52 pages 1 hour read

Alessandro Manzoni

The Betrothed: I Promessi Sposi

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1827

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Betrothed follows Renzo and Lucia, a young couple in 1600s Lombardy, whose planned marriage is thwarted by the powerful Don Rodrigo. Forced to flee, they navigate numerous dangers, including kidnapping, political unrest, and the plague in Milan, ultimately overcoming these challenges to reunite and marry. Themes of social injustice and personal resilience are central to the narrative. The novel includes depictions of abduction and plague-related suffering.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Alessandro Manzoni's The Betrothed is praised for its rich historical context and vivid character portrayals. Critics commend the novel’s intricate plot and its exploration of universal themes like justice and faith. However, some find its pacing slow and prose dense. Overall, it remains a significant work in Italian literature, blending romance and history effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Betrothed?

A reader who enjoys The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni likely appreciates historical fiction with rich detail and complex characters. Fans of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables or Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace will find Manzoni's work compelling for its vivid portrayal of 17th-century Italian life and its intricate social and political narratives.

RecommendedReading Age

15+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Romance

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Topics

History: World