARNING HERE)
Beyond her portrayal of Beatrice, Fremantle manages to illicit sympathy for all of the victims of Beatrice's father. For much of the story, the narrative has us believe that Beatrice's servant Ilaria told her father of her pregnancy, but despite Beatrice being the POV character, you still feel sympathy for her, because Fremantle has made it clear that Beatrice's father, who is never named from what I can recall, is an evil man.
It is also revealed that her father sent men to try and kill her brother Giacomo and his lover Domizio. He regularly mocks and beats Bernardo, her younger brother, who is disabled, and abuses her stepmother Lucrezia. We are told he is a truly decrepit man, and I believe it.
The way the end is framed, you are almost able to hold out for a happy ending, but this is no fictional story, even if some elements have been changed and embellished. She and her family are imprisoned, found guilty of their father's murder and are due to be executed. You are told they are appealing to the pope, the people of Rome are clamoring for their release, and you almost believe they will be. But they're not, and are executed so that an 'example can be made' of them.
Beatrice, Lucrezia, and Giacomo were executed. Bernardo was spared, commanded to watch his family be executed, before being forced to become a galley slave before being released.
(END OF SPOILER WARNING)
I found this to be an incredibly emotional, heartbreaking, devastating read. At times I found it quite difficult because of how truly emotional I found it, and how enraging I found Beatrice's father to be. And the response to his crimes against his family. I'll be thinking of this book for a while.
Oh. My. God.
This book details the story of what happens when a girl, and her family, are pushed beyond breaking point by a vicious, domineering, evil man, who does things unto people that should never be done. It is a heartbreaking, emotional, and complex story, which was made even more devastating by the fact that it was inspired by the case of Beatrice Cenci in 1599, who was executed for the murder of her father, who was, by all accounts, a monster.
Fremantle manages to weave a complex narrative through Beatrice's eyes; Beatrice, who is presented as a multidimensional figure. She is not just a victim of her father's cruel actions, but she is also not just a murderer; she took control in the only way she - and the rest of her family, including her stepmother, brothers, and servant - could, taking happiness where she can find it. Namely, in her father's servant, Olimpio.
Though Beatrice does have an affair with Olimpio, which results in a baby, which in turn brings the story to its crescendo, it is not a love story. Don't expect to find much romance in this story. This story, as I said earlier, is a story about what happens when a family is pushed to its' breaking point.
(SPOILER WARNING HERE)
Beyond her portrayal of Beatrice, Fremantle manages to illicit sympathy for all of the victims of Beatrice's father. For much of the story, the narrative has us believe that Beatrice's servant Ilaria told her father of her pregnancy, but despite Beatrice being the POV character, you still feel sympathy for her, because Fremantle has made it clear that Beatrice's father, who is never named from what I can recall, is an evil man.
It is also revealed that her father sent men to try and kill her brother Giacomo and his lover Domizio. He regularly mocks and beats Bernardo, her younger brother, who is disabled, and abuses her stepmother Lucrezia. We are told he is a truly decrepit man, and I believe it.
The way the end is framed, you are almost able to hold out for a happy ending, but this is no fictional story, even if some elements have been changed and embellished. She and her family are imprisoned, found guilty of their father's murder and are due to be executed. You are told they are appealing to the pope, the people of Rome are clamoring for their release, and you almost believe they will be. But they're not, and are executed so that an 'example can be made' of them.
Beatrice, Lucrezia, and Giacomo were executed. Bernardo was spared, commanded to watch his family be executed, before being forced to become a galley slave before being released.
(END OF SPOILER WARNING)
I found this to be an incredibly emotional, heartbreaking, devastating read. At times I found it quite difficult because of how truly emotional I found it, and how enraging I found Beatrice's father to be. And the response to his crimes against his family. I'll be thinking of this book for a while.
July 24, 2025
The year is 1599 in Rome, Italy. A young rich woman stands in front of an executioner’s block. She is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a lover, and a killer. Her victim was her father, a man who made her life and the lives of her family members a living hell. When she falls in love with one of her father’s spies, she believes that it is a way out. However, the path she chooses to embark on will bring deadly consequences. What is the truth surrounding this case, and is Beatrice Cenci a cold-blooded murderer or a victim looking for her freedom? Elizabeth Fremantle explores the life of Beatrice Cenci and the circumstances of this crime in her latest novel, “Sinners.”
When I heard that Elizabeth Fremantle had a new novel coming out soon, I jumped at the chance to read it. I loved “Disobedient” and “Queen’s Gambit,” so I was excited to see what story she would tell in this novel. I had never heard of Beatrice Cenci before reading this novel, which was a thrilling prospect, as it allowed me to discover a new historical figure.
We begin with Beatrice as a young girl being forced to leave the convent where she received her education. Her father, Francesco Cenci, had just remarried, and Beatrice had a new stepmother named Lucrezia. We then jump forward twelve years to the Palazzo Cenci in Rome. Beatrice found the body of her brother Rocco, who was killed by the Orestesi, the mortal enemy of the Cenci. After the funeral, Francesco decides to move to La Rocca, a fortress which is more of a prison than a home.
Francesco becomes paranoid and even more possessive of his family, especially Beatrice, who should have been married by now. Instead, Beatrice is trapped in her grief and fears her father. But, there is a glimmer of hope for Beatrice as she finds her soul mate in the castle keeper and spy for her father, Olimpio. Unfortunately, the glimmer can only last for a moment as Francesco’s paranoia reaches a fever pitch and a plan is hatched to rid the family of Francesco forever. Even with the death of Francesco, the family is not out of danger as they must deal with the consequences of their plan.
This is another grippingly beautiful and tragic novel written by Elizabeth Fremantle. Beatrice Cenci’s story was heartbreaking and heavy, but it was a stunning read. I found myself feeling so sympathetic towards Beatrice and Olimpio, even though she did commit a heinous crime. “Sinners” by Elizabeth Fremantle is a binge-worthy read that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time and will give you a better understanding of the treacherous time and Beatrice Cenci, a woman trapped in an impossible situation. An absolute must-read for any fan of historical fiction.
When I heard that Elizabeth Fremantle had a new novel coming out soon, I jumped at the chance to read it. I loved “Disobedient” and “Queen’s Gambit,” so I was excited to see what story she would tell in this novel. I had never heard of Beatrice Cenci before reading this novel, which was a thrilling prospect, as it allowed me to discover a new historical figure.
We begin with Beatrice as a young girl being forced to leave the convent where she received her education. Her father, Francesco Cenci, had just remarried, and Beatrice had a new stepmother named Lucrezia. We then jump forward twelve years to the Palazzo Cenci in Rome. Beatrice found the body of her brother Rocco, who was killed by the Orestesi, the mortal enemy of the Cenci. After the funeral, Francesco decides to move to La Rocca, a fortress which is more of a prison than a home.
Francesco becomes paranoid and even more possessive of his family, especially Beatrice, who should have been married by now. Instead, Beatrice is trapped in her grief and fears her father. But, there is a glimmer of hope for Beatrice as she finds her soul mate in the castle keeper and spy for her father, Olimpio. Unfortunately, the glimmer can only last for a moment as Francesco’s paranoia reaches a fever pitch and a plan is hatched to rid the family of Francesco forever. Even with the death of Francesco, the family is not out of danger as they must deal with the consequences of their plan.
This is another grippingly beautiful and tragic novel written by Elizabeth Fremantle. Beatrice Cenci’s story was heartbreaking and heavy, but it was a stunning read. I found myself feeling so sympathetic towards Beatrice and Olimpio, even though she did commit a heinous crime. “Sinners” by Elizabeth Fremantle is a binge-worthy read that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time and will give you a better understanding of the treacherous time and Beatrice Cenci, a woman trapped in an impossible situation. An absolute must-read for any fan of historical fiction.
May 22, 2026
The worst part about reading a historical fiction novel, based on a true story, is already knowing how it ends, and Beatrice Cenci deserved so much better.
Set in 16th-century Renaissance Rome, Sinners follows the story of Beatrice Cenci, the daughter of Italian nobleman Francesco Cenci, and her fight for liberation.
When Beatrice's older brother, Rocco, was found murdered by one of her father's rivals, the Cenci family fled to La Rocca, a family property in the Italian countryside. However, Beatrice, her stepmother, Lucrezia, and her younger brother, Bernardo, are far from safe in the secluded halls of La Rocca, as Francesco becomes increasingly tyrannical and callous. Isolated from everyone she knew in Rome, Beatrice befriends the castle's keeper, Olimpio, resulting in a passionate affair hidden in plain sight.
Okay, now my thoughts:
Beatrice is a complex character, represented by her internal dichotomy between saint and sinner and her capacity for redemption. The portrayal of her practicality, strength and resilience was profound, and Fremantle did a fantastic job of characterising her as neither inherently good nor evil. The torture she was subjected to, including watching her loved ones get tortured, was absolutely heart-wrenching.
Beatrice's father, Count Francesco, is an unimaginably dissolute man with a violent temper. The verbal, physical, and sexual abuse he subjected his family to was horrific to read. Fremantle's powerful portrayal of his character was dripping with depravity and audacity, and knowing that he was a real person makes it even worse.
Fremantle's exploration of morality and religion was primarily shown through the characters, Ilaria and Lucrezia. While Ilaria was a devout catholic and found God all-consuming, Lucrezia and Beatrice appeared disillusioned by God after the years of abuse they had suffered at the hands of Francesco. To a modern audience, Ilaria's fear of God or being seen as a 'sinner' might feel exhaustive; however, it felt like an accurate reflection of how thousands of women most likely felt during the 16th century.
The only reason this is a 4-star rating (instead of 5) was that I felt that Olimpio's character was slightly lacking substance. Don't get me wrong, this man YEARNS for Beatrice, but I felt his character development happened slightly too late in the plot for me. I loved his relationship with Bernardo and Giacomo, and I wish we had got to see more of that too.
This book definitely deserves way more hype, and I would recommend it to any lover of historical fiction or feminist retellings. It inspired me to look into Beatrice Cenci's history, and I was delighted to discover that she is still celebrated in modern-day Rome.
Set in 16th-century Renaissance Rome, Sinners follows the story of Beatrice Cenci, the daughter of Italian nobleman Francesco Cenci, and her fight for liberation.
When Beatrice's older brother, Rocco, was found murdered by one of her father's rivals, the Cenci family fled to La Rocca, a family property in the Italian countryside. However, Beatrice, her stepmother, Lucrezia, and her younger brother, Bernardo, are far from safe in the secluded halls of La Rocca, as Francesco becomes increasingly tyrannical and callous. Isolated from everyone she knew in Rome, Beatrice befriends the castle's keeper, Olimpio, resulting in a passionate affair hidden in plain sight.
"Oh, Olimpio, for another glimpse of you, Hell seems an Eden"
Okay, now my thoughts:
Beatrice is a complex character, represented by her internal dichotomy between saint and sinner and her capacity for redemption. The portrayal of her practicality, strength and resilience was profound, and Fremantle did a fantastic job of characterising her as neither inherently good nor evil. The torture she was subjected to, including watching her loved ones get tortured, was absolutely heart-wrenching.
Beatrice's father, Count Francesco, is an unimaginably dissolute man with a violent temper. The verbal, physical, and sexual abuse he subjected his family to was horrific to read. Fremantle's powerful portrayal of his character was dripping with depravity and audacity, and knowing that he was a real person makes it even worse.
Fremantle's exploration of morality and religion was primarily shown through the characters, Ilaria and Lucrezia. While Ilaria was a devout catholic and found God all-consuming, Lucrezia and Beatrice appeared disillusioned by God after the years of abuse they had suffered at the hands of Francesco. To a modern audience, Ilaria's fear of God or being seen as a 'sinner' might feel exhaustive; however, it felt like an accurate reflection of how thousands of women most likely felt during the 16th century.
The only reason this is a 4-star rating (instead of 5) was that I felt that Olimpio's character was slightly lacking substance. Don't get me wrong, this man YEARNS for Beatrice, but I felt his character development happened slightly too late in the plot for me. I loved his relationship with Bernardo and Giacomo, and I wish we had got to see more of that too.
This book definitely deserves way more hype, and I would recommend it to any lover of historical fiction or feminist retellings. It inspired me to look into Beatrice Cenci's history, and I was delighted to discover that she is still celebrated in modern-day Rome.
August 20, 2026
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy of this to review!*
With this being blurbed by Elodie Harper and Jennifer Saint, I was expecting a story of a similar calibre that would absolutely blow me away. Sadly, I was a little bit disappointed by what I found here.
I was really excited by the opening chapters - we have a young woman challenging authority and the patriarchy, unpicking the superficial hypocrisy holding the power dynamics at play together. She’s very strong minded and level headed, and her internal monologue was a force to be reckoned with. Intelligent, witty, and very calculating - I really thought Beatrice was going to be an absolute powerhouse of a narrator to carry this story. Sadly, her sparkle seemed to dull quite quickly. I found myself disinterested by what was happening here overall, which was such a shame as this promised a powerful reclamation of her overlooked story.
The actual beats and twists of the plot are so interesting, but there was something lacking in the execution. The pacing was extremely slow, and for quite a chunky book this was weighing it down. The plot felt very jumpy and all over the place, something was just deeply off to me about how everything was unfolded. It felt unsynchronised. I don’t think it helped that none of the characterwork was strong enough also, they all felt like two dimensional caricatures. I feel like there wasn’t a character other than Beatrice who had a tangible, palpable personality and arc. Even her dad, who was such a prominent pawn on the board, felt devoid of any descriptor other than disgusting.
Alongside the main bulk of the story, we have a sort of forbidden romance subplot. I think I struggled caring about the plot so much, because the actual igniting moments that foreshadow and set alight the rest of the chaos that unfolds felt poorly developed. Beatrice just ogles this man every other page quite explicitly, and then they suddenly rush to get together, and then she’s immediately faced with the issue of her pregnancy. The politics of it all should be so complex, this should be such a tense and dread filled complication of the plot, but I felt nothing. It was such a weak execution of the ideas, and I’m sad at how flat it felt. The emotion should have only continued to heighten from that point, but we plateaued far too soon and I didn’t care.
An author I’ll give another shot to in the future because I see potential there, but not as fierce a story as I’d hoped.
With this being blurbed by Elodie Harper and Jennifer Saint, I was expecting a story of a similar calibre that would absolutely blow me away. Sadly, I was a little bit disappointed by what I found here.
I was really excited by the opening chapters - we have a young woman challenging authority and the patriarchy, unpicking the superficial hypocrisy holding the power dynamics at play together. She’s very strong minded and level headed, and her internal monologue was a force to be reckoned with. Intelligent, witty, and very calculating - I really thought Beatrice was going to be an absolute powerhouse of a narrator to carry this story. Sadly, her sparkle seemed to dull quite quickly. I found myself disinterested by what was happening here overall, which was such a shame as this promised a powerful reclamation of her overlooked story.
The actual beats and twists of the plot are so interesting, but there was something lacking in the execution. The pacing was extremely slow, and for quite a chunky book this was weighing it down. The plot felt very jumpy and all over the place, something was just deeply off to me about how everything was unfolded. It felt unsynchronised. I don’t think it helped that none of the characterwork was strong enough also, they all felt like two dimensional caricatures. I feel like there wasn’t a character other than Beatrice who had a tangible, palpable personality and arc. Even her dad, who was such a prominent pawn on the board, felt devoid of any descriptor other than disgusting.
Alongside the main bulk of the story, we have a sort of forbidden romance subplot. I think I struggled caring about the plot so much, because the actual igniting moments that foreshadow and set alight the rest of the chaos that unfolds felt poorly developed. Beatrice just ogles this man every other page quite explicitly, and then they suddenly rush to get together, and then she’s immediately faced with the issue of her pregnancy. The politics of it all should be so complex, this should be such a tense and dread filled complication of the plot, but I felt nothing. It was such a weak execution of the ideas, and I’m sad at how flat it felt. The emotion should have only continued to heighten from that point, but we plateaued far too soon and I didn’t care.
An author I’ll give another shot to in the future because I see potential there, but not as fierce a story as I’d hoped.
July 15, 2025
A dark story from history but one with an addictive quality that pulls the reader into this beautifully fashioned world. Sinners tells the tale of Beatrice Cenci, a young noble woman in late 1500s Rome. A world of opulence under the cruel oversight of her wealthy father is all she knows. How to navigate his vile moods and vicious temper has become an art form to Bea. But, sadly for her, she is beautiful and draws the worst kind of attention from this dangerous man. Not only is he a threat to her but their entire family is in danger as her father has many enemies. Off to the safety of their country family estate, Bea, her father, stepmother and stepbrother seek sanctuary and reunite with Olimpio, the estate keeper. Olimpio is all that her father is not - kind, considerate and gentle. A risky game ensues where there is much to gamble for a life of love and happiness without the fear that is her daily companion.
I ate this novel up. The rich descriptive element painted a vivid picture of their life, surroundings, this Renaissance world. The creeping sinister atmosphere was tantalising and made me think often of the real life Beatrice and what she encountered. If she was anything like the force of soft power implied within this text she must have been quite a young woman. As our narrator she is well crafted, equally so all the characters in Sinners. The balancing act of keeping Bea's father from anger was a real tightrope act. Yes, there's the budding attraction between Bea and Olimpio but it isn't a soppy romance as the fear of discovery keeps the romantic level in check. Though there's plenty of girlish pondering over their mutual infatuation.
Sinners was a gripping read that has lingered with me. I find myself thinking on the story days after finishing and googling the facts of the case. Sinners is a perfect blend of history, murder mystery, court room drama woven into a rich tapestry of love, deceit, fear and quest for survival. Intoxicating.
I ate this novel up. The rich descriptive element painted a vivid picture of their life, surroundings, this Renaissance world. The creeping sinister atmosphere was tantalising and made me think often of the real life Beatrice and what she encountered. If she was anything like the force of soft power implied within this text she must have been quite a young woman. As our narrator she is well crafted, equally so all the characters in Sinners. The balancing act of keeping Bea's father from anger was a real tightrope act. Yes, there's the budding attraction between Bea and Olimpio but it isn't a soppy romance as the fear of discovery keeps the romantic level in check. Though there's plenty of girlish pondering over their mutual infatuation.
Sinners was a gripping read that has lingered with me. I find myself thinking on the story days after finishing and googling the facts of the case. Sinners is a perfect blend of history, murder mystery, court room drama woven into a rich tapestry of love, deceit, fear and quest for survival. Intoxicating.
June 25, 2025
A powerful and searing story that is let down a little by some patchy pacing.
Telling the story of Beatrice Cenci and her family, this is a historic retelling of a dark and dangerous moment in Italy. It wasn't anything I'd heard of before, and going into it blind was 100% the right decision. It was heart pounding, dramatic tale of a family and the evil that lurks behind normality, how a smile and a supposed 'safe' person can be so much more threatening than anything outwardly evil.
It started so strong, a great setting, a very dramatic couple of set pieces, really grounding the story and creating strong emotions in the reader for almost all the characters that you encounter. And then, once they have returned to Rome, the pace picked up again and it sped towards the end, so much was covered in that last 100 pages, there was barely any chance to catch a breath. It was the middle that was the weak spot, which is a shame because that is where the softer moments are, where there are brief moments of peace within the horror. It was just so slow at times that I kept loosing interest and having to press forward. I would have loved more time in Rome, both the good and bad moments.
A powerful story nevertheless and one worth the read - just make sure you're in the right mood for a dark tale.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Telling the story of Beatrice Cenci and her family, this is a historic retelling of a dark and dangerous moment in Italy. It wasn't anything I'd heard of before, and going into it blind was 100% the right decision. It was heart pounding, dramatic tale of a family and the evil that lurks behind normality, how a smile and a supposed 'safe' person can be so much more threatening than anything outwardly evil.
It started so strong, a great setting, a very dramatic couple of set pieces, really grounding the story and creating strong emotions in the reader for almost all the characters that you encounter. And then, once they have returned to Rome, the pace picked up again and it sped towards the end, so much was covered in that last 100 pages, there was barely any chance to catch a breath. It was the middle that was the weak spot, which is a shame because that is where the softer moments are, where there are brief moments of peace within the horror. It was just so slow at times that I kept loosing interest and having to press forward. I would have loved more time in Rome, both the good and bad moments.
A powerful story nevertheless and one worth the read - just make sure you're in the right mood for a dark tale.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
February 21, 2026
Wow. What a powerful and heartbreaking book. I hardly know how to convey my admiration for Fremantle’s literary talent. This was one of the best books I’ve ever read.
‘Sinners’ is a fictional reimagining of the life of Beatrice Cenci, a 16thC noblewoman accused of patricide. Fremantle tackles the issue of Beatrice’s historicisation head-on. As an archivist, I’m pretty au fait with the way in which white male historians have traditionally interpreted female figures, especially those who were victims of sexual crimes and / or who committed crimes themselves. But Fremantle’s depiction not only brings Beatrice to life, it also draws out her complexities and contradictions. And most importantly, gives her (albeit a fiction version of her) a voice.
Fremantle’s command of Beatrice’s narrative is impressive, so too is her ability to weave imagery, suggestion, and comparison into the story. She writes in such a way that makes a heavy story feel light, allowing the reader to devour the book without pause, while still eliciting from them a strong emotional reaction.
‘Sinners’ is a masterful and clever piece of historical fiction which tells a deeply affecting story. Beatrice’s story has lodged itself into my brain and I’m sure I’ll reread this book several times over in my lifetime. I need to read more Fremantle books now too!
‘Sinners’ is a fictional reimagining of the life of Beatrice Cenci, a 16thC noblewoman accused of patricide. Fremantle tackles the issue of Beatrice’s historicisation head-on. As an archivist, I’m pretty au fait with the way in which white male historians have traditionally interpreted female figures, especially those who were victims of sexual crimes and / or who committed crimes themselves. But Fremantle’s depiction not only brings Beatrice to life, it also draws out her complexities and contradictions. And most importantly, gives her (albeit a fiction version of her) a voice.
Fremantle’s command of Beatrice’s narrative is impressive, so too is her ability to weave imagery, suggestion, and comparison into the story. She writes in such a way that makes a heavy story feel light, allowing the reader to devour the book without pause, while still eliciting from them a strong emotional reaction.
‘Sinners’ is a masterful and clever piece of historical fiction which tells a deeply affecting story. Beatrice’s story has lodged itself into my brain and I’m sure I’ll reread this book several times over in my lifetime. I need to read more Fremantle books now too!
August 10, 2026
This is a high tension story of domestic abuse and patriarchal violence. It is loosely based on a true story of a wealthy young woman living in 16th Century Rome, who is executed for conspiring to kill her abusive father. There’s an intense love affair and pregnancy thrown in for good measure. Although the final outcome is pretty clearly signalled, there are some plot twists and turns along the way. Its critique of male violence and control is strong, with a perhaps less convincing message that women in powerful rich families have it worse than anyone else. Which might centre the wielding of absolute male power over women a little too narrowly. But fair enough, that is who the story was about. I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t get more of a sense of time and place. Most of the action is very internal, happening inside large houses and castles, with no reference to the broader political context and scant details on what else is going on. And much too much on the ill fated love affair, which felt repetitive and not that interesting. Despite this I did whip through it and would read more by Fremantle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
I went into this knowing it was based on real events, but nothing could prepare me for the emotional brutality and brilliance of Fremantle’s portrayal of Beatrice Cenci.
Sinners isn't just a story…..it’s a reclamation.
Fremantle rips Beatrice from the cold pages of history and breathes visceral, furious life into her.
This Beatrice is no passive footnote in a tragic legend. She’s fierce, intelligent, undone by cruelty, and yet still standing, bloodied but unbroken. Her voice pulses with defiance, her choices sear with moral ambiguity. She's a sinner and a martyr, a victim and a rebel. That complexity is where this novel shines.
Fremantle doesn’t sanitise the violence, the misogyny, or the horror of being a woman in 16th-century Rome, but she does centre the female gaze. It’s haunting, feminist, and devastatingly human.
More than a retelling, Sinners is a reclamation of a woman’s truth from the clutches of history and myth.
If you like your historical fiction sharp, dark, and unapologetically feminist, Beatrice’s voice will echo in you long after the final page.
Sinners isn't just a story…..it’s a reclamation.
Fremantle rips Beatrice from the cold pages of history and breathes visceral, furious life into her.
This Beatrice is no passive footnote in a tragic legend. She’s fierce, intelligent, undone by cruelty, and yet still standing, bloodied but unbroken. Her voice pulses with defiance, her choices sear with moral ambiguity. She's a sinner and a martyr, a victim and a rebel. That complexity is where this novel shines.
Fremantle doesn’t sanitise the violence, the misogyny, or the horror of being a woman in 16th-century Rome, but she does centre the female gaze. It’s haunting, feminist, and devastatingly human.
More than a retelling, Sinners is a reclamation of a woman’s truth from the clutches of history and myth.
If you like your historical fiction sharp, dark, and unapologetically feminist, Beatrice’s voice will echo in you long after the final page.
June 29, 2025
4.5
This is a tale of white hot female rage and the power and resilience of a remarkable woman who fought back against male violence in a deeply Patriarchal, 16th century Rome.
Based on a real case in 1599, this is a fictionalised account of Beatrice Cenci; a noblewoman who was tried for conspiring to murder her abusive father.
16th century Rome and the Catholic patriarchy are made vivid through richly atmospheric storytelling. The brutal realities for women are laid bare-be warned you will simmer with feminist rage reading this!
I loved Beatrice and admired her strength and pragmatism. She wasn’t a passive victim either but took action in her attempts to protect everyone. The author weaves the moral complexity of the case very well: you as the reader are left to decide who is the sinner and who is sinned against. The forbidden love story at the heart of it was beautifully done too.
A chilling, heartbreaking end, wonderfully told.
Thanks to NetGalley & Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the ARC. Really recommend!
This is a tale of white hot female rage and the power and resilience of a remarkable woman who fought back against male violence in a deeply Patriarchal, 16th century Rome.
Based on a real case in 1599, this is a fictionalised account of Beatrice Cenci; a noblewoman who was tried for conspiring to murder her abusive father.
16th century Rome and the Catholic patriarchy are made vivid through richly atmospheric storytelling. The brutal realities for women are laid bare-be warned you will simmer with feminist rage reading this!
I loved Beatrice and admired her strength and pragmatism. She wasn’t a passive victim either but took action in her attempts to protect everyone. The author weaves the moral complexity of the case very well: you as the reader are left to decide who is the sinner and who is sinned against. The forbidden love story at the heart of it was beautifully done too.
A chilling, heartbreaking end, wonderfully told.
Thanks to NetGalley & Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the ARC. Really recommend!
July 1, 2025
This is the story of Beatrice Cenci. A woman who is accused of murder and awaits her execution.
The year is 1599, and she is being held prisoner in a remote castle by her cruel father, but she is determined to prove she is no wallflower, she will show the world she a strong and determined woman who will not be bullied by strong, violent and powerful men. Beatrice will hold her head up and fight for herself and the baby growing inside of her.
I’ve read a lot of powerful stories, but this one took my breath away.
Elizabeth Fremantle is an exceptional writer and this novel is a wonderful piece of literature.
It’s one of those books I love to read, the atmosphere and emotion, along with the setting is to die for. Also the main character is portrayed perfectly.
No one writes this kind of historical fiction better than Elizabeth Fremantle, she is truly very good at what she does.
A fantastic book, and one I highly recommend.
The year is 1599, and she is being held prisoner in a remote castle by her cruel father, but she is determined to prove she is no wallflower, she will show the world she a strong and determined woman who will not be bullied by strong, violent and powerful men. Beatrice will hold her head up and fight for herself and the baby growing inside of her.
I’ve read a lot of powerful stories, but this one took my breath away.
Elizabeth Fremantle is an exceptional writer and this novel is a wonderful piece of literature.
It’s one of those books I love to read, the atmosphere and emotion, along with the setting is to die for. Also the main character is portrayed perfectly.
No one writes this kind of historical fiction better than Elizabeth Fremantle, she is truly very good at what she does.
A fantastic book, and one I highly recommend.
September 5, 2026
4.5
Oh Beatrice Cenci you deserved so much better!
I went into Sinners knowing the ending and yet how many times I wished it was not so!
Throughout history, Beatrice Cenci has either been idealized into a saint of a girl who was completely innocent and pure or vilified into a sinner who plotted and brutally murdered her abusive father. Elizabeth Fremantle portrays her as neither. Rather, in Sinners, she is a complex woman facing abuse in all forms at the hands of her father. She is a woman seeking vengeance. She is a woman who was hurt deeply and who loved deeply.
In Sinners, injustice is rampant and the justice of the court corrupted. This story ached. It was heart wrenching. There was no happy ending. I knew this and yet it hurt all the same. Elizabeth Fremantle did a masterful job of bringing Beatrice to life and giving her a powerful voice. Beatrice Cenci wasn’t silent until the last word.
Oh Beatrice Cenci you deserved so much better!
I went into Sinners knowing the ending and yet how many times I wished it was not so!
Throughout history, Beatrice Cenci has either been idealized into a saint of a girl who was completely innocent and pure or vilified into a sinner who plotted and brutally murdered her abusive father. Elizabeth Fremantle portrays her as neither. Rather, in Sinners, she is a complex woman facing abuse in all forms at the hands of her father. She is a woman seeking vengeance. She is a woman who was hurt deeply and who loved deeply.
In Sinners, injustice is rampant and the justice of the court corrupted. This story ached. It was heart wrenching. There was no happy ending. I knew this and yet it hurt all the same. Elizabeth Fremantle did a masterful job of bringing Beatrice to life and giving her a powerful voice. Beatrice Cenci wasn’t silent until the last word.
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