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Book Review: In The Name Of The Family by Sarah Dunant

By Will Ennett
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It’s 1502 and Niccolo Machiavelli is called to one of the most exciting diplomatic tasks of his career.

Sarah Dunant vividly brings these encounters alive, which go on to be major influences on his treatise on statesmanship, The Prince.

However, the historical novel In The Name Of The Family is mainly the tale of the extraordinary Borgia family.

Pope Alexander, the venal and corrupt head of the family, ruthlessly promotes the interests of his illegitimate children.

Cesare, the cruel but brilliant military commander son, conquers the Italian city states through force and guile (and impressing Machiavelli with such feats), while his sister Lucrezia aims to restore the family name and fortune through diplomacy and charm.

The story takes us through their audacious power grab – will this usurper Spanish family prevail in creating their lasting dynasty?

Dunant takes the dramatic historical ledger and blends great narrative with the main actors in this period to create an immersive read of Renaissance Italy.