
In this lyrical historical tale we follow Paolo, a restless young man caught in the swirl of Renaissance intrigue. He wanders through gardens of roses and thorns, his thoughts ignited by a singular, almost otherworldly presence—a pale‑haired, lightly blushed beauty named Tuda. The narrative paints her with striking contrasts, from her golden locks to her almond‑shaped eyes, turning every encounter into a vivid tableau of light and shadow.
Paolo’s fascination grows into a restless chase, as he tries to grasp the fleeting grace of the “butterfly among roses.” Their playful banter, garbed in extravagant silk and velvet, hints at a deeper rivalry and the promise of courtly games. As the story unfolds, listeners are drawn into the intoxicating mix of love, ambition, and the fragile balance of honor that defines Paolo’s world, setting the stage for the tangled passions that lie ahead.
Language
it
Duration
~4 hours (231K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2013-04-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1804–1873
A fiery figure of the Italian Risorgimento, this novelist and politician turned patriotism, conflict, and historical drama into some of the most impassioned prose of 19th-century Italy. His life was shaped as much by exile, prison, and public office as by literature.
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