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The Marriage Portrait: A Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Maggie O'Farrell (Author, Narrator), Genevieve Gaunt (Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)
4.2 out of 5 stars 35,679 ratings
Editors' pick Best Literature & Fiction

WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION FINALIST REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER The author of award-winning Hamnet brings the world of Renaissance Italy to jewel-bright life in this unforgettable fictional portrait of the captivating young duchess Lucrezia de' Medici as she makes her way in a troubled court.

“I could not stop reading this incredible true story.”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club Pick)

"O’Farrell pulls out little threads of historical detail to weave this story of a precocious girl sensitive to the contradictions of her station...You may know the history, and you may think you know what’s coming, but don’t be so sure."—The Washington Post

Florence, the 1550s. Lucrezia, third daughter of the grand duke, is comfortable with her obscure place in the palazzo: free to wonder at its treasures, observe its clandestine workings, and devote herself to her own artistic pursuits. But when her older sister dies on the eve of her wedding to the ruler of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio, Lucrezia is thrust unwittingly into the limelight: the duke is quick to request her hand in marriage, and her father just as quick to accept on her behalf.

Having barely left girlhood behind, Lucrezia must now enter an unfamiliar court whose customs are opaque and where her arrival is not universally welcomed. Perhaps most mystifying of all is her new husband himself, Alfonso. Is he the playful sophisticate he appeared to be before their wedding, the aesthete happiest in the company of artists and musicians, or the ruthless politician before whom even his formidable sisters seem to tremble?

As Lucrezia sits in constricting finery for a painting intended to preserve her image for centuries to come, one thing becomes worryingly clear. In the court’s eyes, she has one duty: to provide the heir who will shore up the future of the Ferranese dynasty. Until then, for all of her rank and nobility, the new duchess’s future hangs entirely in the balance.

Full of the beauty and emotion with which she illuminated the Shakespearean canvas of Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell turns her talents to Renaissance Italy in an extraordinary portrait of a resilient young woman’s battle for her very survival.

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  1. Listening Length
    13 hours and 21 minutes
  2. Author
    Maggie O'Farrell
  3. Narrator
    Genevieve Gaunt, see all
  4. Audible release date
    September 6, 2022
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Random House Audio
  7. ASIN
    B09RX4MLBS
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 13 hours and 21 minutes
Author Maggie O'Farrell
Narrator Genevieve Gaunt, Maggie O'Farrell
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 06, 2022
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B09RX4MLBS
Best Sellers Rank #5,132 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#5 in Renaissance History Fiction
#23 in Renaissance Historical Fiction (Books)
#231 in Literary Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
35,679 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's beautiful prose and vivid depiction of Renaissance life, with one review noting how it illuminates Italian culture in jewel-bright tones. The protagonist Lucrezia draws readers in, and the narrative maintains a well-paced structure. While the plot development receives mixed reactions, with some finding the ending satisfying while others find it predictable, and several customers find the story depressing.

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141 customers mention "Writing quality"108 positive33 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its beautiful prose and carefully crafted words.

"...O'Farrell's lyrical prose beautifully captures Lucrezia’s internal struggle as she grapples with her identity and autonomy within a constrictive..." Read more

"...The writing was beautiful and the details richly described, but the story felt flat and bloodless...." Read more

"...While the prose is polished and some passages are truly lovely, the overall tone felt a bit cold and distant, making it hard for me to fully engage..." Read more

"...That book, like this one was masterfully written, and it is O’Farrell’s writing that I am most in awe of. “..." Read more

132 customers mention "Readability"116 positive16 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with several noting it held their interest from the beginning, and one customer describing it as a captivating read for fans of historical fiction.

"...This novel is a captivating read for fans of historical fiction and those seeking stories of strong, complex female protagonists." Read more

"...That said, the scholarship is so exemplary that I found the novel more than worthwhile...." Read more

"...A beguiling tale woven from a confluence of historical events and questionable deaths. I highly recommend!!!!" Read more

"...The book explores important themes like men’s oppression of women, fate, and free will...." Read more

53 customers mention "Historical fiction"51 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the historical fiction elements of the book, particularly its palace intrigue and Italian countryside setting, with one customer noting it provides excellent insight into Renaissance life.

""The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell is a richly evocative historical novel set in 1550s Florence, focusing on the life of Lucrezia, the..." Read more

"...It’s a well crafted and sufficiently clever finale for an admirable novel...." Read more

"...I’d go to sleep anticipating reading it in the morning. It has the intrigue and sinister elements of a Renaissance drama which is exactly my jam...." Read more

"...it was beautifully written, had a dramatic storyline, and plenty of palace intrigue...." Read more

36 customers mention "Character development"29 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the strong female protagonist Lucrezia who draws readers in, with one customer noting how the author artfully develops her characters.

"...of historical fiction and those seeking stories of strong, complex female protagonists." Read more

"...the prevailing history and culture of the times, and for complex characters and emotion, will immerse you in this world to the point of drowning...." Read more

"...I loved the main character, Lucrezia. She is only ever a child in this story, in a family of 3 sisters and several more brothers...." Read more

"...I found the protagonist compelling and the plot pacing was just right. I thoroughly enjoyed this read - couldn’t put it down!" Read more

25 customers mention "Art style"25 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the art style of the book, describing it as vivid in its depiction and a masterpiece, with one customer noting how it illuminates Renaissance Italy in jewel-bright tones.

"...resilience, power, and the expectations placed on women, painting an extraordinary portrait of a young woman fighting for her survival and sense of..." Read more

"An intriguing look at the court of one of the royal fiefdoms of Italy in the Renaissance, this novel of a teenage girl’s ill-fated marriage just did..." Read more

"This is just so beautiful. The rhythm of the words, the fierce woman, all of it. I loved it. Stunning." Read more

"...Appreciated the ending g shock gave hope for love, future and artistry." Read more

25 customers mention "Pacing"18 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as well-paced and fast, with one customer noting how it drives relentlessly forward without getting caught up in minutiae.

"...of Renaissance Italy, "The Marriage Portrait" masterfully explores themes of resilience, power, and the expectations placed on women, painting an..." Read more

"...It’s a well crafted and sufficiently clever finale for an admirable novel...." Read more

"...The book was very slow starting and likely too many directions to go in given all the details...." Read more

"This novel novel has a driving quality that I didn’t want to put down. I’d go to sleep anticipating reading it in the morning...." Read more

46 customers mention "Plot development"16 positive30 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot development of the book, with some finding it intriguing and satisfying with a surprise ending, while others report that it drags and the narrative stops abruptly.

"...was beautiful and the details richly described, but the story felt flat and bloodless...." Read more

"...It’s a well crafted and sufficiently clever finale for an admirable novel...." Read more

"...But this novel, its characters, and its subject matter didn't sit well with me." Read more

"...mastery of the subject and simultaneously frustrated by the slow progress of the story. I wanted to enjoy the book more than I actually did." Read more

25 customers mention "Thought provoking"15 positive10 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's thought-provoking nature, with several finding it depressing, while one customer describes it as poignant.

"..."The Marriage Portrait," Maggie O'farrell demonstrates an excellent feel for the culture and times of 16th century Italy and the ways of the..." Read more

"Gruesome story!" Read more

"...It is poignant and painful to read at times but Lucretia’s indomitable spirit and bravery soar over the story...." Read more

"...And to that end a rushed poorly thought out ending was put in...." Read more

Spellbinding
5 out of 5 stars
Spellbinding
Maggie O’Farrell’s latest novel, The Wedding Portrait, reimagines the true story of a 16-year old duchess, Lucrezia di Cosimo de Medici, believed to have been murdered by her husband. Set in Florence, Italy, in the 1550s, the novel begins with the frenzied thoughts of the girl, who both loves and fears the man to whom she has been given in marriage. I won’t give away the plot. Suffice it to say that O’Farrell illuminates Renaissance Italy in jewel-bright tones. The language is spellbinding, the characters intricately drawn, and the perils faced by women in a world dominated by men crystalized. 355 pages.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • MommaLayne
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping Tale of Power, Artistry, and Survival in Renaissance Italy
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell is a richly evocative historical novel set in 1550s Florence, focusing on the life of Lucrezia, the third daughter of the grand duke. Content with her position and devoted to her artistic pursuits, Lucrezia’s world is thrown into disarray after her older sister’s untimely death forces her into the spotlight, leading her father to hastily arrange a marriage with Alfonso, the ruler of Ferrara. This unexpected elevation thrusts Lucrezia into a treacherous court filled with obscure customs and political intrigue, where her future becomes precariously tied to her ability to produce an heir for the Ferranese dynasty.

    As she navigates her new life, Lucrezia is left to unravel the true nature of her husband, who oscillates between playful intellectual and ruthless politician. O'Farrell's lyrical prose beautifully captures Lucrezia’s internal struggle as she grapples with her identity and autonomy within a constrictive society. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Renaissance Italy, "The Marriage Portrait" masterfully explores themes of resilience, power, and the expectations placed on women, painting an extraordinary portrait of a young woman fighting for her survival and sense of self in a world that often seeks to define her by her marital status. This novel is a captivating read for fans of historical fiction and those seeking stories of strong, complex female protagonists.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • jhbandcats
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating but not compelling
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    An intriguing look at the court of one of the royal fiefdoms of Italy in the Renaissance, this novel of a teenage girl’s ill-fated marriage just didn’t grab me. The writing was beautiful and the details richly described, but the story felt flat and bloodless.

    Despite the book being told from Lucrezia’s perspective, I never felt I got to know her. We learn of her lonely childhood with emotionally distant parents and siblings, her compulsion to paint the natural world around her, her increasing isolation and desperation, but she remained unknowable. The husband and his consiglieri are stock villains, the latter especially so. The loving and helpful maid was another stock character.

    That said, the scholarship is so exemplary that I found the novel more than worthwhile. I enjoyed learning about Renaissance Italy - Lucrezia was born two years before the death of England’s Henry VIII but the world of Florence and Ferrara seemed quite different from London. I confess I prefer Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy to this.

    Everyone says Hamnet is fabulous so I’ll have to try it, just not right now.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Sherry Shanahan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written & engaging!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I was quickly drawn into the life of Lucrezia as I shared her footsteps, dreams, and fears. A beguiling tale woven from a confluence of historical events and questionable deaths. I highly recommend!!!!
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  • Andrea
    3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful but Cold Prose Evoking No Feelings
    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Maggie O’Farrell’s The Marriage Portrait is a beautifully written novel, but it didn’t quite connect with me. While the prose is polished and some passages are truly lovely, the overall tone felt a bit cold and distant, making it hard for me to fully engage with Lucrezia’s short and unhappy life. At times, reading felt like a chore, and I found myself counting the pages to the end.

    The book explores important themes like men’s oppression of women, fate, and free will. However, the way these themes were handled felt tedious and somewhat off-putting. By the end, the alternate conclusion to Lucrezia’s story didn’t resonate with me emotionally. While I appreciate O’Farrell’s descriptive abilities, I felt that the ornate prose sometimes overshadowed the narrative, making it feel more like an artful display than an immersive story.

    In summary, while The Marriage Portrait showcases O’Farrell’s literary talent, it ultimately left me feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.
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  • dpd
    4.0 out of 5 stars It’s the writing that interests me
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This was my second Maggie O’Farrell novel, the first being the acclaimed “Hamnet.” That book, like this one was masterfully written, and it is O’Farrell’s writing that I am most in awe of. “Hamnet” seemed to channel the Bard himself, and this one, “The Marriage Portrait” had hints of a fairy tale in its style. Being a former English teacher, I am always on the lookout for books that not only tell a good tale but are well written too. That said, it seems like O’Farrell in both books is on something of a crusade to combat paternalism. Men take a pretty good beating in both books, maybe deservedly so. And, yes, I am a man, so perhaps it is gender paranoia on my part. I did enjoy this book and for the first time in a long time, I anxiously awaited the end to see what would happen. Without giving any spoilers away, it is worth the wait and not necessarily predictable. It’s a well crafted and sufficiently clever finale for an admirable novel. Speaking of its genre, O’Farrell has a section after the conclusion explaining what parts of the story actually happened and what parts were changed and for what reasons.
    41 people found this helpful
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  • Leigh
    5.0 out of 5 stars A case study on young womanhood
    Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This novel novel has a driving quality that I didn’t want to put down. I’d go to sleep anticipating reading it in the morning. It has the intrigue and sinister elements of a Renaissance drama which is exactly my jam. The writing in this novel is also excellent. The prose are have an antique quality to match the period. There were a couple of turns of phrase that tickled my brain. The final chapter was so clever in its exposition while also alluding to a recurring motif throughout the novel. Maggie O’Farrell also really tapped into the mind of Lucretia and captures the tone of childlike innocence, coming of age, and self-discovery. This is a really lovely story about girlhood/womanhood, power dynamics, and gender expectations. All of the elements of this book worked for me.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Dee
    5.0 out of 5 stars page turner!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Couldn’t put this book down.
    A real page turner. I would Highly recommend this book. Very suspenseful.
    This is a must read!!!
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Shaljami
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating tale
    Reviewed in India on January 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The Marriage Portrait is a delicately handled fictional portrait of Lucrezia de Medici. The author weaves a captivating tale into the world of Renaissance Italy. From the very beginning the story plunges into scenes of picturesque descriptions. Each landscape comes alive and I found myself immediately transported to this rich era.

    The story is inspired by Browning's poem "My Last Duchess'. I am in total awe of her imagination and the amount of research that she has put into it. The author emphasises the role of women, the ugly side of the royal life; urgency of an heir, the suppression of the poor. Other themes like loneliness, relationships, literature, art, music during that time.

    I especially enjoyed the vivid colours and descriptions of paintings, portraits and the hidden mysterious elements in it. There was so much to take back from this story. Every time I highlighted lines it left me smiling and only growing hungrier for more.

    The author has a unique style of storytelling that echoes of Charles Dickens style. Layered with intense complex characters the tale delivers powerful, thought provoking dialogues with as much finesse. Not once does the pace slacken or lose track of tale.

    I loved every bit of the imagery be it the castles, churches, garden even the animals mentioned had an aura of their own. After reading the Hamnet, I had high expectations from this tale and it never once faltered. If you love a good literary fiction, don't miss out on this one.
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  • Fuchs Joan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Vielschichtiges Zeitgemälde
    Reviewed in Germany on September 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Anfangs habe ich mich etwas schwer getan mit der Sprache, mit der Situation, aber bald wird das ganze Geschehen so eindringlich, dass ich fast nicht mehr zu lesen aufhören konnte. Eine starke Geschichte mit vielen Facetten, vielschichtig, hinreissend. Tolles Buch, wenn auch nicht ganz einfach. 4.8 Sterne.
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  • Heidi (but books are better)
    5.0 out of 5 stars Poetic, magical and utterly captivating
    Reviewed in Australia on June 15, 2023
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    Maggie O’Farrell has done it again – like her previous book HAMNET, THE MARRIAGE PORTRAIT was a fascinating window into history, this time exploring the events surrounding the untimely death of Lucrezia de’ Medici, the third daughter of Cosimo de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany during the Italian Renaissance. It only took a few paragraphs for Lucrezia to steal my heart, and I was hooked.

    Written with the heart and poetic beauty that characterises her work, O’Farrell has merged history and fiction so skilfully that the tale takes on a life of its own. And even if some of it has sprung from her imagination rather than truth, it has brought the fate of a young woman at the mercy of her society’s rules back into our focus so her story will not be forgotten. Written with a style so visual that it brought each character to life for me, it was impossible not to be swept away by a tide of emotions whilst reading it. The elaborate backdrop of the Italian palazzo provided both an escape as well as an almost whimsical backdrop that gave the story an otherworldly air where history could be rewritten. I challenge you not to be moved by Lucrezia’s fate!

    Poetic, magical and utterly captivating, THE MARRIAGE PORTRAIT was one of my favourite books in 2022, and one that has stuck in my mind. Very highly recommended!
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  • eastcoast
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful writing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2025
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    I had read another book by this author, so was sure I would like this one, but it seemed even better than I was expecting. Her descriptions of the characters, what we cannot see, the emotions and thoughts of Lucrezia are acute and couched in beautiful language.
    Simply wonderful.
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  • tGP
    5.0 out of 5 stars what a perfect read
    Reviewed in Canada on January 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I was captivated by this book from the first page. O’Farrell’s writing is gorgeous, painting the pages with delicate strokes. She keeps the tension building. The characters are richly drawn. The lot of high-born young women like Lucrezia , given in marriage to foster alliances, was a fact of life in the Europe of the Middle Ages. What makes the book come alive for me is that we are privy to Lucrezia’s thoughts. A well told story by a wonderful writer.
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