Credit: Nicolas Laborie
We are pleased to announce that CONSTANZA, Rachel Blackmore’s debut novel, has been snapped up by Renegade Books to be published as a super-lead title in August 2024. Rachel’s dazzling historical fiction, telling the forgotten story of Costanza Piccolomini, was acquired for the Dialogue Books imprint by Publisher Christina Demosthenous in a two-book deal, and translation rights have already been sold by Blake Friedmann in Italy and Brazil, as well as pre-empted in Spain.
COSTANZA brings to life the story of Costanza Piccolomini – a feminist icon who has been written out of history. Set in 1600’s Rome, it tells of Costanza’s intoxicating affair with Gianlorenzo Bernini – a famous sculptor who reigned over Roman society. Bernini wanted to possess Costanza not just in body and soul, but also in marble, creating a portrait which broke all rules of decorum and art. But in revealing Costanza in stone, she is exposed as his lover, marking the beginning of the end of their affair – and Costanza’s freedom… Within this tale of exhilarating desire, heady artistic pursuit and the most vicious of betrayals, is a story of control, violence against women and its devastating consequences. But above all, COSTANZA is a story of a remarkable woman who survives – and thrives – against the odds.
COSTANZA can now be pre-ordered here.
‘I couldn’t be more delighted that COSTANZA has found her home with Renegade,’ Rachel Blackmore says. ‘From the moment I heard Costanza’s story I knew I had to tell it. She was a phenomenal young, intelligent woman who found herself at the centre of a great Baroque scandal, yet all we have is Bernini’s version of events and her mute statue. I wanted to redress the balance; to prioritise Costanza’s narrative over that of her more powerful lover. Christina and the Renegade team have blown me away with their love, passion, and enthusiasm for Costanza, as well as their clear understanding of everything she represents.’
Publisher Christina Demosthenous added ‘in this dizzying, sultry and outrageously evocative book, Costanza finally steps out of the shadows of supreme sculptor, Gianlorenzo Bernini. This showstopping novel peels back the patriarchal mask that has cloaked this historical figure. From the very first page, I was transported to the sun-drenched cobbles of Rome, and its darkness, danger, luxury and seediness. I’m in awe of Rachel’s talent, and I feel so lucky that I get to work on this special novel and introduce the world to COSTANZA – a true renegade.’
Rachel’s agent, Juliet Pickering says: ‘when COSTANZA landed in my inbox I was intrigued – I’m not usually a historical fiction reader, but the energy, humour and joy of Costanza’s voice blew me away, and I savoured the atmospheric, sensual setting. I can never resist a feminist icon, and Costanza was one of the most inspiring and resilient women I’ve come to know. I can’t wait for more people to meet and discover her!’
COSTANZA will be a flagship title for the brand-new imprint, Renegade.
Rome 1636. History calls her a Muse. Temptress. Fallen woman. This is her story.
In the scorched city of Rome, the cobbled streets hum with gossip and sin. Costanza Piccolomini is a respectable young wife – until she meets Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famed sculptor and star of Roman society, whose jet-black gaze matches his dark temper. From the second they set eyes upon each other, a fatal attraction is born.
Their secret love burns with a passion that consumes them. But with every stolen kiss and illicit tryst, Costanza’s reputation is at stake. Meanwhile, Bernini has a dangerous desire: he wants to make Costanza immortal. He vows to possess her not just in body and soul, but also in marble.
When Bernini unveils his sculpture of Costanza she is exposed as his lover, marking the undoing of their affair – and the beginning of a scandal which will rock Roman society. For Bernini would rather destroy Costanza than let her go.
Betrayed. Abandoned. Banished. This was meant to be the end of Costanza’s story. But Costanza is no ordinary woman: from the ashes, she will rise…
COSTANZA is a dizzying and sensual historical novel that brings to life a feminist icon who has been written out of history. This addictive tale of desire and betrayal is perfect for fans of THE MARRIAGE PORTRAIT and THE MINIATURIST.
About Rachel Blackmore
Born in Birmingham the daughter of a theatre director and a teacher, Rachel developed her love of language and storytelling at a young age. She went on to study Early Modern History, before embarking on a career in politics which morphed into a long bout as a speechwriter – a craft she now teaches.
Rachel spent more than a decade working and raising a family, before taking a career break to write historical fiction about marginalised women, as a way of looking at contemporary issues.
In 2021 she was a runner up in Harper’s Bazaar Short Story Competition and won the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair in 2022.
She lives in London with her three teenagers, two cats and one dog.