Elizabeth Fremantle

Elizabeth Fremantle, a historical novelist focused on early modern women, delves into the tragic life of Beatrice Cenci, executed in 1599 Rome. She shares how Beatrice's harrowing story of survival and her father's murder reflects the brutal realities faced by women of the 16th century. Fremantle discusses the myth versus reality in Beatrice's legacy, the complexities of representing flawed historical figures, and the challenges of depicting violence in her writing. The conversation also touches on education, women’s rights, and attitudes towards sexuality during that tumultuous era.