The narration also includes many smaller subplots which allow the reader glimpses into the lives of the other characters involved.Īlessandro Manzoni is regarded as one of the most important authors of Italian literature, and this particular work is counted to the overall most important literary works of the 19th century.

Set in the years 1628-1630, the main story is accompanied by a rich and most accurate description of the historical background - the warfaring cities, the plague, and the oppressive Spanish rule over Northern Italy during that time.

Thus threatened and prevented from being married, the couple is separated, and the narration follows each of them on their struggle to unite again. Don Rodrigo menaces the priest who was to perform the wedding ceremony, who then refuses to do his duty. That branch of the Lake of Como, which turns toward the south between two unbroken chains of mountains, presenting to the eye a succession of bays and gulfs, formed by their jutting and retiring ridges, suddenly contracts itself between a headland to the right and an extended sloping bank on the left, and assumes the. However, despite their great attachment, they are prevented from marrying by the cruel Don Rodrigo, who has himself cast an eye on the beautiful and pious Lucia. The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) presents a kaleidoscope of individual stories, which are all tied together by the story of Lucia and Renzo, two young persons of humble origin that are deeply in love with one another. Proof listeners: Mary J, Jeanie, nancymcdaniel87, Eduardo, Woolly Bee, Larry Wilson, Michele Eaton, Kim, and KHandĬo-BC for this project and Cast list compiled by linnyįor further information, including links to online text, reader information, RSS feeds, CD cover or other formats (if available), please go to the LibriVox catalog page for this recording.įor more free audio books or to become a volunteer reader, visit cover art Download CD case insert The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) Various other roles read by: Woolly Bee, Joseph James, Bella Buss, Etel Buss, Joseph Tabler, TriciaG, Eduardo, Jason in Panama, Michele Eaton, Jessie Yun, Lydia, Leanne Yau, Gaby, David Purdy, Kathrine Engan, Melanie T, Sonia, Tomas Peter, April Walters, KHand, linny, rosalinger, Elijah, BeniaminoMassimo, Sarah Terry, Ashur Gharavi, Eva Davis, RecordingPerson, Zames Curran The book was recommended by Pope Francis to engaged couples in 2015 as preparation for marriage. Despite the threat of death and the fear of never laying eyes on one another again, Renzo and Lucy maintain a deep love for each other throughout the book that displays the true sacrifice and commitment of marriage. Little does Renzo know that Lucy has been kidnapped by a criminal, The Unnamed, feared by all the people of Northern Italy, where the story is set.

The two main characters, Renzo and Lucy, are engaged to be married when Lucy tragically disappears. One of the most famous Italian books in history, The Betrothed was written by Alessandro Manzoni in 1827.

The betrothed by alessandro manzoni