Elizabeth's novels focus on themes of women and power and are linked by her interest in exploring the invisibility of early modern women's lives. Author Elizabeth Fremantle deftly paints Artemisia’s painful but inspiring story in her latest biographical fiction, “Disobedient. Jealous of her superior talent, he enters into deals with devils in an attempt to change the course of Artemisia’s life, ensuring she remains down at heel to all the mediocre men in her life. A huge amount of fretting is spent depicting how Artemisia isn't free, how she can't go wherever she wants, how she is constantly chaperoned, yet her rapist attempts to assault her when she is without a chaperone. Artemisia's story is one worth reading, and for people who find history books too dense, this is the perfect way to get to know her.

Through effervescent prose, Elizabeth Fremantle brings the story of artist Artemisia Gentileschi to life. Caravaggio's sexuality is famously debated over, then and now, because Caravaggio's favorite subjects are young men in various states of undress.Shocking, gripping , Fremantle has crafted a tale that vividly evokes Baroque Italy by portraying a strong , assertive women .

The word choice is also questionable, for a book set multiple centuries ago, the way the characters speak is too contemporary. Disobedient’ is a word that absolutely encapsulates the spirit of Artemisia, the central character in this story who is constrained and shackled by the era in which she lives and societies oppressive views of women. Orazio also scorns Caravaggio multiple times in the book, saying his interest in light and shadow is passe and that his work is gruesome-- when in reality both Orazio and his daughter are considered Caravaggisti. Elizabeth Fremantle is an English novelist, whose published works include Queens Gambit, The Girl in the Glass Tower (2016) and Queen's Gambit (2013). The book makes Gentileschi's father, Orazio, into a bumbling idiot with no talent, even though several years after the events of this book take place, he becomes a noted patron of Queen Henrietta Maria, the woman after whom Maryland was named.

Another great novel that didn’t disappoint and I’m already eagerly looking forward to Fremantle’s next book. Jealousy, vengeance, and the male expectation of unchallenged dominance seek to thwart an artist’s aspirations and destroy her career and reputation, but she will prove to be stronger than they are. Recently Judith and her Maidservant was displayed at the Nelson Atkins Museum Of Art, and I was impressed by its large size, 72. I loved the happy(ish) ending that the author provided, in spite of all the hardships it took to get there.

Elizabeth Fremantle is the acclaimed author of Sisters of Treason, Queen's Gambit, Watch the Lady, and The Poison Bed (also available from Pegasus Books) and she has contributed to Vogue, the Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, and the Sunday Times (London). The Goldsboro exclusive edition of "Empire of the Damned" by Jay Kristoff will feature block sprayed.

Artemisia Gentileschi’s painting skills quickly surpass her father’s, but society dictates that as a woman, she must stay home and protect her virtue. In this time when women are treated as second class citizens, she must stand by her beliefs and never give up. This historical fiction felt like a deep dive into life in Rome in the 17th century and the restrictions on a talented artist like Artemesia Gentileschi because she was female. Through effervescent prose, Elizabeth Fremantle brings the story of artist Artemisia Gentieschi to life.

The descriptive power of the novel transported me straight to the heart of Renaissance Rome with some passages so beautiful I had to read them twice. Something that I admire so much in Ms Fremantle’s work is her ability to create the most palpable scenarios right from the off.There is nothing that transports the reader to Rome in the seventeenth century, except for a few mentions of the Colosseum etc. Perfecting her craft takes time, and one day a mysterious and handsome painting tutor decides to help her hone her skills.