"The Ruinous Face" by Maurice Hewlett is a gripping novel that delves into the themes of love, betrayal, and the destructive power of secrets. Set in Renaissance Italy, Hewlett weaves a tale of passion and intrigue, where the lives of the characters intertwine in a web of deceit and hidden agendas. With rich historical detail and lyrical prose, "The Ruinous Face" immerses readers in a world of political machinations, forbidden desires, and the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of power. Hewlett's masterful storytelling and complex characters make this novel a compelling read for lovers of historical fiction and psychological dramas.