
Set against the turbulent backdrop of 17th‑century Lombardy, the tale follows two humble villagers whose lives are intertwined by a quiet, steadfast love. In the serene hamlet of Acquafredda, Lucia and Renzo dream of a simple future together, their hopes echoing the rhythms of the surrounding fields, rivers and bustling towns. Their devotion is tested almost immediately by the heavy hand of local power, as the cunning and ruthless Don Rodrigo schemes to claim Lucia for himself.
As fear and uncertainty spread through the countryside, the couple is forced to flee, navigating a world where law, superstition and disease loom large. Along the way they encounter a cast of vivid characters—pious monks, cunning innkeepers, and a mysterious, compassionate nun—each reflecting the complex social fabric of the era. Their journey captures both the resilience of ordinary people and the fragile hope that persists amid oppression and chaos.
Full title
I promessi sposi. Opere di Alessando Manzoni, vol. 1
Language
it
Duration
~24 hours (1386K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Giovanni Fini and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
Release date
2014-04-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1785–1873
A giant of Italian literature, he is best known for The Betrothed, a historical novel that helped shape modern Italian language and culture. His work blended moral seriousness, vivid storytelling, and a deep concern for history, faith, and ordinary people.
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