Madonna of 7 Hills

This book is partially responsible for my obsession with the Borgias. My grandmother was a bit of a pack rat, and as a child when I would stay with her it was always an adventure to go hunting in closets, attic space or *gulp* the spooky basement. It was during one of my hunting expeditions at Grandma's house that I came across a box of books, several by this author the two mentioned and another titled "Daughter of Satan" (just the kind of title to peek the interest of a 12 yr old). Needless to say, my love for reading saved Grandma from me digging through her closets and saved me from a summer of boredom in a small Iowa town. But, most importantly, this book, and others by this author, introduced me to a lifelong love of the Italian Renaissance and Borgia family history! Madonna of The Seven Hill's in particular is a very fascinating read. Despite the 1970's style cover art, this book reads like a historical narrative and is remarkably true to the true time line. I still have this book-though it's pages have yellowed the words written on them are still fabulous. I highly recommend searching the used book stores or even ordering a previously owned copy of Plaidy's books on the Borgia's to anyone that is as intrigued by the Italian renaissance as I was...or still am.;)

The legendary Lucrezia Borgia did everything with a passionate intensity. She loved with a burning lust. She hated with a ruthless violence. There wasn't another woman in all of Rome who could rival her exquisite beauty - or her incredible power. As the only daughter of Pope Alexander VI, she was showered with every luxury and privilege. But being a Borgia also meant having a certainand inescapable responsibility to the family. Lucrezia learned early that she would never simply love and marry. A Borgia's destiny was always carefully arranged - and there wasn;t any way for Lucrezia to excape hers...

For someone who does not have pre-conceived notions about Lucrezia Borgia, this is where you have to start. As always Jean Plaidy succeeds in giving us background and sympathy to understand this beautiful woman. The book starts at the beginning with Cardinal Borgia and Lucrezia'a mother and proceeds to paint a fascinating picture of the Borgia family. Their closeness and family feeling being mis-understood by everyone. It also sheds light on Ceasare and Giovanni, who are the focal point of Lucrezia's childhood, as well as Guilia and other important players. The first book (Madonna of the Seven Hills) leads up and concludes dramatically as Lucrezia is getting ready to receive her second bridegroom.

I haven't read this book. It would be helpful if someone who spoke both English and Spanish could translate the review preceding this one. I tried to translate it myself, and for what it's worth to those of you out there who'd like to read the reviews of this much beloved author, I think it says:"This is the first part of the history of the life of Lucretia Borgia, which continues in (some other book with Lucretia in the title) by the same author. Lucretia lived during the Italian Renaissance, or the 15th and 16th centuries. She was the natural daughter (illegitimate) of Alexander VI. (I think the next part indicates that she was involved in an incestuous relationship with her father and brothers. I am NOT sure of that.) This is an interesting, serious tale of a time of licentiousness and corruption."That's my best translation. I hope it helps someone; if it instead infuriates someone with my poor translation, please, by all means, translate it for us. For those who don't know who Lucretia Borgia was, I will add that she was a Florentine woman from a rich banking family, widely believed to poison her enemies. She was a beautiful, manipulative, and cunning individual who has proven to be quite interesting in other books I've read about her, but she does tend to be rather mythologized.

Este libro es la primera parte de la historia de la vida Lucrecia Borgia, que continúa con "Luz sobre Lucrecia" de la misma autora. Lucrecia Borgia fue una mujer que vivió en la Italia Renacentista de los siglos XV y XVI. Hija natural del papá Alejandro VI, esta mujer sería tristemente recordada como envenenadora, asesina, y por mantener una supuesta relación incestuosa con su padre y hermanos. Es un relato interesante sobre la vida licenciosa de los Papas, en una época en donde el poder y la riqueza corrompían a cualquier persona.