The Mystery of the Duchess of Malfi

by Barbara Banks Amendola, Barbara Banks Amendola

John Webster's play, "The Duchess of Malfi", was first published in 1623. But what is the truth behind the tragic story of the woman whose Cardinal brother takes savage revenge when he discovers her secret marriage to a courtier, and then himself goes mad? This book explores the intriguing exploits of the real Duchess of Malfi, Giovanna d'Aragona, against the background of renaissance Italy. It describes her life, which was one of tragedy: her father was poisoned and died just as she was born in 1478, her first child died in infancy and her first husband, the Duke of Amalfi, died young, leaving her a widow at 20. She gave birth to a posthumous heir and dedicated herself to his care and the estate that would one day be his. Like her fictional counterpart, she then married a young courtier, defying her family who would have undoubtedly denied permission for her to wed a man not of royal blood. According to the author, it was her Cardinal brother's ambitions that precipitated the tragedy and, like his sister's disappearance, his own death is cloaked in mystery. As well as describing Giovanna herself, this book explores the characters who populate Amalfi: the famous Gonzagas of Mantua (who feature in Shakespeare's plays), and the compelling story of the real brother, Luigi.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[L'aura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's actually frustrating: you get a great deal of set up and premises (and promises) and when you get to the turning point Barbara Banks Amendola raises her hands and admits she doesn't even know what happened. Which is fine, because we do lack sources, but what's the point of the book then? Her judgement on the characters is suspended too, as she doesn't know who's guilty of what, and to which extent: and yet she speaks of expiation, just in case. Also, whereas partial rehabilitation is provided for the Aragona, at least since they're relatives to the heroine, when it comes to other families stereotypes can be reiterated because who cares? She definitely doesn't.
It's still an interesting book to read though.