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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Borgia Bride summary
Jeanne Kalogridis
Brief summary
The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis is a captivating historical novel that delves into the scandalous and treacherous world of Renaissance Italy. It follows the story of Sancha of Aragon, who becomes embroiled in the dangerous political machinations of the infamous Borgia family.
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The Borgia Bride
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The Intriguing Tale of The Borgia Bride
In The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis, we are transported to the Renaissance-era Italy, where the notorious Borgia family reigns over the Vatican. The story begins with the arrival of Sancha of Aragon, a young and innocent bride, to Rome, where she is married off to Jofré Borgia, the youngest son of the powerful and corrupt Rodrigo Borgia, who later becomes Pope Alexander VI. Sancha is quickly engulfed in the Borgia's world of political machinations, murder, and betrayal.
Despite her initial naivety, Sancha soon learns to navigate the treacherous world of the Borgias. She befriends her sister-in-law, Lucrezia, who is not only beautiful but also cunning and deadly. Sancha is both fascinated and repulsed by Lucrezia's ability to manipulate everyone around her, including her own family members. Meanwhile, Sancha's marriage to Jofré is anything but blissful, as he is more interested in his male lovers than his wife.
Sancha's Struggle and Survival
As Sancha tries to find her footing in this dangerous world, she catches the eye of Cesare Borgia, the eldest son, and heir of the Borgia family. Cesare is a charismatic and ruthless man, and Sancha is both terrified and intrigued by him. Despite her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to him, and they embark on a passionate affair, risking everything in the process.
While Sancha is entangled in this forbidden romance, she becomes privy to the dark secrets of the Borgia family. She learns about their numerous murders, poisonings, and other heinous acts they commit to maintain their power. Sancha is horrified but realizes that survival in this world means keeping her mouth shut and playing her part.
The Unraveling of the Borgia Dynasty
As the story progresses, we witness the gradual unraveling of the Borgia dynasty. Jofré is murdered, and Sancha is accused of his death. She narrowly escapes death and flees to Naples, where she gives birth to Cesare's child. Despite her love for Cesare, Sancha decides to break free from the Borgia's influence and live a life of her own, away from the treachery and deceit that define the Borgia family.
Meanwhile, the Borgia's grip on power begins to slip, and their enemies start to close in. Cesare's ambition leads to his downfall, and Lucrezia is forced into a loveless marriage for political gain. Pope Alexander VI dies under mysterious circumstances, and the Borgia family loses their stranglehold on the Vatican.
The Borgia Bride's Final Triumph
In the end, Sancha returns to Rome, determined to secure her child's future and seek justice for the wrongs done to her. She confronts Cesare, who is now a fugitive, and forces him to acknowledge their child. Despite their love for each other, Sancha knows that she can never be truly safe with Cesare, and she ultimately chooses her child's well-being over her own desires.
In the final act, Sancha outmaneuvers the remaining Borgias and secures her child's inheritance, ensuring that they will have a better future. She has survived the deadly game of power played by the Borgia family and emerged as a formidable player in her own right. The Borgia Bride is a gripping tale of survival, love, and betrayal set against the backdrop of one of the most notorious families in history.
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What is The Borgia Bride about?
The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis is a historical novel set in 15th century Italy. It tells the story of Sancha of Aragon, who is forced into a political marriage with the notorious Borgia family. As she navigates the treacherous world of Renaissance Italy, Sancha becomes entangled in the family's dark secrets and power struggles. Filled with betrayal, romance, and political intrigue, this book offers a gripping portrayal of one of history's most infamous families.
The Borgia Bride Review
The Borgia Bride (2005) immerses readers in the drama of Renaissance Italy, following the life of Sancha of Aragon as she navigates political intrigue and power struggles. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Offers a compelling portrayal of the infamous Borgia family and their influence during a transformative period in history.
- Highlights the complex relationships and personal sacrifices made by characters, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.
- Keeps readers hooked with its rich historical backdrop and unpredictable twists that make the story anything but predictable and mundane.
Who should read The Borgia Bride?
History enthusiasts who are fascinated by the infamous Borgia family
Readers who enjoy immersive and richly detailed historical fiction
Those with a passion for strong and complex female protagonists navigating treacherous political landscapes
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The Borgia Bride FAQs
What is the main message of The Borgia Bride?
The main message of The Borgia Bride is the intricate web of power, love, and betrayal in Renaissance Italy.
How long does it take to read The Borgia Bride?
It takes a few hours to read The Borgia Bride, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Borgia Bride a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Borgia Bride is a captivating read with compelling characters and a gripping plot—definitely worth diving into.
Who is the author of The Borgia Bride?
Jeanne Kalogridis is the author of The Borgia Bride.
What to read after The Borgia Bride?
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