A.D. 1073. A new pope sits on Saint Peter's throne. He knows about Charlemagne's prophecy, and he knows about Countess Matilde's sins. He is determined to crush King Heinrich of Germany. Can Matilde save a kingdom by negotiating between a love she lost and a pope who denies her a divorce?

SHORTLISTED FOR THE PAGE TURNER AWARDS

The characters of Lotharingia return for another early medieval drama, inspired by the events that led the king of Germany to seek the intercession of the most powerful woman in Europe.

Countess Matilde prepares to take over the rule of Tuscany from her formidable mother Beatrice, whose health is failing. Her beloved Pope Alexander dies before finalising her divorce from her estranged husband. The election to the Holy Seat of Ildebrando di Soana, the architect of her marriage, could shatter her plans. The new pope makes her a surprising offer. He will grant her a divorce if she agrees to lead a papal expedition to Jerusalem.
Matilde is tempted. The journey is dangerous, but she needs a fresh start, as far as possible from her former lover King Heinrich of Germany. Ildebrando's motives, though, are not what they seem. The East is a treasure trove of relics...

1073 - Germany

The news of Ildebrando's election spells doom for King Heinrich of Germany, who is in the middle of a civil war. He has not forgotten Matilde, but his life has moved on. The new pope seems more reasonable than expected, and even offers to crown Heinrich emperor. Has he truly abandoned his schemes to bring down the Salian house?

In the 11th century, Countess Matilde of Tuscany was the most famous woman in Christendom, a trailblazer who defied the gender expectations of her age to become the most powerful prince of the Holy Roman Empire for two generations. Exploiting the gaps and contradictions in medieval chronicles, The Road to Canossa weaves history and fiction into an alternative account of the world and the challenges she faced, as she grappled with the constraints of femininity in her quest for self-definition, power, and love.

PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR

'Byrne writes beautifully and brings the politically unstable world of 11th-century Europe to life.' Historical Novel Society

'First-rate historical fiction.' Rose Auburn

''Something between the Medici and the Tudor, with a tad bit of Shakespeare thrown in.' Ink & Insights

'Historical fiction at its very best and a highly recommended read.' GoodReads Review

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