Reviews

The Bethrothed: (i Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni

tomleetang's review against another edition

3.0

A leisurely paced piece of historical fiction with a clear central narrative that makes enjoyable little segues into portraits of the people of the time, from cardinals to 'bravi' (mercenary brigands). And what a wonderfully comedic creation is the cowardly, dithering priest Don Abbondio!

Some of the social diatribes reminded me of Tolstoy - the parts of Tolstoy I like the least, when he goes off on a lecture about societal ills that isn't really woven into the narrative. The Betrothed does have some interesting things to say, though, about the effect of the Thirty Years War on northern Italy, particular the civil mismanagement and corruption that led to starvation, poverty and abuse, and the ensuing horrors of the plague that arrived like the wrath of God to cleanse the land.

skikaren's review against another edition

2.0

This isn't inherently bad, but.
I had to read this for school and I hated every part of it; maybe it's just the fact that I had to write an essay about this, maybe it's just boring, maybe it's because it was written hundreds of years ago.
I blame Manzoni for all of this.

marypboa's review against another edition

4.0

A story of two young lovers and their trials to be united set in Lombardy during the Spanish rule of 1620s. Lots of historical detail (perhaps overlong) of the era’s disasters - famine & plague but a great plot, just lacks the wit of Dickens.

devinb333's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

antonia_09's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

katieg's review against another edition

4.5

Loved this. Engaging characters that jumped off the page with excellent depictions of social revolt and plague in Milan. The author is prone to tangents but they add to the depth and breadth of the story in a really fulfilling way. 

ariannatavaglione's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

marianaramos28's review

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes

3.75

seeture's review against another edition

3.0

Having to read this for school was a pain. Literally no point in reading something this mediocre. I don't know why we don't read something more valuable rather than a love story with a few dramatical twists. The thing is that we don't even read the actual novel we read a summary of the story. Truly disappointing. Both the book and the Italian schools.
(I know giving it a vote is wrong since I haven't read the novel but I hate it so there.)

traceymc's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75