Duchess of Milan

All I can say is that Ennis has created an epic masterpiece that happens to take place in the 15th century. His attention to detail is so vivid and lifelike that you are literally transported to a majestic time in history where three women controlled Italy's fate. The characters in this book are masterfully developed (you won't see characters like these often), and this was like reading an enjoyable textbook that combined the Italian language (there are many useful phrases) and 15th Century European History. Many of the characters are historical, and there are even pieces of letters from Leonardo Da Vinci (actually written!), and letters (also actually written) by several major characters, that are tossed in at critical points. Ennis' patience in gathering all the detail and creating the plot exceeds my human capacity to imagine. An outstanding work.

I am a History Buff and I loved this book; couldn't put it down and was sorry when I finished reading it. Mr. Ennis is so talented an author that he transported me to the 15th century. From his wonderful description of Renaissance notables and cities - I got to know them and almost felt I walked the streets and saw their palaces. As in any good History Book the facts, dates, characters and events are all there because he is a thorough researcher but he has brought it to a higher, more intimate level by making it a novel - putting words into their mouths,describing villas, decor, battles,costumes,feasts, pagents, with the appearances and manerisms of the principal characters. In so doing he makes this historical period come alive. I hope it will be brought to the screen as we have very few movies of this important period in History.

This is a book I wish I could write. Historical fiction is a difficult genre in that the story, frequently known to readers already, and the characters, which must be made up almost whole from the author's imagination, must meld somehow into something people want to read. Ennis' "Duchess" is such a book. Intense in its character studies, involved in plot, precise in details such as dress of 15th century Italy, it exudes authenticity. It is more a political novel than an historical one, in that the central theme is one of political machinations the like of which would make Machiavelli proud. I own this book and it is one of only a half dozen that I have re-read. It is rich enough to sustain multiple readings. I can't recommend it highly enough for those who love historical fiction.

I "discovered" this book when it was recommended to me by a friend. It turned out to be one of the best books I have ever read. Michael Ennis does a fantastic job of placing the reader squarely in the last decade of the 15th century amid a cast of characters who are vividly brought to life, often through their own words. The sexually charged atmosphere is believable and runs as a strong undercurrent throughout the action of the book. It starts somewhat slowly as the characters are all brought onto the stage, but soon begins to pick up moment as the action commences and the characters are brought into direct conflict. This is a very good read, and an extremely well written book.