Duchess of Milan

by Michael Ennis

Two young women in the warring states of Italy seek to control their destinies in a world shaped by men

Genres: Historical Fiction, Italy, Fiction, Historical, Renaissance, 15th Century, Medieval

576 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Dawn (& Ron) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a throw in with a purchase of other historical fiction. What a wonderful stroke of luck for me! I'd never heard of the author nor this book and really wasn't sure I was even going to keep it, never mind read it. Being an art major, the subject matter intrigued me. I opened the book, hopeful but with some trepidation, and quickly found myself swept away to late 15th century Italy. I found myself thinking about events when I was away from the book and frustratingly, at times, when I was trying to get to sleep.

This was my first historical fiction foray into Renaissance Italy and a wonderful introduction to the wonderful Beatrice d'Este, her sister Isabella d'Este, cousin Isabella of Aragaon, Leonardo da Vinci and the powerful and intriguing Lodovico Sforza (Il Moro). Their personal struggles are set amidst the ongoing shifting balance of power of the Italian city-states, its art, culture and commerce. Ennis manages to cover this vast historical landscape while still making his narrative intensely intimate. He further enhances this feeling by the use of excerpts from actual letters between many of the characters/historical personages involved.

What drives this book is the compelling relationship and power struggle between two women, Beatrice and Isabella of Aragon. At a time when submissiveness and heirs is what is expected of high born women, they refused to be passive, instead their choices have historical and cultural significance that have far reaching influence. The following lines, from a letter by da Vinci of March 28, 1491, early on in the novel, shows the beginning of the esteem many had for these two amazing women.

"Consider how the Duchesses of Bari and Milan (Beatrice and Isabella) have employed the education in which so many learned men have squandered their resources. Not a day passes that these two young women are not mounted on the backs of swift steeds... Think that they avail themselves of our boundless parks and woodlands... No. these duchesses race about in perpetual and unceasing competition... And all the while scarce word of Latin nor language of living men is heard among such duchesses."

To help the reader, and very much appreciated and often referred to by me, a genealogical chart of the ruling houses of Italy and France, map of Italy, cast of characters and a glossary of Italian words and phrases are included. I have to pass this along, before I even started the narrative, the author's preface caught and excited my attention by stating...

"All histories are fiction. Today's practitioners simply apply modern academic prejudices to this timeless legacy of slander, cover-ups, and geopolitical public relations. With that caution in mind, Duchess of Milan, is a work of fiction that claims to be unusually faithful to history. The characters and events in this novel,all of whom actually lived and all of which actually took place, have been re-created as accurately as possible from letters, paintings, archives and on-site research.

Now, I can't say how accurately Ennis captures the history, since I am no expert, but I can certainly say I thoroughly enjoyed his interpretation. Even though I read this years ago, it still remains one of my all time favorites and has kept a fascination in me for anything about the Italian Renaissance, especially with a focus on the d'Estes and Sforzas (which are way too few).

Why this hasn't gained a larger readership is a mystery to me. I'm just very fortunate to have been one of those small numbers and very thankful to that person for throwing this book in with my purchase.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was afraid this was going to be more of a bodice-ripper than it was, after reading some reader reviews. Don't let the MM cover treatment fool you--there's actually a well-written historical novel in here!

[Lisbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what it is like when you find such a good book that you never want it to end. When it does, it is like parting with a good friend. This is such a book. As you saw from my last blog I am into history (again) for the time being. Therefore I grabbed this book from my TBR shelves. And it sure was a good choice?

I love books set in a historic perspective and especially when following history as well as this one. It's almost like reading a biography about a historic person. To sideline a bit I would just like to mention a couple of my favourite historic biographies: 'Potemkin' by Simon Sebag Montefiore (absolutely excellent). Luckily I have two other of his books on my TBR shelves ('Stalin' and 'Jerusalem') so something to look forward to. Another favourite writer of biographies is Mary S Lovell ('A Scandalous Life' (Lady Jane Digby), 'A Rage to Live' (Sir Richard Burton the explorer, absolutely fantastic) and 'The Mitford Girls'. There are still books from her to explore.

Back to this wonderful book which is from 1992 and I bought it on a sale years ago. Michael Ennis says in the foreword that this is as work of fiction but very true to historical facts. The persons he writes about have all lived and the events that take place are all real events. He has recreated their world as exact as possible with the help of letters, paintings, archive material and research in the actual places. The rest is in the imagination of the writer and is imagination is very good.

He argues that the last decade of the 15th century is a time when a lot of things happened in the world (Columbus discovery and other seafarers and travellers) but for most people the amazing place was renaissance Italy where trade and culture were blooming and it was an era that also saw geniuses like Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.

The main characters are Beatrice d'Este and Isabella of Aragonia. They are cousins and married to the duke of Bari and duke of Milan. The duke of Milan is not interested or capable of governing Milan so the duke of Bari is the regent. The book covers the period from 1490-1498 which indeed was turbulent times in Italy with the powerful city states of Milan, Venice, Florence, Rom and Naples among others. The problem was that they were all independent and too small to be able to defend themselves from an external threat. This threat existed in the French king who wanted to conquer the kingdom of Naples. To come there he had to pass almost all of Italy.

We follow these turbulent time through the eyes of Beatrice who is married to the duke of Bari called Il Moro. Her cousin Isabella is married to the duke of Milan. From the beginning they are good friends but politics and the strive for Isabella to keep her husband at the throne and preventing Il Moro from taking over not only the regent post but also the dukedom puts them in different camps. Beatrice who is very young when she marries matures with her new life and also interests herself in the politics of the time and is assisting her husband.

The books contains extracts from real life letters which somehow credits the events in the book. One can of course never know what happens behind the official world of historic figures but the book is written in such a way that it is believable. Having read this book and thinking I know the people quite well it was quite a chock to see how Il Moro and the duke of Milan are portrayed in the TV series 'The Borgias'. Yes, I know you can't trust these series and they do say the events are 'loosely based on X's life' but nevertheless. They could be a little bit truer to historic events. Because after all; life often surpasses fiction.

From my blog: thecontentreader.blogspot.com

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just arrived from Rumania through BM.

This book is about Beatrice D'Este and his husband Lodovico Sforza and the fight between the dukes of Naples and Milan against Charles VIII. Some reports by Leonardo da Vinci as an engineer at the Court of Milan are entwined with some letters and explanatory history, a quite original way of writing historical fiction.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mi è piaciuto questo libro, che racconta sotto forma di romanzo la vita della duchessa Beatrice d'Este e del marito Ludovico il Moro. Una bella storia d'amore, inserita nelle vicende storiche dell'Italia della fine del 1400, di cui confesso di aver capito molto poco.

[Redsteve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done historical novel - despite the 'romance novel' treatment of the cover. The story contains a solid mix of history, politics, sexual intrigue, feminism (or at least a 15thh Century version of it - the author is not throwing in anachronistic attitudes), violence, tragedy, and (yes) romance. The book is set in Italy (mostly Milan) from 1490-1498 (with a final chapter, sewing up some loose ends, showing incidents from 1500-1524). Although there is a wide range of characters (which some may find off-putting), the main characters are Beatrice d'Este (originally from Ferrarra, currently Duchess of Bari), her sister Isabella d'Este (currently Marquesa of Mantua), her husband Ludovico 'Il Moro' (currently Regent of Milan), and her cousin Isabella of Aragon (Duchess of Milan). The book includes excerpts from the letters of Leonardo da Vinci, but he doesn't actually appear in the story. Politics and family relationships play a big part in the story, so if you have no interest in the Italian renaissance you might find that a bit of a slog. The author includes enough period expressions and Italian words to give the reader a good period feel but not so much they they find themselves reaching from the glossary every other paragraph. 4 stars.

[Brianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another of my "I'm so excited I found a new historical fiction!" library loans which, sadly, I couldn't even bring myself to get past the 2nd chapter.

I found the writing not just bad, but confusing as well.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my absolute favorite novels. I love to read about women of power and how they were able to change history...and these two women are prime examples of that. (but the read is alot more interesting than a text book! )

[Rio (Lynne)]

I really wanted to like this one. The writing style didn't flow for me. The author was all over the place. Too much added detail. The language between the women was more like a Jackie Collins novel, which doesn't fit into my idea of Historical Fiction. Sadly, it didn't hold my interest.

[Kara King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read! It starts just a little slow, but quickly turns into a book that can't be put down!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's been awhile since I read it, its a hard book to find, but it was wonderful! Had my interest from beginning to end. :D

[Sherilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but "Leonardo's Swans" which covers the same period and focuses on the same characters is much better!

[Christine Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like historical fiction, particularly novels from the time period of the Crusades, this one might be of interest to you. Although it's not about the Crusades, specifically, it is set in that time period, when Europe was in upheaval and there was a great power struggle going on between France and Italy.

There are many characters in this story, and the story line is pretty involved, so at times it is a bit difficult to keep track of who is doing what to whom and when all that is taking place. But, if you can get past the first few chapters of the book (where things are put into motion), the going gets easier . You get to know the characters better and can keep better track of what is going on.

This is a long book, so be prepared to take some time reading it through.

[Ascian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the insults various characters threw at each other. Very colorful.

I liked and was surprised by all the times someone walked in on other people having sex, and everyone remained calm. Once a cardinal was caught in flagrante delicto, and once a king walked in on his adult son as the was getting ready to mount his mistress. The son dismissed the mistress and didn't even bother to put on clothes before he and his father started discussing politics.

[Amalia Wompa · Rating 5 out of 5]

On top of learning how to curse in Italian, this novel was surprisingly incredible. Best read in an Italian espresso bar, I can’t express how much I felt during this story. I carried it in every bag I wore for 7 months until the cover fell apart and the pages bent. This further proves the truth that all decisions in war are helped by the pillow talk of a wife, no matter what century, time period or empire.

[Ed Terrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great historical fiction set in northern Italy in the late 1400's. I only made 1/2 way through the book before a trip to Italy interrupted me. Going back and trying to remember and replace the characters and plotting proved to much for me.

[Beth Kuenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When people ask me what my favorite book is, this is one that i always think of. Such an amazing book. The writer painted such an engaging picture of the characters and Italy, I am always sad when the book ends. I have read this so many times over the years.

[Diane Verdi · Rating 2 out of 5]

read 3/4 lost intest

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun novel - definitely not the bodice-ripper it appears to be from the cover art. Well-researched (a little too heavy on the detail sometimes) with well-drawn characters and an engaging plot. Not a book that stood out to me as a favorite or one that I'll remember years from now, but a good read nonetheless.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romanzo intrigante e interessante per me che amo questo periodo storico, sicuramente tra quelli di buona qualita'.

[Alessia’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,75 ⭐️

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women are generally ignored by history. But this book, dealing with the Sforza and Este families in Italy in the 1490s, showcased several amazing and independent women

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to read. Don’t get me wrong, my overall impression of it is positive, but I struggled through some parts. It took me a while to get truly invested in the story, the writing and the dialogues felt a little anachronistic at times, and I also think it could have been shorter.

That being said, the story narrated is fascinating, and I appreciated Ennis’ portrayals of the different characters. Despite the fact none of them was particularly likeable, they were at the same times well rounded and realistic. They all had grey personalities, and even the worst of them weren’t completely evil or unredeemable. Beatrice’s growth through the story was especially well done, and her complex relationship with Isabella convincing and fascinating.

Not sure I would ever re-read this one, but I’m glad nonetheless I stuck with it.

[Leigh Himes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that started my love of historical fiction. Fun, sexy page turner. Wish this was a mini-series.

[L'aura · Rating 3 out of 5]

**1/2
The duchess of Milan is Isabella of Aragon, daughter to the king of Naples and wife to duke Gian Galeazzo Sforza. But the duchess of Milan will also come to be Beatrice d'Este, cousin and childhood friend to Isabella and wife to Gian Galeazzo's uncle, regent and usurper Ludovico 'The Moor'. Rivalry is mandatory, but the two also develop a deep bond, the only bond that'll survive an endless series of reversals of fortune.
The book is interesting and sometimes fascinating, but there's a great deal of vulgarity and swearing (especially from a bunch of learned Renaissance women) and some morbidity when it comes to sex. The portrayal of Isabella is frankly quite terrible, whereas Beatrice comes across as perharps too enlightened, but very tender all the same.
The novel reminded me of Leonardo's Swans, which I read a few years ago, but this one came first. Still, in Karen Essex's book the figure of Leonardo is gigantic and beautifully written and the storytelling is generally better.

[P · Rating 4 out of 5]

See full review here - https://mostlywaffle.wordpress.com/20...

"When Fortune sets you atop her wheel, she may at any moment bring you to the ground,And then the closer you have been to heaven, the greater and more sudden will be your fall…" - Duchess of Milan

Duchess of Milan by Michael Ennis is an exceedingly well-written historical fiction novel that chronicles the rise and fall of Beatrice d’Este, Duchess of Bari and later of Milan. The journey of Beatrice, as she transforms into a confident young lady from a plump awkward girl, is interesting. I particularly liked the way the relationship between Beatrice and Il Moro changed with time. This book, set against the backdrop of Italian Wars, does a good job of narrating, through its characters, the oft-shifting alliances between Milan, Ferrara, Venice, Naples, Rome, France and Germany.

If you are a serious reader of historical fiction, you must read this book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Actual Rating = 3.75 stars)

I read this book several years ago after picking it up in a library and reading the description. I thought it sounded good.

It's the tale of the Duke of Milan, and the young, inexperienced woman he marries. Her cousin is a schemer. It's pretty pacey and well written, although the edition I checked out was missing some pages, which meant I missed out on what seemed like some crucial bits.

[Steffi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Angenehme Unterhaltungsware, die nebenbei die politischen Verflechtungen des Mailander Hofes um 1500 mit anderen italienischen Herrschenden sowie Frankreich und dem Deutschen Reich vermittelt, daneben wir auch da Vinci hier und da erwähnt. So manche Interpretation im Roman würde allerdings kaum ein Historiker mittragen....

[Lalau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come un'americana può farti scoprire molto sulla storia di casa tua e appassionati così tanto da spingerti ad approfondire per settimane dopo la fine del romanzo. La storia é ovviamente un po romanzata ma i fatti salienti sono tutti veri, non eccede e non scade mai , a mio avviso un perfetto romanzo storico .

[Teri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Ennis may have too much integrity as a historiographer to be a popular novelist (though "Malice of Fortune" shows that he's getting closer). I read this book as history, history, sex, history, torture, history, sex, torture, history.