The Betrothed - 1842 by Alessandro Manzoni

Outstanding, parts are very motivated, others a little slow.

I of course didn't understand the deep sub plot of the Milan plague of 1630.

Many characters, many are great to like and hate.

A real look into the lawlessness of that period in which several Northern European countries ran parts of Italy and local strongmen ran local parts.

Another part covered a period of famine where the people decided that the merchants and the rich folks were manipulating the price of flour.

This populace that takes over is something we don't live with much in our present day world but easily could be.

The old copy I have is outstanding!
When I was in London I found it at the wonderful old bookseller Jarndyce.

I always try to read something of the country I travel to and so the Betrothed is THE Italian period book that everyone in Italy has read.

I am so happy I found it. It comes from a collection of works printed in 1853 in London.


The edge finishing is like glass, and has the feathering decoration too.
There is only one illustration of the critical moment of repentance for the "unnamed"

A lengthy book of 452 pages but well worth the effort.

The only Illustration is of The Unnamed asking for forgiveness