I am always delighted to discover a new historical fiction writer and Rachel Blackmore with her debut novel 'Costanza' has made it straight on to the list of authors I follow. I have learnt that Costanza Piccolomini was living, at the time of her marriage in Viterbo, Italy a town I lived in for some years and know well!

'Costanza' is the story of a young woman who was persecuted and disfigured in an attack of violence, after a controlling love affair with the famous sculptor Bernini goes wrong. Lorenzo Bernini's son Domenico described his father's affair with Constanza as 'fieramente inamorato' - wildly in love. Costanza was a strong woman in a society where attitudes towards women were particularly unpleasant.

The author has taken a true story and woven it into a compelling novel. If you are a fan of historical novels who likes to also learn along the way then I hope you will love this as much as I did. Highly recommended to all historical fiction fans.
It is with thanks to Renegade Books and NetGalley that this title was made available for me to read and review.

As someone who often judges a book by its cover, I was immediately drawn to this stunning, eye-catching design. Thankfully, the contents were just as captivating.

Being a huge fan of historical fiction, I had heard great things about Costanza from other bookstagrammers, so I was ecstatic to be approved for a digital proof by @netgalley.

Though I was eager to dive in right away, I resisted the urge and waited until the heart of summer—a decision that proved to be perfect.

CW/TW: please be aware this book may contain mentions of violence, rape, misogyny, coercion and abortion.

💬 My Bookish Thoughts

If I had to choose just one word for this book, it would be 'masterpiece.' Even as I write this review, my heart swells with love and deep respect for the story.

Costanza follows the life of Costanza Piccolomini, an Italian noblewoman, merchant, and art dealer. It beautifully narrates her journey as she becomes the mistress of the renowned sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the events that unfold in their passionate love affair.

I don’t want to give too much away, as this mesmerising novel—stunningly crafted, meticulously researched, and beautifully written—deserves to be experienced firsthand. It takes the reader on a journey through Costanza’s life, the history of art, and the stark contrasts between men and women in society. Themes of misogyny, crime, coercion, and violence against women are powerfully explored, highlighting how women, when united, support, give hope and strengthen one another.

The author's note at the end moved me in a way that only the most profound mental health memoirs have done before. I was nearly in tears as I read it. I have immense respect for Rachel Blackmore's writing—she is a truly unique talent. Her incredibly important book deserves a permanent place on the best-sellers list.

🧡 Costanza has earned a proud place among my all-time favorite reads.

Big thanks to netgalley, Dialogue Publishing, and Rachel Blackmore for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏼

A really great historical fiction novel.
Rachel Blackmore's writing really brings Costanza and 17th Century Rome to life and I love when a writer gives a voice to one of the many forgotten women in History.
Focusing on the power or lack of it women all over the world faced and still face today, Costanza is portrayed as a young woman who just wants more from her life and finds the strength to not just survive but to thrive.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read Costanza.

A brilliant piece of historical fiction - Costanza is written in an accessible yet authentic way, and the lead character herself is mesmerising. Loved it.

Compelling

Seventeenth century Rome, this compelling book is fictional but based on real characters.
Costanza Piccolomini makes the acquaintance of her husband Matteo’s employer Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Lorenzo is smitten with Costanza and the feelings are mutual.
A rich description of life in Rome during that era.
Love, lust, violence and anger, and how unfortunately women were the ones to suffer the consequences the most.
I liked the notes at the back of the book written by the author.
I did do a little research myself to see what the real characters looked like.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it is one I will remember.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

“Costanza” is a fascinating novelisation of the life of Costanza Piccolomini, set in 17th century Rome. We don’t often get to see the world in this time period through the perspective of women, but Rachel Blackmore really succeeds in bringing Costanza to life.

Costanza’s marriage is comfortable, but not entirely happy. As her husband’s career as a sculptor progresses, she is drawn into the world of the famous Lorenzo Bernini, with no idea of the impact this connection will have on her life. As her story plays out, we see how this society’s attitudes towards women will shape the lives of Costanza and those around her.

The author does an excellent job of describing 17th century Rome, and showing the differences between classes and societies at various points of Costanza’s life, and of how different her experiences were depending on how she was perceived by others. The depictions of how she and other women were treated in the story made this a difficult read at times, but an important one - many of the attitudes shown still prevailed through the 20th century and even today.

Women’s stories are often reduced to a footnote in history but this book portrays Costanza as a fully-fleshed-out person with her own hopes and dreams, separate to those of the men in her life. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman we know little about, drawing on historical sources that root it firmly in the real world, and building on them to create a novel well worth reading.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Costanza is a story inspired by true events, it's a story of finding own voice, but also of finding friendship where someone doesn't expects it.

An entertaining read all about what it was like to be a muse in 17th century Rome.

Great description of people and places with the smells of the era bought to life.

Costanza was she really a muse or just a woman who was enticed by the more grandeur way of life, but paid the heavy price for it? Really showed the difference between men's adulterous ways and their punishment and the women's.

I did not want this book to end I got so engrossed into it.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book. New author for me to watch out for.

I normally stick with my usual thriller/crime novels but when the opportunity came up on Netgalley to request Costanza by Rachael Blackmore I jumped at the chance to delve into something different.

I am so glad that I got accepted to read this stunning novel as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Set in Rome, way back in 1963 we meet title character Costanza Piccolomini. She starts an affair with another man and wow this novel left me breathless.

I was invested in Costanza and how she dealt with things that came at her, she is a strong woman and is an absolute idol.

It is very obvious that there has been so much research into this book and I had never heard about her before.

The description of Rome is stunning and it is now on my bucket list of places to visit.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for allowing me a copy of this amazingly well-written book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was excellent.

I wanted to disapprove of Costanza before reading this. I didn’t know anything about her or the time or the place. But I felt it was my moral duty to be displeased before turning to read the first page.

I was not displeased. Not in the slightest. Costanza is a three-dimensional, layered, flawed, complex, and very dynamic character who will have you rooting for her from the first page. I had so many feelings throughout this book. I smiled, I frowned, I wanted to throw my e-reader across the room in irritation at the injustice of what it is to be a woman. In any time. I was frightened for her, I was cheering at her back. I wanted nothing more than her happiness.

Bernini, Matteo and other men of this book are fleshed out and carry their own voices. Same for the supporting cast of women, actually. It is amazing how well the author has woven words together to have multiple characters really jump out of the page and be memorable.

I became slightly confused at times because of the switch between narrative perspectives. That would probably be my only complaint about this book, but it was so minor that my overall enjoyment of the book wasn’t impacted.

This was… a heartbreaking and very sobering read. Well worth a look for… anyone really. I do not think this book has a particular audience. It probably does, but I think this book needs to be widely read. So pick it up.

Thank you Dialogue Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start this review by first saying, please check the trigger warnings of this novel, and also please please please read the author's note. This brought me to tears and gave a completely new appreciation for the novel. Blackmore's motives for sharing and giving life to Costanza's story are something that I am sure all women will appreciate and empathize with. The experiences of a woman from the 1600s resonates with the lives of so many women today.

This is a feminist historical fiction book that will likely make you angry - and it should! It is clear that Blackmore poured her heart and soul into this book and I'm so glad I read it.

I also want to share how excellent I found the audiobook! I had struggled reading the e-book and found changing to the audio a great choice for me. I think there is also something interesting in listening to the story of a woman like Costanza - a story so often viewed through the lens of her lover.

Now onto the book. Rome, 1636 - Costanza is a respectable young married woman. History knows her as a muse, a temptress. But there is more to her story.

Her life is thrown into chaos when she meets famed sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini, and a fatal attraction is born. A secret affair ensues, both completely enraptured by one another. But Bernini's desire is obsessive, and he immortalizes his Costanza in marble for all to see and exposing her as his lover.

Outrage, betrayal, cruelty beyond measure. What should have been the end of Costanza is only the beginning.

Costanza's journey was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Womanhood, sisterhood, and the horrors women go through at the hands of men and society. A great cast of characters with intriguing motives, making questionable choices and a sharing a breadth of experiences. The attention to detail in the setting of Rome was really excellent. It was incredibly immersive for such a character driven story.

My slight issue was the pacing for the first 50%, it was tricky to get into and I couldn't quite see where the plot was going. The 'acts' of this story weren't quite what I expected (like in terms of when the different events happened) which is why this isn't quite a 5 star for me. This was one of those reads where it wasn't necessarily about the journey but how it made me feel when it was over.

I'd definitely recommend this, especially the audio.

Thank you again Dialogue Books and NetGalley for the arc.

A fictional retelling of Constanza and her sculptor Bernini set in the 17th century. I'm a fan of his sculptures as they're so detailed and emotional.
So many elements of wealth, society, rivalry, double standards and of course, romance.
This was a really well written book with so many relatable moments and just leaves the impression of a powerful and strong woman.

I started to read this without knowing that it was based on real characters, and still felt that it was a great story. The fact that most of these people did exist made it even more interesting. I loved that Costanza was portrayed as a strong opinionated woman at the beginning but she became dazzled by the attention from high society, which led to her downfall. My favourite section however, was when she is incarcerated and the women she met there. This section continues to examine the age old and current problem of mens' manipulation of women for their own ends and the characters that Costanza meets there are particularly sympathetic.
I very much enjoyed this, both for the thoughtful story and for the insight into a period of history that I knew little about.

A fantastic historical fiction book about Costanza Piccolomini, 400 years ago in Italy. A great story over resilience and hope.

I loved this!
Costanza is an innocent, caught up in a world where she can have no power and has no understanding of the precariousness of her position, where love is irrelevant and women are an irrelevance. She rises and falls according to the whim of men, and has no idea how to play the game of life in 17th century Rome, where every decision is based upon money, status and the rule of the Church,
It is however, still a story of the strength and resilience and brilliance of women, who carve their own path in a way that the men can't see or recognise, and earn their own successes - and must keep these to themselves.
This novel is a brilliant light shining on a woman who was a major influence in the life of a man whose fame echoes down the ages, but who had until now nobody to tell her story. The attention to detail and understanding of that period in history, the careful weaving together of many strands that come together to complete the tapestry, the beautiful use of language and clear love of writing shines in every sentence.
A definite must read.

After a slow start, this proved a very worthy read. For fans of historical fiction, this is a must, particularly as it is based on actual events and characters.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

Rachel Blackmore's "Costanza" is a gripping and evocative tale that follows the life of its flawed yet compelling heroine, Costanza.

Costanza, a woman of fierce determination and complex emotions, navigates a world filled with societal constraints and personal trials. From a young age, she dreams of escaping her humble beginnings and making a name for herself. As she grows older, Costanza faces numerous obstacles, including betrayals, failed relationships, and her own inner demons. While married she falls in love with Gianlorenzo Bernini, a famed sculptor and the relationship threatens to tear her life apart when he decides to do a "good deed" by immortalising her in marble.

Rachel Blackmore does an excellent job of portraying Costanza's complexities, making her a character readers can empathize with, despite her imperfections.

The narrative is rich and engaging, with Blackmore's descriptive prose vividly bringing the historical setting.

Delightful writing, the language and descriptive narration flows smoothly.
The author notes that there may be slight historical inaccuracies but you’re so absorbed in the story, you really don’t notice and could easily forgive them as artistic license even if you did.

If there was one major drawback to this book, it’s that the majority of the interesting parts of the story all happen in the last third. The first two thirds do seem to be unnecessarily long winded and lacking some adventure.

Even so, it’s difficult to deny that the author skilfully traverses trauma, heartbreak and violence so that it’s impactful without being triggering.

Great read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Based on the true story of Costanza Piccolomini, this historical novel is set in 17th century Rome. I didn't realise that Costanza was actually a feminist icon but after reading I can understand why. The descriptions of Rome are so evocative - you can immediately imagine the sights, sounds and smells of daily life there. Costanza is a young wife married to Matteo, a sculptor working in the studio of the infamous Lorenzo Bernini. Upon meeting Costanza and Lorenzo are immediately attracted to each other and as well as his muse, she becomes his lover. When he unveils his sculpture of Costanza it is obvious what has been happening and she loses everything only to be triumphant again. I don't normally read historical fiction but art and Rome tempted me to give it a go and I'm glad that I did. Amazing atmospheric descriptions and fabulous characterisations really enhance the telling of this story. I'm so grateful to Netgalley for letting me read and review this book.

Historical fiction is not one of the genres I would usually chose to read. This book goes back to Shakespeare's times and thus the author is constrained in what she can write compared to modern day settings. I was impressed with how some challenging subjects were well tackled and I did enjoy the book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.