We have updated our Privacy Policy Please take a moment to review it. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the terms of our updated Privacy Policy.
‘Love, lust, fury and betrayal leap from the page. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read a true feminist retelling’ LOUISE HARE
‘I loved it… Rich and evocative in its portrayal of 17th Century Rome. A fabulous, evocative novel’ Elizabeth Chadwick
‘An unforgettable debut novel’ Naomi Kelsey
Rome, 1636. History calls her a Muse. Temptress. Fallen woman. This is her story.
In the scorched city of Rome, the cobbled streets hum with gossip and sin. Costanza Piccolomini is a respectable young wife – until she meets Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famed sculptor and star of Roman society, whose jet-black gaze matches his dark temper. From the second they set eyes upon each other, a fatal attraction is born.
Their secret love burns with a passion that consumes them. But with every stolen kiss and illicit tryst, Costanza’s reputation is at stake. Meanwhile, Bernini has a dangerous desire: he wants to make Costanza immortal. He vows to possess her not just in body and soul, but also in marble.
When Bernini unveils his sculpture of Costanza, she is exposed as his lover, marking the undoing of their affair – and the beginning of a scandal which will rock Roman society. For Bernini would rather destroy Costanza than let her go.
Betrayed. Abandoned. Banished. This was meant to be the end of Costanza’s story. But Costanza is no ordinary woman: from the ashes, she will rise…
Based on a true story, Costanza is a dizzying and sensual historical novel that brings to life a feminist icon who has been written out of history. This utterly addictive tale of desire and betrayal is perfect for fans of The Marriage Portrait and The Miniaturist.
‘I sat up into the early hours, unable to drag myself away from Costanza – what a joy!’ Karen Powell
‘A shocking story… Most persuasively written, deeply felt and the detail is excellent’ Elizabeth Bucan
‘I loved it… Rich and evocative in its portrayal of 17th Century Rome. A fabulous, evocative novel’ Elizabeth Chadwick
‘An unforgettable debut novel’ Naomi Kelsey
Rome, 1636. History calls her a Muse. Temptress. Fallen woman. This is her story.
In the scorched city of Rome, the cobbled streets hum with gossip and sin. Costanza Piccolomini is a respectable young wife – until she meets Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famed sculptor and star of Roman society, whose jet-black gaze matches his dark temper. From the second they set eyes upon each other, a fatal attraction is born.
Their secret love burns with a passion that consumes them. But with every stolen kiss and illicit tryst, Costanza’s reputation is at stake. Meanwhile, Bernini has a dangerous desire: he wants to make Costanza immortal. He vows to possess her not just in body and soul, but also in marble.
When Bernini unveils his sculpture of Costanza, she is exposed as his lover, marking the undoing of their affair – and the beginning of a scandal which will rock Roman society. For Bernini would rather destroy Costanza than let her go.
Betrayed. Abandoned. Banished. This was meant to be the end of Costanza’s story. But Costanza is no ordinary woman: from the ashes, she will rise…
Based on a true story, Costanza is a dizzying and sensual historical novel that brings to life a feminist icon who has been written out of history. This utterly addictive tale of desire and betrayal is perfect for fans of The Marriage Portrait and The Miniaturist.
‘I sat up into the early hours, unable to drag myself away from Costanza – what a joy!’ Karen Powell
‘A shocking story… Most persuasively written, deeply felt and the detail is excellent’ Elizabeth Bucan
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Reviews
From the first page I was hooked, completely immersed in Costanza's version of Rome. Love, lust, fury and betrayal leap from the page. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read a true feminist retelling
I loved it . . . Rich and evocative in its portrayal of 17th Century Rome. A fabulous, evocative novel
I was mesmerised by Costanza, a searing, fierce tale of obsession, revenge, and resilience. Blackmore's lush, sensuous prose evokes 17th Century Rome superbly, from its seamy underbelly to the glamourous Bernini circle. An unforgettable debut novel
I sat up into the early hours, unable to drag myself away from Costanza - what a joy! Rachel Blackmore rescues Costanza, wronged and defiant, from the shadows of history
A shocking story... Most persuasively written, deeply felt and the detail is excellent. Quite apart from anything else, I will look at Bernini in a new light