Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Tigress of Forlì by Elizabeth Lev is a captivating biography that chronicles the life of Caterina Riario Sforza, a fearless and influential woman who defied societal norms and wielded power in 15th century Italy.
In The Tigress of Forlì by Elizabeth Lev, we are introduced to Caterina Sforza, a woman who defied the conventions of her time. Born into the powerful Sforza family, Caterina was married off at the tender age of ten to the notorious Girolamo Riario, the nephew of Pope Sixtus IV. Despite her young age, she was thrust into the treacherous world of Italian politics, where alliances were forged and broken with little regard for personal feelings.
Throughout her marriage, Caterina bore six children and played a significant role in her husband's governance of Imola and Forlì. Her life in these cities was fraught with danger, as the couple faced numerous threats from rival families and even from within their own ranks. Despite these challenges, Caterina proved herself to be a capable and shrewd ruler, earning the respect of her subjects and the fear of her enemies.
After Girolamo's brutal assassination in 1488, Caterina found herself a young widow with five young children to protect. Unwilling to relinquish her power, she took charge of Forlì and defended it against a series of sieges, earning her the title of 'The Tigress of Forlì'. Her resilience and strategic prowess during this time were nothing short of remarkable, as she held her own against formidable opponents, including the infamous Cesare Borgia.
Despite her valiant efforts, Caterina was eventually forced to surrender to the Borgia forces, enduring a brief period of imprisonment before being released. Undeterred by her defeat, she continued to fight for the rights of her children and the restoration of her family's legacy, even seeking alliances with foreign powers such as France and Venice to achieve her goals.
Following a brief period of exile, Caterina returned to her beloved Forlì, only to be betrayed by her own son, Ottaviano. The heartbreak and disillusionment she experienced during this time were immense, yet she refused to be defeated. Instead, she continued to navigate the treacherous political landscape, always striving to secure a future for her children.
As her life neared its end, Caterina's fortunes took a turn for the better. She was reconciled with her son and managed to secure a safe future for her daughters. Despite her tumultuous life, Caterina remained a force to be reckoned with until the very end, earning her place in history as one of the most remarkable women of the Italian Renaissance.
In conclusion, The Tigress of Forlì by Elizabeth Lev provides a vivid portrait of Caterina Sforza, a woman who defied the expectations of her time and carved out a place for herself in the male-dominated world of Renaissance politics. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and unyielding determination, making her a figure worthy of admiration and respect. Through Lev's meticulous research and engaging narrative, we gain a deeper understanding of this extraordinary woman and the turbulent era in which she lived.
The Tigress of Forlì by Elizabeth Lev is a captivating biography that brings to life the extraordinary story of Caterina Sforza, a Renaissance noblewoman who defied societal norms to become a formidable leader. Filled with political intrigue, personal triumphs, and heartbreaking losses, this book paints a vivid portrait of a woman ahead of her time.
History enthusiasts who are fascinated by powerful women in the Renaissance era
Readers who enjoy biographies that bring to life the complexities of historical figures
Individuals interested in learning about the political and social dynamics of 15th-century Italy
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma