Book Review - Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488) by Kelly Evan

Turning the World to Stone: 
The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488) 
By Kelly Evans

Publication Date: 29th April 2023
Publisher: Eska Publishing
Page Length: 387 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Biographical Fiction

“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”

Vilified by history, Caterina Sforza learned early that her life was not her own. Married at age ten, she was a pawn in the ever-changing political environment of Renaissance Italy.

Resigned to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was expected to play: raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.

Their marriage would forge a powerful alliance between Milan and Rome. But Caterina Sforza was only ten years old and her groom, Girolamo Riario, was twenty years her senior.

 

Married in haste to secure the alliance, Caterina is forced to grow up quickly. 

Under the watchful and kind guidance of her stepmother Bona, Caterina learns the responsibilities of running a household. In addition, she is taught the skills of a healer.

 

Though she loves her family dearly, Caterina soon reaches the age where she must leave the warmth of her home and embark on a new life with her husband. She is hopeful that she will find some common ground with Girolamo. Alas, despite their mutual passion for hunting, they are as different as night and day. Compassion fills Caterina’s heart, while greed consumes Girolamo’s. Caterina’s obligation to her husband is clear, even in the face of their mutual dislike, as their union had been blessed by the Pope himself. Although faced with emotional adversity, she’s committed to creating the best possible environment for her children, and the people who came under her care.

 

Caterina’s vibrant personality and sociability means she becomes a prominent figure within Roman aristocratic circles and a favourite niece of Pope Sixtus IV. But there is a darkening shadow on the horizon, for there is unrest between the powerful families of Italy. Caterina must exercise patience, vigilance, and unwavering devotion to God in her hope that her husband stays clear of political conspiracies and whispered rumours of defiance.

 

Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488) by Kelly Evans is the unforgettable story of the early years of Caterina Sforza's life.

 

The combination of a captivating story, elegant prose, and careful attention to historical detail makes this novel a truly compelling read. The reader does not need a comprehensive knowledge of this period of history for Evans is a masterful storyteller, she brings this era and the people who lived there back to glorious life. The dialogue between the characters is as rich, radiant and sometimes as bold as the colourful silks that adorned the nobles. Everything about this book is vibrant, and it is utterly compelling from beginning to end.

 

Rome’s spiritual essence is captured in all its sacred magnificence. Set in the Early Renaissance period, this book features fleeting encounters with Botticelli and Da Vinci as they start their iconic works. While the Vatican may seem dazzling, beneath the façade lies an undercurrent of tension, that no amount of paint can hide. The political scheming and the instability inherent in those who crave more power and status is evident if one were to just scratch the surface.

 

Evans has presented her readers with a concise retelling of Caterina’s life, focusing not only on the key events of the era such as the Pazzi Conspiracy, but also the everyday mundane things, although there was not much in Caterina’s life that could be called mundane, even a trip to the market could become something of an adventure! Evans’ retelling of Caterina’s early years and adulthood is a glorious success. Caterina, though sometimes maligned by history (by rumours), is a fascinating historical figure who commands respect and this novel gives her the respect that she is long overdue. Circumstance, not ambition, has made her a heroine that is worth reading about. The details of her marriage, her time in Rome, and her husband’s dishonesty make this story incredibly captivating. But her courage under adversary is where she achieves the most admiration from the reader.

 

Pope Sixtus IV’s depiction highlights his kindness and indulgence as an uncle, especially towards Caterina. He shows genuine fondness for her, and she feels a strong sense of support from him. Caterina is still young and learning that appearances can be deceiving. Pope Sixtus IV has his own agenda, and despite his accomplishments, including commissioning the Sistine Chapel and expanding the Vatican Library, Pope Sixtus IV’s open practice of nepotism, prioritizing family over merit, results in significant harm and resentment, and the reader can understand why. His persistent backing of men like his nephew, Girolamo, the Church’s Captain General, exposes the fragility of patronage. Such patronage leaves Caterina open to hostile encounters that are not of her making.

 

Merit, based on connections rather than true worth, may not endure when faced with a strong adversary. But while the Pope is alive, Girolamo is seemingly untouchable. This trait, however, makes Girolamo incredibly susceptible, not just to adversaries, but also to his own hubris and cruelty. From the start, Girolamo is unlikeable, creating a strong aversion in the reader that persists throughout the story. Despite Caterina’s earnest efforts to make their marriage work, his unpredictable nature and later, his paranoia (though not entirely unwarranted) about being assassinated, ultimately prevents the reader from feeling much sympathy for his situation. Despite Caterina’s best efforts to win over her people, Girolamo’s actions seem to sabotage her attempts, leaving her frustrated and often simmering with anger. Although Girolamo is essential to the narrative’s progress, it is evident that his greed and fear bring with them a serious threat to his family.

 

This novel is set during an era when child marriages were considered the norm, and therefore there are some scenes which some readers may find very upsetting. Evans has treated Caterina’s wedding night depiction delicately, showing respect for her readers and Caterina herself. There are no explicit details, but Evans has not shied away from the horrors that young girls faced. Caterina is very accepting of her situation, which is utterly heart-breaking for the modern reader, for she knows this is the way things are and there is nothing she can say that will change her situation. There are, therefore, some very distressing scenes in this novel, so having a box of tissues nearby is a must.

“Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488)” by Kelly Evans is a scholarly masterpiece that draws you in and holds your attention. It’s a heart-wrenching story, yet it also possesses a certain beauty that celebrates the life of a truly extraordinary woman. This novel comes highly recommended. 

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

 

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Kelly Evans

I started writing in high school and have always been fascinated by history, eventually earning a degree in the subject. The merging of the two came naturally when I started writing full time a few years ago.

In my alternate identity as Lady Matilda, I post satirical articles on managing your medieval manor during the Black Death. 

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