The Duchess of Trajetto

"The Duchess of Trajetto" by Anne Manning is a captivating historical fiction set in 16th-century Italy, where Giulia di Gonzaga, the Duchess, faces peril and conspiracy following a devastating pirate raid led by Barbarossa. The story explores themes of devotion, affection, and the tangled web of her relationships, notably with her strong-willed stepdaughter, Isabella, and the power-hungry Cardinal Ippolito de’ Medici. The narrative starts with a suspenseful scene as the Duchess is awakened by disturbing sounds, signaling an impending attack, where she, along with her attendants Caterina and Cynthia, must escape the invading pirate forces. This opening conflict ignites the story, emphasizing Giulia's strength and the complex relationships that will mold her path through a treacherous realm of political games and personal challenges.