52 pages • 1 hour read
The Betrothed: I Promessi Sposi
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Book Brief
720
Novel • Fiction
Italy • 1620s
1827
Adult
15+ years
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.
Romantic
Contemplative
Inspirational
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
16,136 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
16,136 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
720
Novel • Fiction
Italy • 1620s
1827
Adult
15+ years
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