Princess of Independence

by Icarus Bobain

Princess Cristina Trivulzio Belgiojoso is a forgotten figure of the Italian Revolution
Born into a family of nobility, Belgiojoso learned at a young age what
foreigners interested in ruling the Italian States could be like. She spent the rest of her life dedicated to uniting her home country and ousting those foreigners
who only brought harm and discord to the country. After a failed marriage to a prince and being banished to live in Paris,
Belgiojoso met many key players in the French Government, helping to further her cause. Her social circles were ones that everyone desired to be part of. When Belgiojoso becomes a mother, with no father to help her, she still works toward her goal of a unified country, raising her daughter to understand the importance of her heritage.
Will she have to choose between being a mother or being a patriot?

Genres: Historical Fiction

206 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2021

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Cristina Trivulzio Belgiojoso was a real member of the Italian nobility and in her later years, instrumental within the Italians revolution. A shy child, she was married off early to a prince and although the marriage did not last, they remained cordial. This book takes some fictional license in regard to her life, and tells her story through both her eyes, and those of her daughter. Her early life, her marriage, the subsequent separation, and exile to Paris, as well as her later work as a revolutionary are all under the microscope in this book.
A young girl who was shy and introverted, who grew up to be strong, outspoken and passionate in the cause for her country is the underlining story here. But there is much more contained in this book. It is certainly a well written book, and the author easily draws you into the story and creates a character that will have you entranced and bespelled.

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The current feminism and fight for women's rights make us look in retrospective and value female figures that were forgotten in the men´s perspective written history. Under that historical revisionism focus, we can find this novel based on the life of the influential Italian noblewoman, Cristina Trivulzio Belgiojoso. Although this is fictional, the book delves with this empowering character´s life and influence in the Italian Revolution of 1848, and it is alternately written under the perspective of Cristina and also the view of her daughter, María.

“Princess of Independence”, of author Icarus Bobain, is unique and engaging. The characters and their stories feel original, and the background message is really enriching.

[Carol M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and absorbing are the best adjectives that describe this powerful book written by Bobain Icarus. Its plot revolves around Princess Cristina Trivulzio Belgiojoso, an influential Italian noble woman who had to overcome many difficult obstacles, being the twofold problem of being a mother or a patriot, the biggest one. I really enjoyed this historical novel as I believe that throughout history there were many influential female characters that are long forgotten and thanks to this book their actions and principles are brought back.

Bobain Icarus has included many vivid and complete descriptions and has achieved a great play upon words, making the narrative definitely worth reading. It’s a highly recommended story!

[Cynthia Fogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful historical fiction

This is a wonderful historical fiction about a single mother banished to Paris. Christina is a strong supporter of the Italian revolution and has to try and balance between support of her country and being a single mother on her own. I recommend this to anybody who loves historical fiction and strong women

[Ike Standifird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good life story

Great story. It is going to help me with my relationship with my children. This was not expected but a pleasant surprise.
Early on the writing was disjointed, difficult to know from what time period and person the story was coming from.
This is not in my opinion was only a modest history lesson.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found the first person narrative and lack of personality really off-putting. And got almost to the end without really understanding her story and place in history (which would have been really interesting!). A disappointment overall...