Costanza: Based on a true story, a completely unputdownable historical fiction page-turner set in 17th Century Rome

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'Love, lust, fury and betrayal leap from the page. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read a true feminist retelling' LOUISE HARE

'I loved it... Rich and evocative in its portrayal of 17th Century Rome. A fabulous, evocative novel' Elizabeth Chadwick

'An unforgettable debut novel' Naomi Kelsey

Rome, 1636. History calls her a Muse. Temptress. Fallen woman. This is her story.

In the scorched city of Rome, the cobbled streets hum with gossip and sin. Costanza Piccolomini is a respectable young wife - until she meets Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famed sculptor and star of Roman society, whose jet-black gaze matches his dark temper. From the second they set eyes upon each other, a fatal attraction is born.

Their secret love burns with a passion that consumes them. But with every stolen kiss and illicit tryst, Costanza's reputation is at stake. Meanwhile, Bernini has a dangerous desire: he wants to make Costanza immortal. He vows to possess her not just in body and soul, but also in marble.

When Bernini unveils his sculpture of Costanza, she is exposed as his lover, marking the undoing of their affair - and the beginning of a scandal which will rock Roman society. For Bernini would rather destroy Costanza than let her go.

Betrayed. Abandoned. Banished. This was meant to be the end of Costanza's story. But Costanza is no ordinary woman: from the ashes, she will rise...

Based on a true story, Costanza is a dizzying and sensual historical novel that brings to life a feminist icon who has been written out of history. This utterly addictive tale of desire and betrayal is perfect for fans of The Marriage Portrait and The Miniaturist.

'I sat up into the early hours, unable to drag myself away from Costanza - what a joy!' Karen Powell

'A shocking story... Most persuasively written, deeply felt and the detail is excellent' Elizabeth Bucan

Reviews

From the first page I was hooked, completely immersed in Costanza's version of Rome. Love, lust, fury and betrayal leap from the page. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read a true feminist retelling -- Louise Hare
I loved it . . . Rich and evocative in its portrayal of 17th Century Rome. A fabulous, evocative novel -- Elizabeth Chadwick
I was mesmerised by Costanza, a searing, fierce tale of obsession, revenge, and resilience. Blackmore's lush, sensuous prose evokes 17th Century Rome superbly, from its seamy underbelly to the glamourous Bernini circle. An unforgettable debut novel -- Naomi Kelsey
I sat up into the early hours, unable to drag myself away from Costanza - what a joy! Rachel Blackmore rescues Costanza, wronged and defiant, from the shadows of history -- Karen Powell
A shocking story... Most persuasively written, deeply felt and the detail is excellent. Quite apart from anything else, I will look at Bernini in a new light -- Elizabeth Bucan

Author Bio

Born in Birmingham, Rachel spent her childhood in the Northeast, then the Midlands. She studied history at King's College London, where her fascination for women's history took root. After a brief stint in politics, Rachel built a senior career in corporate communications. In 2021, she was runner-up in the Harper's Bazaar Short Story Competition and won the Irish Writers Centre 2022 Novel Fair. Rachel lives in London with her three teenagers, two cats and one dog.