4.5 stars.

Maggie O'Farrell's writing is just gorgeous. I get so wrapped up in her beautiful descriptions and historical atmosphere. Her tales move languidly, but not in a way that bores...it's more of a gentle flowing, leading you through the plot.

I didn't want to put this book down. O'Farrell's writing kept echoing in my ears, holding me captive. It was an emotional read for me. Lucrezia's fate was looming and my heart just ached for the young girl. There were several moments of anger, disgust, and frustration at both the situation and the other characters. There is some trepidation written into the writing...you know from the beginning more or less what the ending will be...and yet it's not an edge-of-your-seat kind of experience. It's a niggling feeling in your gut. A mild anxiety. And something about it just feels right and delicious, despite the atrocity.

There are some writers who are just suited for historical fiction. Maggie O'Farrell is one of them. She walks the line between history and fiction very well, changing just enough to keep the story intriguing, while still maintaining the essence of historical fact. Definitely an author on my permanent "to be read" list.