THE LION AND THE ROSE – Kate Quinn
A Novel of the Borgias
Berkley
ISBN: 978-0-425-26876-6
January 2014
Historical Fiction

Rome – 1494

Pope Alexander VI, Rodrigo Borgia, can hardly be compared to twenty-first century popes. The father of several adult and younger children, and with the reputation as a lover of beautiful women, he is also known to Romans as well as his enemies as a ruthless, brutal man. But to his latest concubine, Giulia Farnese, he is a devoted, loving protector. After her capture by the French, and rescue, Giulia is back in Rome, aware that her pope's political reach makes him, his family, and those around him targets. She confides in her cook, Carmelina, and trusts explicitly her body-guard, Leonello, but there are few others who are faithful to her.

Carmelina hides a deep, dark secret. She escaped from a convent, a punishable act. Since then she has been Giulia's cook in the pope's household. So far only her cousin, who actually runs the kitchens, knows, but now Carmelina is aware that another may know, the dwarf body-guard, Leonello. After being held with Giulia's entourage for six months in France, Carmelina knows that she must be even more careful to hide her past upon their return to Rome. How much can Leonello be trusted?

Loath to play the typical role of juggler or clown that most dwarves are forced into, Leonello has made himself into a lethal, knife-throwing, and coldblooded killer who now finds himself as the confidante of the lovely Giulia. His knowledge of the deadly Borgias is also a much-needed asset. Leonello is also looking for the killer of a barmaid five years ago, and he's fairly certain that it's someone in the very household where he works.

Obviously, Rome in the fifteenth century can be a very dangerous place to live unless you know the right people. And even then, a wrong word or action and someone can end up being a body floating in the river. Being married to a Borgia doesn't guarantee anything either. The fact that Giulia is married to a handsome young man made no difference to Rodrigo when he claimed her for himself. Now, four years later, and a three year old daughter, Giulia is the darling of the Vatican, trusted by her lover, and respected by many in the household. But even she is noticing the changes in their lives. Well aware of how Rodrigo adores all of his children, Giulia also knows how cutthroat the family can be, and how jealous of one another the sons are.

THE LION AND THE ROSE tells the story of real people who lived during dangerous times. Although Leonello and Carmelina are fictional characters, their parts are realistic and fitting within the historical detail. It is obvious that painstaking research went into this excellent tale. Each of the main characters, Giulia, Carmelina, and Leonello tell their part of the story throughout the book. The novel includes historical notes, a description of each character whether fictional or non-fictional, and a readers' discussion area – all very helpful.

Beautifully written and a topic that will open some eyes about the Borgias, THE LION AND THE ROSE was easily read alone, but I recommend starting with the first novel of the Borgias, THE SERPENT AND THE PEARL.

Jani Brooks