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Lucrezia, 3rd daughter of Cosimo Medici, is a wonderful character, married at 15 to the 'janus' Duke of ferrara she is vibrant child full of life. It is the knowledge that this is a tale built around her fate that she will killed by her husband that creates the emotional impact of this wonderful book. When i rd her encounter with a tiger, I was hooked with the story + prose style. The ending is sad but offers an idea of what might have been

#best of 2023 Lots of “just ok” reads this year - and the first time I‘ve struggled for ten to put on this list - but despite that these are the ten books which stood out a mile and are the ones I couldn‘t put down, couldn‘t stop thinking about, still think about. The type of books I crave and keep reading to find. The Maggie O‘Farrell was absolutely stunning. Demon Copperhead, Amy & Lan and The Romantic very, very nearly made it into the list!

I ❤️ this 📖 as much as I ❤️ our 🏖️ getting more sand in time for summer. It was fascinating to watch. The cover of this 📖 is glorious & befitting. I ❤️ me some Maggie. Pic taken by oldest evil step daughter at the 🏖️ this morning after a lay in with 🫖 then some 🥞. Now I am having a day time soak with a glass of pinot gris and a 🛀 bomb. Happy Sunday fellow Australians. I‘m so sorry about yesterday‘s result. I voted yes as any human should.

I loved every single second, every word of this, and I didn‘t want it to end. I love Maggie O‘Farrell and I‘ve read every book of fiction she‘s written. I think this one may be my very favourite. Historical fiction perfection, to be raced through and savoured at the same time, and with creeping menace running through it, I‘m genuinely bereft now I‘ve finished.

Perfect start the 😎 season this w/e. There will be a few beach days in a row! Yesterday I hid my Sauvignon Blanc in a coffee mug and headed to the beach to get even more sun cancer cut out in the future. I know it‘s naughty but as my mother says I have no self control. I did wear 50 plus sun cream and a hat and sunnies though. I adore this author and this book is no exception. She really plonks you in other time zones. Her writing is dazzling.

Ah, I've saved this for my book club and am reading it on my trip to Berlin. Super excited as she's one of my favourite writers :)

Started this today, a totally different pace from my last read, so I thought I might struggle to get into it but I‘m hooked already.

Decided to change my next read to this. Truly one of favourite authors. And a real book. Haven't read one of those in ages.

Bob looking after the new O'Farrell until I'm ready to start it

"He bends at the waist and, sliding his hand around her neck, stoops and presses his lips to hers ‐ a brief, emphatic pressure. It reminds her of her father, bringing his seal down on top of a document, marking it is his."

Gorgeous edition. Just look at the end papers. I started this afternoon and have yet to put it down @Soubhiville