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brilliant historical fiction one of the best Iv read for along time , I love a story centring on a figure almost forgotten in history and must admit I did enjoy googling to find out more about Costanza and Bernini , we all know how a passionate love affair can turn sour it‘s a story of old that we still sadly read of in the news of the vengeance imposed on girls and women by ex lovers boyfriends/ husbands we all pray one day it will stop.

Rome in 1636, & Costanza Piccolomini is married to Matteo, a sculptor who works in the studio of Papal favourite, Gianlorenzo Bernini. When Costanza meets Bernini for the first time there is an instant attraction. Their affair becomes all-consuming even at the risk of Costanza's reputation which is doomed the moment Bernini unveils his marble bust of Costanza. (continued)