REVIEWS  OF THE ROAD TO GESUALDO: “BORGIAS LITE”

Amazon.com corrected their mistake: I’m once again Erika Rummel.

Here are excerpts from two reviews of The Road to Gesualdo”:

An intelligently rambling look at life in 1500s Italy…I suppose you could call it “Borgias Lite.”

A pleasantly chaotic setting that gives us a grand scope of just how influential the Renaissance was starting to become across southern Europe, with scenes set from backwoods villages to Vatican City itself. Rummel does a particularly great job here at examining the curious cooperation and conflicts between the superstitious, pre-science Medieval period…and the rational, capitalist, politically savvy, science-embracing mercantile class.

People will enjoy the leisurely stroll through the very real-seeming daily lives of courtesans, countesses, merchants, and priests…even if there is always a rational explanation for everything and no sexy vampires.

(Jason Bettus, Chicago Center for Literature and Photography)

A vivid historical novel blending romance and intrigue in a female-centered story of strong women who rise above their upbringings and duty to become more effective forces in charge of their lives.

Rummel’s attention to strong characterization and capturing the sights, smells, and atmosphere of 16^th century Italy contributes to a vivid story…which concludes with a satisfying twist.

(D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review)