Renegade bags Blackmore’s ‘outrageously evocative’ historical novel as superlead title

Renegade Books has acquired Costanza by Rachel Blackmore, which “brings to life the story of Costanza Piccolomini – a feminist icon who has been written out of history".

Christina Demosthenous, publisher, bought UK and Commonwealth rights including audiobook to the debut novel, along with a second historical-fiction book. Rights were acquired from Juliet Pickering at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency, and Costanza is a Renegade superlead for 2024, with the hardback publishing in August 2024. Translation rights have been sold so far in Italy, Brazil and pre-empted in Spain.

Set in 1600s Rome, the novel tells of Costanza’s intoxicating affair with Gianlorenzo Bernini – a famous sculptor who reigned over Roman society. The synopsis reads: “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."

Demosthenous said: “In this evocative book, Costanza finally steps out of the shadows of supreme sculptor, Gianlorenzo Bernini. This show stopping novel peels back the patriarchal mask that has cloaked this historical figure. Rather than defining her as a muse, temptress and fallen woman, we see Costanza as the fierce woman she really was. Despite living in Baroque Rome – often depicted as a carnal world, where women had no agency – she achieved the impossible.”

She continues: “After losing everything when she is betrayed by the man she worshipped, she reclaims her life and herself. It’s hard to believe that this magnificent character, and her epic journey, existed in 1636. Rachel has brought her to life beautifully. From the very first page, I was transported to the sun-drenched cobbles of Rome, and its darkness, danger, luxury and seediness.”

Born in Birmingham, the author spent her childhood in the north-east, then the Midlands. She studied history at King’s College London, and after a brief stint in politics, she built a senior career in corporate communications. In 2021, she was runner-up in the Harper’s Bazaar Short Story Competition and won the Irish Writers Centre 2022 Novel Fair.

Blackmore said: “I couldn’t be more delighted that Costanza has found her home with Renegade. I’m incredibly grateful for the love, passion and enthusiasm Christina and the Renegade team have shown for Costanza, as well as their clear understanding of everything she represents.”

Pickering added: ”I’m not usually a historical fiction reader, but the energy, humour and joy of Costanza’s voice blew me away. I can never resist a feminist icon, and Costanza was one of the most inspiring and resilient women I’ve come to know.”