Glorious Monsters
Summary
Martina Devlin discusses her novel Glorious Monsters, set in Rome in 1819, which follows Amelia Curran, a forgotten artist and narrator who knew the Shelley circle. The story explores the lives of Mary Shelley, Percy Shelley, and Lord Byron, highlighting the severe restrictions on women’s education and autonomy in the early 19th century. Devlin also delves into the 16th-century case of Beatrice Cenci, whose execution for patricide and alleged rape serves as a parallel to the Shelleys’ radical, scandalous lifestyle. The episode examines how these historical figures defied societal norms, wit…
Topics discussed
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Introduction to novel 'Glorious Monsters' and the Shelley circle
Historical link between Robert Emmett and the Shelleys
Challenges faced by women artists in the early 19th century
Mary Shelley's authorship of Frankenstein and her radical family
Mary Shelley's personal life, tragedies, and influence on her work
The story of Beatrice Cenci and her execution
Amelia Curran's role in Rome and the Beatrice Cenci portrait
Political context of the Cenci case and Shelley's interpretation
Life of the Shelley family in Italy and their public perception
Mary Shelley's other works, including 'The Last Man'
Author's discovery of Amelia Curran and her artistic legacy
Closing remarks and book promotion
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