The Contessas Vendetta (Womens Historical Gothic Fiction): A Novel of Betrayal and Revenge

After escaping from being buried alive they thought she had died from the plague , she wised up. Instead of crying in a corner, she got revenge. Mirella Sichirollo Patzer was also great with voice. The novel had a storytelling vibe as though Carlotta was talking directly to the readers. I like that even though she got burned, she still believed in love and wanted other couples to make it 3 when both parts of the vendetta were executed. Mar 24, Laura rated it it was amazing Shelves: The Contessa's Vendetta is a thoroughly entertaining and cinematic historical fiction.

I could not put it down. I enjoyed the richly described setting, the elegant language, the dialogue's innuendo and the Gothic elements of this story. The psychology of the main character was well developed. The emotional state in which one is forced to live so as to exact revenge over a long period of time is exactly why we often choose to forgive or forget no sooner is our compassion stirred.

For this reaso The Contessa's Vendetta is a thoroughly entertaining and cinematic historical fiction.

For this reason, I believe the author did an excellent job in portraying the tortuous emotional path of the main character. There are some deeply disturbing passages which further bind us to the Contessa in the hope that she will overcome her enemies. Since this sort of story may have cast a pessimistic outlook on life, I like that our protagonist was offered evidence that there still exists goodness in the world.

A story about revenge. Yes, this is a known genre formula but the language is what captivates together with the colorful and original setting. Overall the pace kept me reading in suspense. This would make a great film. Dec 10, Jae rated it liked it Shelves: Teeming with typos and grammatical errors but I did so enjoy reading this one.

You'd better read the original book by Marie Corelli "Vendetta! Marie Corelli — was a very popular English novelist. In the Victorian era she sold more books than any other author! She was extremely popular, but her popularity was without merit. She produced pulp fiction for the Victorians.

The Contessa's Vendetta

It is a beautiful, touching movie and it made me interested in Marie Corelli and her You'd better read the original book by Marie Corelli "Vendetta! It is a beautiful, touching movie and it made me interested in Marie Corelli and her writing. Nowadays her books seem very dated and ridiculous, full of embarrassing sentimentality and questionable morality.

They are painful to read at times, but if you want to know what Victorian bestsellers looked like, then you should check them out. This book seems like "Vendetta!

The style of writing and the description of events are very similar. In my opinion it is better to just read the original by Marie Corelli. This review, as well as many more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm www. A plague has swept across the countryside and has devastated the town of Vicenza, Italy in the 17th century. Contessa Carlotta Mancini is a much beloved woman of status but despite her position in the town she also becomes sick with the illness and is assumed dead.

Her body is swiftly tossed into a crude coffin and put into her family's tomb. The problem is, Contessa This review, as well as many more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm www. The problem is, Contessa Mancini is not dead. She awakens, weakened from her illness and terrified, inside her coffin. Luckily for her, the coffin that she was put in was poorly and quickly constructed making her escape possible. But as she escapes her coffin she is disheartened to find that she is locked into her family's mausoleum.

In her attempt to break free of the tomb she unearths a vast fortune of stolen gems as well as the hidden entrance that the thieves used in order to hide their treasure. Happy to have escaped certain death, she makes her way back to her villa to her adoring husband, her best friend and her young daughter to let them know that she is still alive. Unfortunately, when she returns home she witnesses the ultimate betrayal and deceit that, unbeknownst to her, has been going on around her for some time. Determined to get her vengeance, she decides to not tell her family that she is alive and begins to plan her revenge armed only with her newly found riches.

I had high hopes for this book. When I read the synopsis of this book I thought it would be perfect for me. A fictional tale about a woman bent on revenge all set in 17th century Italy? While this book did hit on some of my favourite themes and places I finished it feeling a little let down. The star of this book, for me, was the vivid descriptions of 17th century Italy which were stunningly portrayed.

We have the betrayed woman hell bent on revenge, we have the wizened old crone who goads her on her quest, the deceitful yet beautiful younger woman, the conceited handsome husband You see where I'm going. There were no real surprises. Carlotta started off as a good main character. She was a kind yet strong main character but then she gets betrayed and she loses some of her likeability. I know she's a woman scorned but the book focuses so much on her incessant inner dialogue of plotting her revenge that it gets old and monotonous quickly.

I'd prefer more action and seeing her get her revenge than hear her talk about it incessantly. She quickly went from interesting character to a caricature of a woman scorned. My favourite character in the book was the monk who helped the Contessa in the beginning of the book. Unfortunately he was not used to what I think was his full potential. He seemed like the most authentic character of the whole book and yet he played a very minor role. The same can be said for the notorious brigand Cesare Negri as well as his band of thieves whose stolen stash the Contessa found and used.

I was hoping and expecting for Negri to come back to claim his loot making a great addition to the story in my humble opinion anyway and added more excitement to the overall storyline. Unfortunately that didn't happen. Another issue that I had with the book was how unbelievable and contrived the storyline became. We started off on a good note -- there was the beautiful scenery, the buried alive contessa. Somewhere after she broke out of her tomb and happened upon some jewels is where I think the story got off track for me.

I had to suspend my grasp on reality for me to believe that the loved ones of this contessa wouldn't recognize her after a short time even with her newly whitened hair, some dark glasses and a few scars. It was just too big of a leap for me to take and it effected how I enjoyed the book. Finally, I found the writing, at times, to be too melodramatic and over the top for me. For example, when a woman Beatrice is telling her love how much she adores him she states "I am jealous of the ground you tread, of the air that touches you I guess I'm just not a romantic because I've never been jealous of the air around my husband.

The writing just felt too saccharine for my tastes. This romantic tidbit uttered by Beatrice was later followed by Carlotta calling her husband's lover a "worthless, frivolous, turd of humanity". Accurate description of his character but was it historically accurate? I couldn't be certain that Italians in the 17th century used the word "turd" but it felt a little odd to read. If you're looking for more of an in-depth, edge of your seat storyline with more plausibility you may not enjoy this book as much as you hope.

Special thanks to Great Historicals and History and Women Press for providing me with this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this female version of Count of Monte Cristo even though it wasn't as good as that it was worth reading and I found myself hurrying through my chores to get back into the story! Solid 4 star read! Oct 08, Mary rated it really liked it. The era is A. The population is rapidly decreasing because of a deadly plague.

To protect her family and live-in servants, Contessa Mancini quarantines everyone in her home. Against her better judgment, one day the Contessa decides to take a walk, a decision she regrets for the rest of her life.

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During her stroll down the street, she comes across a young boy, ill and suffering on the ground. She tries to help, and comes in close contact with him, which resu The era is A. She tries to help, and comes in close contact with him, which results in contracting the disease.

If that is not bad enough, a monk finds the Contessa, and tries to help her, as she did the child. However, thought to be dead from being in such bad shape, they bury her. The only problem is she is still alive. During her efforts to escape the mausoleum, Contessa discovers a secret tunnel used by brigands to hide treasures of gold, silver, and gems worth a fortune. Once Contessa is free, she learns her husband, Dario, and best friend, Beatrice, are having an affair. Neither grieved for her death, and she becomes aware of how little she meant to both, as a wife and friend. This is where Contessa Moncini develops her strategy for revenge.

She tells no one she is alive while she plans and executes her vendetta against Dario and Beatrice. Mirella Sichirollo Patzer writes with attention and details to her characters and settings. Patzer creates this period of 17th century history to come alive, arousing my interest. All her characters bring substance to the story and I appreciate learning about Vicenza, Italy. Dec 30, Gaele rated it it was amazing Shelves: The Contessa, Carlotta Mancini, is looking back on her life, and explaining the genesis of the Vendetta that has so ruled her life and occupies a palpable feel of a character throughout the book.

Through the veil of memory, we are transported back nearly 20 years to a young Carlotta, years after the infamous Borgia pope, and this book transports with the same sense of treachery and social duplicity as that time of history so often the subject of period dramas and cleverly written television. Through the veil of memory, we are transported back nearly 20 years to a young Carlotta, rich, titled and parentless, as she meets the man who will be the genesis of the vendetta.

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Through a series of twists and roadblocks, her plot is foiled, questioned, and detailed with meticulous care all fitting to the 17th century Venice. With a couple of small pacing issues that arose in her repetition about the need for vengeance, the positives in the book: Paltzer has recreated a wonderful dark story full of emotion and description that will transport and enchant. I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review in the Indie Authors Rock promotions at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Feb 18, Italo Italophiles rated it it was amazing. Are you in the mood for some Gothic romantic revenge fiction set in the mid sixteen hundreds in Italy? Even if this is not your favorite genre, the author's lyrical and lovely writing style may capture your heart. We are treated to a first-person memoirs written by a woman who has voluntarily sequestered herself in a convent after a tumultuous young life. Carlotta Mancini of Vicenza, Italy, was an extremely innocent woman, and dangerously wealthy, too.

She attracted cads and rakes, and one rake i Are you in the mood for some Gothic romantic revenge fiction set in the mid sixteen hundreds in Italy? She attracted cads and rakes, and one rake in particular, the sociopathic man she married. The older Carlotta warns us of her shortsightedness along the rocky road, hinting at events to come in her tale. Carlotta offers many warnings to her female readers that they make their own messes with men, by allowing the men to abuse their emotions.

With all our abilities; with all the world before us to conquer, we crumble at an abusive word or rude gesture by a man We get high drama, Gothic horrors, death, ghosts, cunning plots galore, and the central vendetta is the story of extreme innocence turned to extreme hate. There were multiple moments when I mentally yelled at Carlotta to stop her deadly plot and turn to living life, but that was not to be.

She lost her mind early in the book because of a severe trauma, and became monomaniacal about her vendetta, not seeing the chances that were before her for a second chance at happiness. Please visit the full and illustrated review at my Italophile Book Reviews site. Jul 02, Zoe Saadia rated it it was amazing.

I picked "The Contessa's Vendetta" with great expectation, being a fan of historical fiction and having been fascinated by the description of the story. Well, disappointed I was not. For over a week I was immersed in the fascinating world of Italy of the late 16th, early 17th century, presented to the reader so skillfully I could feel myself wandering over Vincenza's markets and streets, inhaling its smells, listening to it's dwellers and their various activities.

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Written in a I picked "The Contessa's Vendetta" with great expectation, being a fan of historical fiction and having been fascinated by the description of the story. Written in a smooth, easy to read style, this story captured my interest from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the vendetta was finished in a heart-breaking, dramatic manner. Carlotta Mancini is a very attractive character, three dimensional and vivid with life. Her motives are easy to relate, but the way she behaves makes one smile with sympathy. She is a strong woman, and while she had been naive as a girl that everything came very readily to her, she changes in a very believable manner, turning into a bitter woman set on revenge.

This is a delightful tale, as appealing to history lovers as it would be enjoyable to the readers who just love a good read, with a measure of suspense and romance that are thrown in in just the right amount.

Italophile Book Reviews: The Contessa's Vendetta by Mirella Sichirollo Patzer

The illustrations were an unexpected and very welcome bonus. A beautiful read I recommend highly. Jan 23, Sophie Schiller rated it really liked it Shelves: The Bard once said, "Hell hath no fury lie a woman scorned" and this aptly applies to the Countess Carlotta Mancini in "The Contessa's Vendetta", a harrowing tale of vengeance and retribution that is told in the first person. A freak illness renders the Countess in a near-death state that sends her to a premature burial at the hands of a well-meaning monk.

Upon awakening, she finds herself trapped in a coffin, but renders sufficient strength to break free of its horrifying confines, and allows h The Bard once said, "Hell hath no fury lie a woman scorned" and this aptly applies to the Countess Carlotta Mancini in "The Contessa's Vendetta", a harrowing tale of vengeance and retribution that is told in the first person.

Upon awakening, she finds herself trapped in a coffin, but renders sufficient strength to break free of its horrifying confines, and allows her to make a breathtaking discovery. When she finally makes her way back home, Carlotta is confronted with the shocking truth about her marriage, that it has been a sham since the very beginning. The stage is thus set for Carlotta's vendetta against those she believes have wronged her. Along the way, she makes the acquaintance of good-hearted people, such as a swashbuckling, freedom-loving Venetian sea captain and a Venetian landlady and her sweet-natured spinster daughter.

But these friendships hold no sway in erasing the anger and bitterness that have taken over Carlotta's heart, and in the end she is forced to make a crucial choice about whether or not she should continue with her harsh agenda, a choice that will have far-reaching effects in determining the rest of her life. Jan 17, Darcia Helle rated it liked it Shelves: Patzer is a talented author, and she excels at the language and details of historical fiction. She is able to fully immerse me in the world her characters live in.

That being said, this story was not a favorite for me. It had a powerful start, pulling me right into the Contessa's world. But, as she became more involved with and consumed by her vendetta, I just couldn't make sense of some of her decisions. I don't like to give spoilers, but this is a small one: The biggest problem for me was the Patzer is a talented author, and she excels at the language and details of historical fiction. The biggest problem for me was the disparity between her intense love for her daughter, and her decision to leave her behind in favor of revenge.

Revenge can be had in many ways, without hurting innocent people. This woman became so consumed with her specific plan that it didn't matter to her who got hurt along the way. I guess, by midway through the story, I simply did not like the Contessa. Since she is the main character, and the book is written in first person, I found it hard to like the story when I didn't like her. The other problem I had was the situation stretched the imagination a bit far. Simply having your hair turn white and hiding your eyes would not, in my opinion, be enough to conceal your identity from family and close friends.

That part of the story requires a leap into fantasy, and since this isn't fantasy, I found myself constantly questioning the ignorance of the people around the contessa. Nov 03, Katherine Pym rated it really liked it. At first I thought it would detract from the story, but this formal style of writing enhanced the tale of revenge. It helped with the anticipation of how the revenge would unfold, and its outcome to the parties involved.

The act of revenge is like a character in itself, and part of the conflict which builds until I could not put the book down. But before she reveals herself to her loved ones, she learns of an endless series of lies, deceits, and betrayal. As she unravels the labyrinth of shocking treachery, her wrath breathes life to an overwhelming need for vengeance.

Slowly, meticulously, she launches her diabolical vendetta. The Contessa's Vendetta is a historical fiction thriller ripe with suspense from first page to last. A tale of betrayal and revenge that will hold you spellbound until the shocking ending! Inspired by this epic classic novel; a new and captivating tale in a new setting, a new century, and with new plot twists while remaining faithful to key story elements.

Here is a direct link to The Contessa's Vendetta at Amazon. This author is an established Indie author, with several quality books to her name, each with an attractive cover and book design. Here are all her historical novels set in Italy, with direct links to the books at Amazon, through the images. The Orphan of the Olive Tree click on the image to go to the book's Amazon.

The Contessa's Vendetta click on the image to go to the book's Amazon. A tale of betrayal and revenge that will hold you spellbound until the shocking ending. The Novice reviewed on this site click on the image to go to the book's Amazon. Death and despair is everywhere. Alone in the world, Sara is a young novice plagued with doubts about taking her final vows to become a nun.

When her convent is attacked, she flees for her life straight into the arms of a group of Saracens who leave her to die alone in the woods. An honorable cavaliere named Nicolo comes to her rescue and offers to take her to the safety of Naples. As they journey together, they are irresistibly drawn to each other.

Believing Sara to be a nun, the honorable Nicolo is torn between love and duty to respect her vows. Heartbroken, he does what honor demands and sets her free before she can tell him the truth that she is not a nun. In her search to reunite with Nicolo, she encounters Umberto, a dark and dangerous man who will stop at nothing in his obsession to possess her.

With her sharp intellect, and her heart, Sara must rely on her own courage and strength to escape her abuser and find the only man she will ever love. The Betrothal click on the image to go to the book's Amazon. Two young lovers bound by their love for each other. A dreadful overlord who will shatter lives to possess the woman he loves, and the dark secrets that one woman will risk everything to keep buried.

An absorbing novel about wicked intentions, murder, obsessive love, undisclosed secrets, unstoppable destinies, and the woman whose secret will either destroy or restore lives.