Turning the World to Stone:
The Life of Caterina Sforza Part Two
(1488 to 1509)
By Kelly Evans
The Life of Caterina Sforza Part Two
(1488 to 1509)
By Kelly Evans
Publication Date: 18th July 2024
Publisher: Eska Publishing
Page Length: 465 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Biographical Fiction
Caterina Sforza, Countess of Imola and Forli, dares to dream that her old life of treachery and despair is finally over. But after tragedy strikes, Caterina must rule as regent for her young son while navigating the intrigues of the rest of Italy and continuing to raise her family.
Along with her trusted advisors, as well as new friends, Caterina rules fairly but firmly. And, when dealing with her enemies, her retribution is fierce. But Fate isn’t finished with her yet.
In part two of Caterina’s turbulent story, she finds her path strewn with more pain, death, and bloodshed, and must keep fighting for her territories and her rights as a ruler. But when she faces the Borgia Pope’s eldest son, Cesare, Caterina realises she is fighting for more than just her lands: this time she’s fighting for her life.
“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”
The fact that Caterina Sforza had survived was a miracle in itself, the fact that all of her children also survived was a blessing from God. With the assassination of her husband, she now must rule as regent for her young son.
The attempts to ruin Caterina Sforza’s reputation bring challenges that jeopardise her survival and mental well-being. However, Caterina’s strength endures thanks to her loyal friends and her considerable intelligence. She may be just a woman in a man’s world, but she is no ordinary woman. With sword and words, she’s a formidable opponent for anyone who dares go up against her. But she is also a mother, and she will do everything possible to defend her son’s inheritance and keep the rest of her children safe.
The second volume in Kelly Evans’ historical biography of Caterina Sforza, “Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part Two (1488 to 1509),” continues the vivid portrayal of Caterina’s life. War, betrayal, love, and an unbreakable friendship—this story has it all. A novel based on true events and historical figures, Evans’ work mesmerises with its brilliance, realistic portrayal, and historical accuracy.
This novel depicts a political landscape where competing forces clash for dominance and territorial expansion. The powerful families of this era are constantly at odds with each other, and loyalties are often tested. Caterina’s challenging role as regent for her son is undermined by the betrayal of allies and the persistence of her enemies, blood ties are no guarantee of allegiance. Determined to protect her son’s inheritance, she stands alone against a powerful, male-dominated political system, facing a nearly impossible battle to be taken seriously. Her unwavering resolve in the face of adversity makes her an easy target for moral slander, and her enemies certainly do not hold back on their verbal attacks. Caterina’s response is no response, and her quick wit and sharp intelligence serves her well throughout this novel. Her capabilities to lead surpass many of the male characters in this story, as does her endurance. Evans has a clear understanding of the political landscape of the time, and by the end of the novel, so does the reader. While not all ruling elite members are introduced to the reader on a personal level, the story offers sufficient understanding of their power and reputations, most notably the readers are introduced, as they were in book 1, to the corruption surrounding the Holy Roman Church clergy, and in the case of this book, specifically Pope Alexander VI’s reign, which mirrored his predecessors’ inclination toward nepotism and an unstable hunger for power and land.
Evans vividly illustrates Caterina’s inner turmoil, highlighting her struggle to reconcile her responsibilities as regent and mother with her longing for love. Her relationship with Giacomo Feo is beautifully portrayed, but it is not without difficulties. Her yearning for love clashes with the public’s judgment of her morality, yet again. Despite constant criticism, Caterina’s strength of character makes her a captivating protagonist.
Caterina evokes loyalty from both the people in the story and the reader. However, typical of her time, she fiercely punishes anyone who threatens her family or property. Despite her intelligence and resilience, the burdens she carries can sometimes overwhelm her. Evans portrays Caterina’s difficult mental health journey with sensitivity and compassion.
When she is not pressed with political pressures to secure her land and her people, Caterina is an accomplished healer and she is acknowledged as such by those who also practice the same craft. Her healing room and garden are where she finds true contentment. Evans offers incredibly enlightening and enjoyable insights into the era’s healing practices.
While Caterina’s story is central, other characters occasionally take the spotlight to enrich the narrative. Giacomo’s portrayal unveils Ottaviano’s, Caterina’s eldest son’s, real character. Caterina despairs as her son’s maturing features mirror those of his deceased father, Girolamo Riario. Despite his youth, Ottaviano’s unempathetic and sometimes cruel nature is particularly striking given his mother’s sacrifices for his inheritance. As Ottaviano’s true nature emerges, readers feel both disappointment and pity for Caterina. Caterina often questions herself and blames herself for Ottaviano’s arrogance, but unfortunately, Ottaviano has not fallen far from his father’s tree.
This novel features numerous antagonists, yet Cesare Borgia surpasses them all in cruelty. Cesare’s influence expanded after his father’s papal ascension, and following his brother’s demise, he abandoned the clergy to lead the papal armies. Borgia is a man of militant insight, but he is also unnecessarily cruel. The portrayal of Caterina’s suffering at the hands of Borgia, though measured, includes many truly heart-breaking scenes.
The horrendous depiction of Castel Sant’Angelo’s dungeons starkly reveals the prisoners’ grim reality. With such vivid writing, the stink of unwashed bodies and filthy cells is almost palpable to the reader. Surviving such harsh conditions showcases the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
The novel closely follows Caterina Sforza’s life, resulting in distressing scenes like assassinations, rape and betrayal. Despite its horrors, this story also offered lighter, surprisingly peaceful moments allowing the reader, and Caterina, respite. This novel’s unsurpassed historical accuracy reflects Evans’ thorough research into both Caterina’s life and the historical context. Italy in the 15th Century has been brought visibly back to life as are the characters who lived during this time in Italy. Yet, discussions occasionally touch upon international affairs; for example, the treaty signed by King Henry of England and King Charles of France. Evans’ comprehension shows her grasp not only of Italian events but also of those in other nations. The French King Louis XIV’s ambition and influence are also depicted later in the narrative.
In Kelly Evans’ “Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part Two (1488 to 1509)”, readers are moved by the story and come away with a richer understanding of this fascinating woman. This series is a well-deserved tribute to the unjustly maligned Caterina.
If you read only one series this year then let it be this one. This novel comes highly recommended.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion
Turning the World to Stone:
The Life of Caterina Sforza Part Two
The Life of Caterina Sforza Part Two
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.
Connect with Kelly:
Well, I guess I am reading this series then! Congratulations, Kelly.
ReplyDeleteI have this series on my kindle ready to go!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
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