A review by just22jess22
The Marriage Portrait, by Maggie O'Farrell
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oh my heart. The Marriage Portrait was heartfelt, meandering, evocative, foreshadowing.
Ultimately, this is the coming of age story of a young girl in Renaissance Italy. O'Farrell perfectly paints a scene of what it was to be an auspicious young girl in 1561, and how suffocating it could feel. I really felt such a connection to the character of Lucrezia, who was SUCH a spark of light in an insanely oppressive setting of people constantly trying to dampen her shine.
The impending sense of doom that lingers over this book from the very first chapter kept me gripped and contemplating strategies and motives of everyone in the book, and weeks on from finishing I am still SHOOK by that ending.
Honestly? For me, The Marriage Portrait succeeded in delivering everything that could be hoped for in a "slice of life" period piece based on a true story - I was shocked, inspired, emotionally broken and compelled to research more about the time and place. A true work of art!
Ultimately, this is the coming of age story of a young girl in Renaissance Italy. O'Farrell perfectly paints a scene of what it was to be an auspicious young girl in 1561, and how suffocating it could feel. I really felt such a connection to the character of Lucrezia, who was SUCH a spark of light in an insanely oppressive setting of people constantly trying to dampen her shine.
The impending sense of doom that lingers over this book from the very first chapter kept me gripped and contemplating strategies and motives of everyone in the book, and weeks on from finishing I am still SHOOK by that ending.
Honestly? For me, The Marriage Portrait succeeded in delivering everything that could be hoped for in a "slice of life" period piece based on a true story - I was shocked, inspired, emotionally broken and compelled to research more about the time and place. A true work of art!