His Last Duchess

Kimm, Gabrielle

ISBN 10: 0857356615 ISBN 13: 9780857356611

Publisher: Oakhill Publishing (CD), 2012

Synopsis

When 16-year-old Lucrezia de' Medici marries the fifth Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d'Este, she imagines life with her handsome husband will be idyllic. But the marriage is fraught with difficulties from the start, and, as time passes, Lucrezia becomes increasingly alienated. For Alfonso, the pressure mounts as the Vatican threatens to reclaim his title should the couple remain unable to produce an heir.

Only his lover Francesca seems able to tame his increasing fury. But Alfonso's growing resentment towards his duchess soon becomes unbearable, and he begins to plot an unthinkable way to escape his problems.

About this title

About the Author

Gabrielle Kimm is a graduate of the creative writing master's program at the University of Chichester. She is writing her second novel, The Courtesan's Lover, which features one of the characters of His Last Duchess as the heroine. www.gabriellekimm.co.uk

Review

"A saucy account of Lucrezia de' Medici's ill-fated marriage, inspired by Robert Browning's poem "My Last Duchess." " - Kirkus

"Kimm neatly ties up all the loose ends while cleverly setting the stage for a spin-off. Poetry enthusiasts will be intrigued and historical fiction fans will appreciate the authentic Renaissance-era detailing.
" - Booklist

"This strong first novel is marked by well-developed, memorable protagonists and a pacing that quickens and builds readers' anxiety as the story progresses. " - Library Journal

" I, personally, cannot wait to see what Gabrielle Kimm has next to offer." - Luxury Reading

"It had lovely prose and was full of romance and suspense.
" - Readin and Dreamin

"The book is well researched, well written with subtlety blended plot lines that will have you routing for Lucrezia as the book nears the end. It's a compelling read that I certainly think can't fail to please. I thoroughly recommend this as a very readable, enjoyable, and illustrative book about this famous family." - Books by the Willow Tree

"There are so many twists and turns that the reader will have a hard time figuring out how this one will end." - Debbie's Book Bag

"His Last Duchess will grab you and be prepared for the twisted moments artfully crafted by Gabrielle Kimm. Trust me you don't want to miss this chilling tale from Renaissance Italy. The strokes of darkness and love combined make this a MUST READ!

" - Aisle B

"Passion, heartbreak, illicit affairs and sorrow makes this a must read – fabulous!

" - Lou Graham's Blog

"Gabrielle Kimm rivals authors like Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy with her descriptive historical romantic style-especially where intrigue lies. " - Boulder Books Examiner

"I immensely enjoyed this novel and very highly recommend it – guaranteed to please.

" - History and Women

"His Last Duchess has some wonderfully poignant moments, some very suspenseful moments and a great villain (her husband.) This is a well written historical fiction book, rich in detail and if you like this genre, you'll love His Last Duchess.

" - Kay's Blog

""His Last Duchess" is a unique novel in historical fiction. This is the kind of novel that will leave you feeling a range of emotions. One thing is for sure, you won't want to put it down!

" - Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner

"The plot of this luscious tale intensifies with every page turn as the characters converge to an exciting climax. The tension mounts with every chapter, keeping me interested until the end. And who cannot resist a tale of love and lust sprinkled with the madness and desperation of an evil antagonist set in the luscious background of the Renaissance? I immensely enjoyed this novel and very highly recommend it – guaranteed to please.

" - Historical Novels Review Blog

"I think all historical fiction fans will find this to be a worthwhile read. Step into the passions of sixteenth century. Follow a story of forbidden love and darkness that will haunt you.
" - Eva's Sanctuary

"I will say no more about the plot: your coffee will go cold reading this novel and I don't want to give anything away. Integral to its pace is the balance within its characters; there are no cardboard stereotypes here. Complex psychology is demonstrated in dialogue and actions appropriate to the period (to some extent Alfonso is a product of his time), but they are essentially, deeply human and in that sense are timeless." - Words in the Treehouse

About this edition

• Publisher: Oakhill Publishing (CD)
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0857356615
• ISBN 13: 9780857356611
• Binding: Audio CD