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The Vatican Princess

A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia

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About this listen

 For fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, bestselling author C. W. Gortner effortlessly weaves history and drama in this captivating novel about one of the world’s most notorious families. Glamorous and predatory, the Borgias fascinated and terrorized fifteenth-century Renaissance Italy, and Lucrezia Borgia, beloved daughter of the pope, was at the center of the dynasty’s ambitions. Slandered as a heartless seductress who lured men to their doom, was she in fact the villainess of legend, or was she trapped in a familial web, forced to choose between loyalty and survival?

With the ascension of the Spaniard Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI, a new era has dawned in Rome. Benefitting from their father’s elevation are the new pope’s illegitimate children—his rival sons, Cesare and Juan, and beautiful young daughter Lucrezia—each of whom assumes an exalted position in the papal court. Privileged and adored, Lucrezia yearns to escape her childhood and play a part in her family’s fortunes. But Rome is seductive and dangerous: Alliances shift at a moment’s notice as Italy’s ruling dynasties strive to keep rivals at bay. As Lucrezia’s father faces challenges from all sides, the threat of a French invasion forces him to marry her off to a powerful adversary. But when she discovers the brutal truth behind her alliance, Lucrezia is plunged into a perilous gambit that will require all her wits, cunning, and guile. Escaping her marriage offers the chance of happiness with a passionate prince of Naples, yet as scandalous accusations of murder and incest build against her, menacing those she loves, Lucrezia must risk everything to overcome the lethal fate imposed upon her by her Borgia blood.

Beautifully wrought, rich with fascinating historical detail, The Vatican Princess is the first novel to describe Lucrezia’s coming-of-age in her own voice. What results is a dramatic, vivid tale set in an era of savagery and unparalleled splendor, where enemies and allies can be one and the same, and where loyalty to family can ultimately be a curse.

Praise for The Vatican Princess

“In a literary exploration riven with Shakespearean quantities of murder, lies, deceptions, and treachery, Gortner’s narrative gains veracity with his atmospheric exploration of fashion, architecture, and art on the stage of ‘loud, filthy, and dangerous’ Rome. Gortner has imagined Lucrezia Borgia’s life from a feminist perspective.”—Kirkus Reviews

“[Gortner] has invested his novel with impressive historical detail that is woven neatly into the threads of the story, and his afterword and references offer excellent insight.”—Historical Novels Review

“Assiduously researched and expertly crafted, this novel takes readers inside the treacherous world of the Borgias—one of history’s most dysfunctional ruling families—and brings to life the sympathetic and freshly imagined character of their leading lady, Lucrezia. This unholy plunge into Rome’s darkest dynasty is wholly engrossing.”—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Sisi: Empress on Her Own

“The world of Renaissance Italy is vividly brought to life—I’m captivated by this knowledgeable author’s take on the controversial Borgias.”—Alison Weir, New York Times bestselling author of Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen

“Impressive research, a lush background, and deft characterization of these turbulent times make for a fascinating read.”—Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth I Biographical Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Italy Rome Heartfelt Royalty Middle Ages Renaissance Vatican Historical Fiction

Critic reviews

“In a literary exploration riven with Shakespearean quantities of murder, lies, deceptions, and treachery, [C. W.] Gortner’s narrative gains veracity with his atmospheric exploration of fashion, architecture, and art on the stage of ‘loud, filthy, and dangerous’ Rome. Gortner has imagined Lucrezia Borgia’s life from a feminist perspective.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A sympathetic portrait of a woman who was treated badly both in life and by the historical record . . . [Gortner] has invested his novel with impressive historical detail that is woven neatly into the threads of the story, and his afterword and references offer excellent insight.”—Historical Novels Review

“The Vatican Princess is delicious. . . . Murder, passion, incest, betrayal: all of the elements that make for good story are here and perfectly applied for maximum impact.”—January Magazine

“Unapologetically pulpy and titillating . . . an engaging tale.”—Publishers Weekly

“C. W. Gortner’s The Vatican Princess is a tale of passion, political intrigue, and poisonous power. Assiduously researched and expertly crafted, this novel takes readers inside the treacherous world of the Borgias—one of history’s most dysfunctional ruling families—and brings to life the sympathetic and freshly imagined character of their leading lady, Lucrezia. This unholy plunge into Rome’s darkest dynasty is wholly engrossing.”—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Sisi: Empress on Her Own

“Elegantly written and deeply researched, with a pacy style and a fine eye for contemporary detail . . . The world of Renaissance Italy is vividly brought to life—I’m captivated by this knowledgeable author’s take on the controversial Borgias.”—Alison Weir, New York Times bestselling author of Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen

“A spiderweb of Renaissance intrigue with a cast of legendary characters, The Vatican Princess tells Lucrezia Borgia’s story in her own words. Impressive research, a lush background, and deft characterization of these turbulent times make for a fascinating read.”—Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth I

“The Vatican Princess immerses us in the vibrant, sometimes terrifying world of Renaissance Rome. Here is a marvelously evocative portrait of a young woman caught in a bewildering web of jealousy, family rivalry, vengeance, and papal politics. This is historical fiction at its best, written by a master of the genre.”—Patricia Bracewell, author of Shadow on the Crown
All stars
Most relevant
I was very excited when I read the reviews of this book it sounded perfect- but all the action happens in the last third of the book and there were times I almost gave up on the way there. Glad I didn't though .

A bit slow to start

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Would you try another book written by C. W. Gortner or narrated by Julia Whelan?

Yes by this author

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Vatican Princess?

Nothing outstanding.

Would you be willing to try another one of Julia Whelan’s performances?

No - poor choice. Little knowledge of the book's context and pronunciation was hit and miss on words in both English and Italian. Should have had an appropriate ethnic voice.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

I prefer to read the book not the adaptation one gets with a film.

Any additional comments?

The story was spoiled by the poor narration.

Better to read the book

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Listening to Lucrezia's story made me feel so lucky to live in today's world. Whatever we think of today's politicians we are worlds apart from the savagery of the past. This story is written beautifully, the descriptions of surroundings, people and the emotions they felt made me feel as though I was there witnessing it. I couldn't wait to listen every day and I regret I have finished it too fast. I definitely recommend it to anyone wanting an exciting, often shocking read.

An emotional whirlwind of a story

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A very enjoyable historical novel it managed to keep me enthralled from the start
Well written and well narrated
The American accent of the narrator didn't detract from the story I found myself engrossed in.

Couldn't stop listening

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The book itself was a well referenced history however I did find the American narration and pronunciation very cartoonish.

Not overly impressed

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