The Betrothed (Unabridged Start Publishing LLC)

Why is this novel so loved in Italy and yet relatively unknown in England? This remains a mystery but no-one who begins reading this long novel will regret it, The scope, narrative drive and moral tone is of a similar scale to War and Peace but here the setting is in the region of Milan in the early 17C. The love story takes place within the complex political and social circumstances 200 years before the Unification. Being introduced to the Nun of Monza, the ravages of the plague and bravos alongside a range of religious personalities, both amazing and flawed, was a real treat. For those unfamiliar with this region in this period the only addition I would recommend is a small map.

Not the easiest read in the world, but I can see why this book is such a world classic. Its a moving story set against a fascinating history of northern Italy in the 17th century. I am so glad I read it. I have learnt a lot about the social history of Italy, and history and politics of Milan during the plague years. And the insights from the author into aspects of character and motivation as relevant today as they were then.I gave the book four stars at first - as some passages were a struggle (especially late at night). However the book has stayed with me so strongly, and I think about it a lot so I have had to revise this to five stars.

The Everyman's Library Classics Edition books are, in my opinion, the best quality books available in the price-range. They are quality bound, with acid-free paper, dust jacket, and ribbon page marker.There are also a great range of authors available in this collection, and they are very reasonably priced.

Advertised as translated by Bruce Penman. This was a deception, as the translation was not, as implied in the advertisement, the Penguin edition. Very disappointing. Why do Amazon do this?

Just couldn't get into this; the characters and events just didn't grab me; and as it's so famous I was surprised to find it so difficult to like. I may go back to it, just in case perseverance pays off.