Disobedient: The gripping feminist retelling of a seventeenth century heroine forging her own destiny

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A young woman is put on trail. She has accused her painting teacher of the darkest betrayal - he accuses her of being a immoral liar. What really happened, and why will this trial scandalise seventeenth-century Rome 'This is the ring that you gave me, and these are your promises.' Rome 1611. A jewel-bright place of change, with sumptuous new palaces and lavish wealth on constant display. A city where women are seen but not heard. Artemisia Gentileschi dreams of becoming a great artist. Motherless, she grows up among a family of painters - men and boys. She knows she is more talented than her brothers, but she cannot choose her own future. She belongs to her father and will belong to a husband. As Artemisia patiently goes from lesson to lesson, perfecting her craft, a mysterious tutor enters her life. Tassi is a dashing figure, handsome and worldly, and for a moment he represents everything that a life of freedom might offer. But then the unthinkable happens. A violent act that threatens Artemisia's honour, and her virtue. In the eyes of her family, Artemisia should accept her fate. In the eyes of the law, she is the villain. But Artemisia is a survivor. And this is her story to tell.

Reviews

An exhilarating read. Through effervescent prose, Elizabeth Fremantle brings the story of artist Artemisia Gentieschi to life. Gripping, captivating, and consistently enlightening, Disobedient firmly places Gentileschi as one of the greatest female heroines in history -- KATY HESSEL
Outstanding. A powerful novel about women who are shamed and silenced, and how they learn to survive. A literary knockout -- ANNA MAZZOLA
The colourful, brutal world of Baroque Italy is superbly evoked in this gripping novel of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the era's greatest artists. The challenges faced by a dauntless woman in this man's world leave a deep impression on the reader -- LINDA PORTER

If you don't already know the story of 17th-century artist Artemisia Gentilleschi, I urge you not to google it but let this phenomenal novel describe her for you. If you already know what happened, let yourself be immersed in 17th-century Rome as the action unfolds in the hands of a master storyteller.

The characters are nuanced and relatable; the writing is colourful and moreish; the pace and plotting are pitch perfect. She is a writer at the top of her game, and this is historical fiction at its absolute best.

-- GILL PAUL, author of THE SECRET WIFE
Just finished reading this gem - an unputdownable story of revenge, ambition, and how women overcome adversity. A heartbreaking and empowering read that places Artemisia as one of the greatest painters in history -- COSTANZA CASATI, author of CLYTEMNESTRA
To produce the best work a writer must "dig deep"' In Disobedient, Elizabeth Fremantle pierces the reader's soul, drawing tears, blood, and rage for the injustices and pain inflicted on the painter, Artemisia Gentileschi ~ until she rises through the force of her character and art. Through vivid depictions of the paintings in the story, and the art of her own writing, Liz has bared her soul and produced this stunning portrait of a courageous genius who refuses to accept the abuse or petty jealousies of men who would oppress her. Brava Artemisa ... and Liz! -- ESSIE FOX, author of THE SOMNAMBULIST
Visceral, lush, fierce - just brilliant. The painter Artemisia comes to crackling life. What storytelling. What writing. The last few pages left me gasping. A triumph -- EVE CHASE

Author Bio

Elizabeth Fremantle is the critically acclaimed author of four Tudor historical novels- Queen's Gambit (soon to be the feature film, Firebrand), Sisters of Treason, Watch the Lady and The Girl in the Glass Tower. As E.C. Fremantle she has written two gripping historical thrillers- The Poison Bed and The Honey and the Sting. She lives in London.