The Second Duchess

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PShaw, January 1, 2012 (view all comments by PShaw)
This book is an intoxicating historical fiction about the (real) royal court of 16th century Ferrara, and the second duchess. It was inspired by Browning's famous poem "My First Duchess" (the first duchess also appears, and we are as drawn into her story as much as we are the story of Barbara, the second duchess). This debut is as rich and lucious as the cherries that are a repeating motif in it. It's a brilliantly crafted piece of art that includes not only history, but suspense, a love story, and a delicious murder mystery.

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southernwriter, March 27, 2011 (view all comments by southernwriter)
Years ago, it was my honor and privilege to be able to read the first chapter of a novel in progress about a duchess who lived during the Italian Renaissance that was based on the famous Robert Browning poem, “My Last Duchess.” That single chapter was one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. It engaged all my senses and thoroughly transported me back in time. Then I had to wait years, not always patiently, to read the rest.

The author was Elizabeth Loupas, and the story, The Second Duchess, is bound to become as famous as its immortal counterpart. The tale opens in Italy in 1565 and is centered on Barbara of Austria, the second wife of Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara, whose first wife was the young and beautiful Lucrezia de’Medici.

Barbara, daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor, is a bit beyond “marriageable age,” and much less attractive than the first duchess, but a politically motivated marriage has been arranged that will save her from life in a convent where two of her sisters are already immured, and instead, make her the duchess of the dazzling, opulent royal court of Ferrara. It would be a dream come true for any woman, except that the groom is suspected all across Europe of murdering his beautiful first wife.

Barbara is determined to ignore the rumors about the man with whom she will bed and hope to provide an heir. To even hint at the possibility that the duke may be guilty of murder is treason that could result in her being locked in a tower for the rest of her life, or worse. But the whispers, insinuations, and threats begin on her wedding day, and soon enough, her own life comes to depend on discovering the truth.

Elizabeth Loupas recreated the royal court to the last glittering detail, and brought its characters to shimmering, intriguing, romantic life. I waited for so long, with such faith in the story and the writing, that there was real possibility that it could never live up to my very high expectations. It exceeded every one. It was so worth the wait.

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morganna1afey, March 23, 2011 (view all comments by morganna1afey)
First and foremost, I must say, “BRAVO!” I absolutely loved this book. Elizabeth Loupas did a brilliant job knitting all of the pieces of this story together, accomplishing something a lot of authors only dream of being capable of doing.
The story, set in the 16th century Italian city-state of Ferrara, surrounds the mystery behind the death of the stunningly beautiful and youthful first Duchess of Ferrara, Lucrezia Medici; the Duke, Alfonso d’Este, was rumored to have murdered her. The Duke has married again, this time taking to wife Barbara of Austria, a twenty-six year old woman who is not known for her beauty. From the moment of her wedding, Barbara is subjected to the intrigue of the court- there seems to be no end to the gossip of the Duke’s first duchess, and she is the target of not only that, but veiled threats as well. Spurred at first by curiosity, then by necessity, Barbara takes it upon herself to discover what actually happened to Lucrezia Medici and therefore vouchsafe her own safety. Her husband the Duke is at first kept in the dark about his wife’s sleuthing, and treats her rather cruelly for her disobedience when he discovers her secret investigation. As the story progresses, however, we begin to see a change in his demeanor and he becomes redeemable. Throughout the story, we are given insight into the character of the first duchess, Lucrezia, in the form of an inner monologue from the woman’s ghost.
This story is rich and full of life, true to the Renaissance Era. The mention of the English legend of Tristan and Isolde (Barbara receives beagle puppies from Queen Elizabeth and names them Tristram and Iseult), endeared me further to the story. Loupas put a lot of work into this novel; her knowledge of the Italian Renaissance Era is apparent. Her ability to use that knowledge to create such a wonderful historical mystery puts her on par with the likes of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory. I hope to read more novels by Elizabeth Loupas.

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Product Details

ISBN:

9780451232151

Author:

Loupas, Elizabeth

Publisher:

New American Library

Subject:

Historical - General

Subject:

Alfonso

Subject:

Nobility -- Italy.

Subject:

Historical fiction

Subject:

Biographical fiction

Subject:

Historical

Subject:

Literature-A to Z

Edition Description:

Paperback / softback

Publication Date:

20110331

Binding:

TRADE PAPER

Grade Level:

from 12

Language:

English

Pages:

400

Dimensions:

8.32 x 5.58 x 0.95 in 0.7 lb

Age Level:

17-17