The Marriage Portrait

A Novel

WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION FINALIST • REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK • NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • The author of award-winning Hamnet brings the world of Renaissance Italy to jewel-bright life in this unforgettable fictional portrait of the captivating young duchess Lucrezia de' Medici as she makes her way in a troubled court.

“I could not stop reading this incredible true story.” —Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club Pick)

"O’Farrell pulls out little threads of historical detail to weave this story of a precocious girl sensitive to the contradictions of her station...You may know the history, and you may think you know what’s coming, but don’t be so sure." —The Washington Post

Florence, the 1550s. Lucrezia, third daughter of the grand duke, is comfortable with her obscure place in the palazzo: free to wonder at its treasures, observe its clandestine workings, and devote herself to her own artistic pursuits. But when her older sister dies on the eve of her wedding to the ruler of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio, Lucrezia is thrust unwittingly into the limelight: the duke is quick to request her hand in marriage, and her father just as quick to accept on her behalf.

Having barely left girlhood behind, Lucrezia must now enter an unfamiliar court whose customs are opaque and where her arrival is not universally welcomed. Perhaps most mystifying of all is her new husband himself, Alfonso. Is he the playful sophisticate he appeared to be before their wedding, the aesthete happiest in the company of artists and musicians, or the ruthless politician before whom even his formidable sisters seem to tremble?

As Lucrezia sits in constricting finery for a painting intended to preserve her image for centuries to come, one thing becomes worryingly clear. In the court’s eyes, she has one duty: to provide the heir who will shore up the future of the Ferranese dynasty. Until then, for all of her rank and nobility, the new duchess’s future hangs entirely in the balance.

Full of the beauty and emotion with which she illuminated the Shakespearean canvas of Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell turns her talents to Renaissance Italy in an extraordinary portrait of a resilient young woman’s battle for her very survival.

Not my favorite O'Farrell

Just not as compelling a character as her previous female protagonists; consistent with the author's sympathy for a non-neurotypical heroine, but everything in the plot is telescoped from page 1. Also, I object on principle to giving characters the ability to empathetically read the minds of and communicate with wild creatures--a dangerous misrepresentation of animal intelligence that encourages idiots to get out of their cars and approach bison or reach into zoo enclosures, with unfortunate results

Very well done!

Such an excellent story and exceptional writing by the author!
Thoroughly enjoyed this historical work of fiction…

Unique and very enjoyable. Excellent!

The authors research and creativity was brilliant. The characters came to life. one of my favorite books this year.

Loved this book!

I loved this book! I’m a big fan of historical fiction and I literally felt transported back in time. Such a fun and cool experience. Will probably listen to it again someday.

Engaging story

This book was enthralling and entertaining. The writing was poetic and slow, yet full of adventure.