A sensual historical novel based on a true story of a feminist icon who has been written out of 17th century Roman history.
“Betrayed, abandoned, banished, Bernini would rather destroy Costanza than let her go, but Costanza is no ordinary woman, from the ashes she will rise”
Beautifully written and very immersive in it’s depiction.
Such a powerful story
Thanks @rachelblackmorewriter @dialoguepublishing & @netgalley for the immersive debut read

Costanza tells the story of a previously overlooked woman, who was the mistress of the famous artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini and later the survivor of a vicious attack and a terrible scandal. Blackmore creates a compelling portrait based on very scant historical records of this figure, and shows an imperfect woman who has the resilience to remake her life after she bears the brunt of social disgrace after the affair is revealed. While the story itself is gripping, she turns this story from being just a snippet of 17th century life by drawing parallels between the different treatment of men and women then and now, both in the story (occasionally using phrasing like 'boys will be boys' which is deliberately very out of place for 17th century Rome and so shows how society continues to have unequal attitudes towards what is acceptable behaviour for men and women) but also in the excellent afterword.

Having a particular affinity for Italian historical fiction, and having enjoyed a couple over the last year ( A Poisoner's Tale being one of them), Costanza had obvious appeal and I was excited to read it.
The atmosphere in this novel is evocative and intriguing. Set in Rome in 1636, the vivid descriptions transport the reader right into the centre of the city. Costanza is newly married and navigating her way through her life. Her husband works in the studio of the larger than life Gianlorenzo Bernini, and one fateful day Costanza and he meet. It's a match to a flame. They begin an affair that burns like a bonfire.
Women at this time have little currency, and Costanza knows she is playing with fire.
Bernini wants to sculpt her, and does so, with terrible consequences for Costanza. She suffers a terrible violence, and subseqent betrayal, but rises again.
This novel is based on a true story, another of the novels that revive women forgotten by history. (The Instrumentalist being another.) It is a very good read, well written and researched. Costanza as a character is captivating and inspiring, and the atmosphere is convincing, as is the situation for women at the time. It is well worth a read.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Costanza by Rachel Blackmore is a wonderful foray into 17th century Rome, strictly ruled by the catholic church and the noble families that battled through the religious hierarchies for prevalance and ultimate power, striving to be the most renowned collectors of the finest art in Europe

Costanza is married to a sculptor, but falls for her husbands teacher, Lorenzo Bernini, against everything that soceity and the church decrees. A fascinating insight into her journey and the culture and machinations of 17th century Rome


Thank you to NetGalley, Dialogue Books | Renegade Books and Rachel Blackmore for this ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Very well written, it is a real page , very interesting and also horrific in parts. I felt I was actually there. A very good debut book.

Lorenzo Bernini is an artist at the height of his power, commissioned by the Pope to produce sculptures for the Vatican. Costanza Piccolomini is the wife of one of the men working for Bernini, beautiful and wilful, her marriage is one of convenience for her husband. When Bernini meets Costanza he falls for her but their passion can only lead to tragedy.
This is a fictionalised account of the story of Bernini's mistress and his madness and jealousy. Whilst I appreciated the feminist slant to the actions, I did not like the way it was hammered home in the author notes at the end. That spoiled what is a rather good piece of historical fiction with its emphasis on different forms of female friendship and rivalry.

The striking cover of Costanza initially caught my eye, and I’m glad it did, as the story inside proved to be equally captivating. Set in a period I knew little about, the book introduces the artistic world of the Bernini brothers and their entanglements with Costanza, the wife of sculptor Matteo. When the renowned Lorenzo Bernini becomes infatuated with Costanza, he offers to teach her about art, which leads to a passionate affair that is both thrilling and tragic.

The book intricately weaves a tale of desire, power, and betrayal, with Lorenzo’s obsession driving him to destructive extremes, while Costanza’s resilience in the face of such adversity shines through. The dynamic between Costanza and the Bernini brothers, particularly with the added danger of Lorenzo’s brother Luigi's interest, creates a tense and enthralling narrative.

Costanza is a remarkable debut, showcasing Blackmore's meticulous research and imaginative storytelling, making it a standout piece of historical fiction that I thoroughly enjoyed.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

Absolutely fabulous read, based on the experiences of Constanza, mistress to Lorenza Bernini. The story is skillfully told and you really feel you are living along with Constanza. She goes from poverty to the high life to a sudden life-changing event. The author explores women's lack of agency in this era - which parallels our lives even today. Shocking, enthralling and simply one of the best books I've read in 2024. 5* rating.

Costanza is the true story of a woman who became the mistress of the famous sculptor Bernini in 17th century Rome and the subsequent dramatic and terrible consequences when Costanza attracts the interest of Bernini's younger brother.
This is a well researched novel which I ultimately enjoyed reading. I found the first part very slow and almost gave up, but persevered after reading other reviews. It is a terrific story and all the better for being true. I can imagine it making a compelling drama series with the highs and lows of Costanza and Bernini's complex relationship and the repercussions, which have a resonance in today's 'Me Too' environment when controlling behaviour, misogny and domestic violence are ever present.
The second part is much faster-paced and the tenderness between women in dire circumstances was very poignant and seemed to ring truer than the romantic (and slow) build up at the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this novel.

This was a really well researched book with the author painting a perfect picture of this time in history.
A wonderfully written book with great characters.
A must read.

i read this on my commute over a week and really enjoyed it! it was very different to the genres i usually read but i'm so glad i stuck with this, the writing was so gorgeous and i was engaged throughout!

i think if you enjoy historical fiction you will truly love this. the depictions of Rome drew such a clear image and it made me want to research more myself about this era.

thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc 🫶🏻

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Dialogue/Renegade Books for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

TW: misogyny, sexual assault and rape, child death, abortion, injury, abuse, violence

In Rome in 1636, a respectable woman named Costanza Piccolomini, the wife of a decent sculptor, is mostly happy with her life. Her husband Matteo is kind enough even though they’ve not yet had a child and he seems to have little interest in his wife. Matteo introduces Costanza to the legendary sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who instantly takes an interest in Costanza and begins to teach her about art and history. However, Bernini is known for his intensity, genius and temper and his reputation as a stunning artist beloved by the Pope sits hand in hand with his tense relationship with his brother Luigi. Soon enough, this shared passion turns into an affair between Bernini and Costanza that Matteo sanctions. Bernini is determined to cement Costanza in history through marble but any proof of their affair could lead to Costanza’s ruin. He wants to own Costanza in body, mind and soul for all eternity and make her immortal as his muse. The sculpture is revealed and Costanza is exposed as the lover of Bernini, leading to a scandal that shocks Roman society as the depth of Bernini’s obsession is revealed. After an attack ordered by Bernini leaves her with terrible facial scarring marking her as a seducer, Costanza’s entire life changes as she is punished instead of him. In the middle of everything, Costanza tries to protect herself- and what remains of her reputation- for the future, even as history remembers her as a temptress and the ruin of a brilliant man.

I’d never heard of Costanza Piccolomini before I read this book but now having finished it, and read more about her life, I wish I’d known about her. From the first page, the author establishes the Rome that Costanza lives in, one where artists and nobility live the high life while regular people struggle to survive. She lives somewhat in the middle, bearing a good name and a relatively successful husband, but soon enough Costanza finds herself wanting more. I loved how she deals with her relationships changing as she moves away from her original friends- one of whom is more like a sister to her- and into the shining, ruthless world of Bernini and other artists. It’s a slow build of a story, but as soon as Bernini and Costanza share a scene and fall into a relationship, I found it impossible to look away even as it got more destructive. The author’s writing style works perfectly here to show the double standards held in the 17th century for men and women, that women will remain wives and mothers while men’s behaviour will be accepted as mere eccentricity. I adored the storyline of Costanza learning about art, especially because of her future role as an art dealer. This was a gorgeously written debut with an equally lovely cover, telling the story of a woman who has long been remembered just because of a scandalous sculpture and less because of what she achieved.

Based on the life of Constanza Piccolomini, an art dealer in Rome who's husband works for the legendary sculptor Bernini, this is a stunning feminist tale, sweeping and epic, this has movie adaptation written all over it! This is so lushly written, all the sights, sounds and smells of the period, it's simply outstanding.

This is a well-researched and beautifully written historical fiction exploring the woman and muse, Costanza. When famed sculptor and architect Bernini meets the married Costanza there is immediate attraction, their love affair inspiring his work and causing scandal in the patriarchal and deeply Christian society of 17th century Rome. Inspired by the real historical figures, Blackmore does an excellent job of immersing you in the historical setting, the characters come alive with the motivations and desires of our protagonist chained by the stifling society she exists, where women are viewed often in binary terms, wife or lover.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

It was an interesting and informative read as I know Bernini's works but not his private life. Costanza was a clever and brave woman, she faced scandals and was a free sould.
I enjoyed this well researched and well plotted story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A debut novel which is a fictionalised account of a real life woman who lived in Rome in the 1660s. Constanza a young married woman is drawn into a dangerous affair with an older man, Lorenzo, a famous sculptor. This was a time where men could act upon their desires with few repercussions, whereas for women there were huge penalties; loss of reputation and even freedom.

Lorenzo wants to possess Constanza and to immortalise her image in marble too. This unapproved act signals the end of their affair and advertises their actions to the wider community. Then learning of a double betrayal he reacts with a violent wish to irrecoverably cause harm to Constanza.

Well written and researched, however I found I did not really engage with the characters and found the story rather slow. It was not until Constanza’s circumstances changed that I became interested in what would happen to her.

I have found myself thinking a lot about the contemporary horrific crime and women’s ongoing vulnerabilities and discrimination which the author describes in an impassioned note at the end of the novel. It was interesting to learn that these were a catalyst for choosing to write her version of Constanza’s story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

‘Seek your own story’

Costanza endeavours to have a better life for herself and, to her detriment, gets entangled with the famous sculptor, Lorenzo Bernini, and his brother, Luigi.
She is a remarkable woman who faces the harsh consequences of societal double standards regarding women and sexuality. Despite enduring hardships, Costanza emerges stronger, becoming a respected and influential art dealer.

Rachel has beautifully portrayed Costanza’s story of love, desire, loyalty, and betrayal. The vivid descriptions of 17th-century Rome create an immersive and atmospheric setting. The narrative is meticulously researched, with the fictional elements seamlessly blending into reality.

This stunningly written piece is a beautiful ode to the formidable Costanza Piccolomini and celebrates the power of sisterhood.

Reading this book reignited my love for historical fiction; it is truly a remarkable piece.

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. Waiting in the wings is Bernini's violent brother & one lie brings about Costanza's downfall - but this is not the end. Costanza refuses to be punished whilst the men carry on with their lives, & she will return.

Based on a true story, this historical fiction brings to life 17th century Rome. It starts off quite slowly but before you realise it, you're engrossed in the story. It neatly showcases how women were constrained throughout history as only wives & mothers & anyone trying to break out of that was viewed critically. It also deals with the double standard of how the men's' behaviour is handwaved, whilst the women are punished & the author also brings this into the modern day in the Author's Note at the end.

TWs: infidelity, scenes of a sexual nature, sexual assault, misogyny, strong language.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Dialogue Books/Renegade Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

this is SUCH a breath of fresh air when it comes to historical fiction. most i know are set in very popular times but as a lover of rome in all its centuries, it appealed to me as soon as possible. through its fast paced prose & collection of great & in depth female characters, the pages flew by to expose a story fuelled by discussing the relationship between power & love. scandal, betrayal & perseverance are also at the heart of the book, displaying a thorough exhibition of character driven moments & addictive drama. an extremely compelling & important aspect of the novel is how it is ultimately a response to the ongoing abusive behaviour men show to women, a pattern as old as time that cannot be ignored. i think that as it’s a work of fiction based on a real inspirational woman, it’s a perfect attempt to confront the female narratives of the past. costanza is a great character with such individualistic qualities that i find her a role model in her passion of art. i encourage everyone to read this & if not, research the real costanza bernini.

Thank you for providing me with an ARC copy of Costanza.

This was a beautifully written story exploring which was so vividly brought to life and transports the reader directly to 1600s Rome and into the life of Costanza. I loved that this story was based on the life of Costanza who we know little about but who was famously sculpted by Bernini and was part of one of the biggest scandals of the time.

The author was able to arouse a range of emotions throughout the book so get ready to feel all of the sadness, betrayal and anger that goes along with this story. You will love certain characters and hate others but each of them will leave an impression and after reading this you will be left with a lot of thoughts and feelings about the application of this book across all of history and still into modern times.

This book explores the many different ways women have historically and continue to be used and abused by men and although set in the 1600s is still highly relevant today. If you do read this book please read the authors note at the end which puts into perspective the authors motivation for writing this and highlights many of the ways that this book remains relevant today and how what happened to Costanza continues to happen to women everywhere.