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The Betrothed

By Alessandro Manzoni
Penguin Classics
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.88 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 17,264 ratings, 1,232 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni is a historical novel set in 17th-century Lombardy, following the lives of two young lovers, Renzo and Lucia, who are forcibly separated by the schemes of a local tyrant and the resulting events. As they navigate through societal challenges, including plague and war, their story unfolds against the backdrop of genuine historical events, reflecting themes of justice, faith, and endurance.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to historical fiction with richly detailed settings and deeply developed characters. Set in 17th-century Italy, it offers a gripping tale of love, faith, and resilience amidst political unrest and social upheaval. The narrative combines romance, adventure, and a poignant exploration of human nature, appealing to those who appreciate classic literature with timeless themes.

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Renzo and Lucia fly from the villainous Don Rodrigo and are separated. Their flight takes them out of their peaceful village life into turbulent history; violent bread riots in Milan, the ravages of the 30 years war, famine, and finally the plague, with all its attendant horrors.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Set in Lombardy during the Spanish occupation of the late 1620s, The Betrothed tells the story of two young lovers, Renzo and Lucia, prevented from marrying by the petty tyrant Don Rodrigo, who desires Lucia for himself.

Forced to flee, they are then cruelly separated and must face many dangers, including plague, famine, and imprisonment. They confront a variety of strange characters, such as the mysterious Nun of Monza, the fiery Father Cristoforo, and the sinister Unnamed, in their struggle to be reunited.

A vigorous portrayal of enduring passion, The Betrothed's exploration of love, power, and faith presents a whirling panorama of seventeenth-century Italian life and is considered one of the greatest European historical novels.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni is lauded for its rich storytelling and historical depth. Acclaimed by figures like Giuseppe Verdi as "a gift to humanity," the novel is often praised for its profound exploration of social issues and its compelling narrative set in 17th-century Italy. With elements of romance, adventure, and moral reflection, it stands as a classic of Italian literature.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140442748

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 November 1983

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Bruce Penman
  • Translated by Bruce Penman

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 495g

Pages: 720

Collections

Alessandro Manzoni Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Top 100 Penguin Classics

About the Author

Alessandro Manzoni was born in 1785 near Lake Como, Italy. Sent to boarding school at the age of five, he felt estranged from his family, particularly when his mother left his father. As a young man Manzoni subscribed to the ideas of the French Revolution, joining his mother in Paris, where he married Henriette Blondel in 1808. He wrote throughout his life, but suffered from a nervous disorder which grew progressively worse through his lifetime. He died in 1873. Bruce Penman was a versatile linguist fluent in four languages, knowledgeable of ten. In 1984 his translation of China by Gildo Fossati won the John Florio Prize for best translation from the Italian. He died in 1986.

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