THE BORGIAS The Hidden History

Enn Reitel's deep, cultured voice brings Meyer's revisionist history of the Renaissance Borgias (1455-1507) to life. Meyer is skeptical of the claims of fratricide and other depravity cast against the Borgias. Meyer presents Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander IV) as a reasonable man. Rodrigo's younger relative, Cesare, comes across as a ruthless but brilliant military leader who came within reach of building a powerful new state in northern Italy. Cesare's greatest crimes, beyond execution and seduction, were being a foreigner (he was Spanish) and failing at his political goal. Reitel's wonderful voice would add credibility to any story. His pace is consistent--even when narrating the sections of historical background. Further, his diction is always clear, and the trace of irony in his voice suits the subject. F.C. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2013]