Stendhal, the sharp-eyed author of The Red and the Black, takes us to 16th-century Italy with this intense, fact-based story. He pulls back the velvet curtain on the powerful Carafa family to show the ugly drama underneath.

The Story

The Duke of Palliano is a weak man, but his brother, Cardinal Carafa, is the real force in the family. When the Duke marries the beautiful Giovanna, the Cardinal decides he must control her completely to protect the family’s honor and power. He surrounds her with spies, watching her every move. But Giovanna falls in love with a member of her household, a man far beneath her station. When the Cardinal discovers this secret romance, he sees it as the ultimate betrayal. What follows is a chilling and relentless pursuit, as family loyalty is twisted into a justification for absolute cruelty.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in psychological tension. Stendhal doesn’t waste a word. He shows how institutions like the church and rigid social codes can crush individual happiness. Giovanna isn’t just a victim; her quiet defiance makes you root for her. The Cardinal is terrifying because he genuinely believes his horrific actions are righteous. It’s a stark, powerful look at how love and power can never peacefully coexist in a world ruled by ambition.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love compact, powerful historical fiction that focuses on character and moral conflict. If you enjoyed the political intrigue of Wolf Hall or the tragic tension of classic drama, you’ll find a lot to love here. It’s a brisk, brilliant, and brutally honest story that proves some truths about human nature are timeless.