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Arranged marriage -- Fiction Books
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Rafael Sabatini
Love-at-arms : $b being a narrative excerpted from the chronicles of Urbino, during the dominion of the high and mighty Messer Guidobaldo da Montefeltro
"Love-at-arms: Being a narrative excerpted from the chronicles of Urbino" by Raphael Sabatini is a historical novel set during the late 15th to early 16th century, a tumultuous time in Italian history marked by political intrigue and power struggles among the noble houses. The story revolves around Francesco del Falco, the Count of Aquila, who becomes embroiled in conspiracy and treachery as he is approached by nobles seeking to dethrone Gian Maria Sforza, the self-indulgent Duke of Babbiano. The narrative promises themes of loyalty, ambition, and the conflicts between personal integrity and political duty. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a clandestine meeting held by several discontented nobles in a hovel, where they discuss their grievances against Duke Gian Maria. As tensions rise with fears of betrayal by a lurking spy, the ancient noble Fabrizio da Lodi proposes a bold plan to replace the Duke with the Count of Aquila, emphasizing his courage and reputation. The Count expresses reluctance due to his ties to the Duke but ultimately agrees to aid them in seeking reforms. The opening chapters set the stage for an intense power struggle within the backdrop of romantic entanglements, specifically highlighting the fate of Valentina della Rovere, the Duke's betrothed, and her interactions with Aquila, amid the prevailing atmosphere of conspiratorial danger that surrounds them.
Walter Scott
The Bride of Lammermoor
"The Bride of Lammermoor" by Sir Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1819. Set in the Scottish Lammermuir Hills around the time of the 1707 Act of Union, it tells the tragic story of Lucy Ashton and Edgar Ravenswood, whose families are bitter enemies. When the young lovers become engaged, Lucy's manipulative mother schemes to destroy their relationship and force Lucy into a politically advantageous marriage. Based on an actual incident, this dark tale of thwarted love inspired Donizetti's famous opera "Lucia di Lammermoor."
Thomas Hardy
The Woodlanders
"The Woodlanders" by Thomas Hardy is a novel serialized from 1886 to 1887 and published in 1887. Set in the secluded woodland village of Little Hintock, it follows Giles Winterborne's attempts to marry his childhood sweetheart, Grace Melbury. When her ambitious father pushes her toward a handsome, well-born doctor instead, a web of misguided marriages, infidelities, and unrequited love unfolds. Hardy explores themes of social mobility, betrayed affections, and the consequences of forsaking true love for perceived advantage in this atmospheric Wessex tale.
Walter Scott
La promessa sposa di Lammermoor, Tomo 1 (of 3)
"La promessa sposa di Lammermoor, Tomo 1 (of 3)" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1819. Set in the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland around the Act of Union of 1707, it tells the tragic love story between young Lucy Ashton and Edgar Ravenswood, whose family lost their estate to Lucy's ambitious father. As their forbidden romance blossoms, Lucy's manipulative mother schemes to destroy their engagement and force Lucy into a politically advantageous marriage, setting in motion events that will lead to devastating consequences.
Walter Scott
La promessa sposa di Lammermoor, Tomo 2 (of 3)
"La promessa sposa di Lammermoor, Tomo 2 (of 3)" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1819. Set in the Scottish Lammermuir Hills around the time of the 1707 Act of Union, it tells the tragic love story between young Lucy Ashton and Edgar, Master of Ravenswood, whose families are bitter enemies. When Lucy's manipulative mother schemes to destroy their engagement and force Lucy into an arranged marriage, the consequences spiral into madness and death. Based on actual events, this tale inspired Donizetti's famous opera.
Walter Scott
La promessa sposa di Lammermoor, Tomo 3 (of 3)
"La promessa sposa di Lammermoor, Tomo 3 (of 3)" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1819. Set in Scotland around the Act of Union of 1707, it tells the tragic love story between Lucy Ashton and Edgar Ravenswood, whose families are bitter enemies. When Lucy's manipulative mother schemes to destroy their engagement and force Lucy into an arranged marriage, a dark chain of events unfolds. Based on an actual incident, this tale of thwarted love inspired Donizetti's famous opera.
Jules Verne
De wonderstraal; gevolgd door Tien uren op jacht
"De Wonderstraal; gevolgd door Tien uren op jacht" by Jules Verne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of two devoted uncles, Sam and Sib Melvill, who are deeply committed to their niece, Miss Campbell, as they ponder her future and potential marriage. The narrative blends themes of romance, adventure, and the quest for happiness, with a notable focus on the significance of the titular 'Green Ray'—a phenomenon said to provide clarity in matters of the heart. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Melvill brothers, who are characterized by their quaint and charmingly archaic personalities. They live together with their niece, Miss Campbell, in a picturesque Scottish setting, spending their lives in devoted service to her. The plot thickens when Miss Campbell expresses her wish to witness the mysterious Green Ray at sunset, which is believed to grant insight into love and truth. As preparations for a journey to the west coast of Scotland are made, the brothers plot to introduce her to a suitor, adding layers of tension as they navigate their niece's wishes and romantic prospects.
Jianren Wu
恨海
"恨海" by Jianren Wu is a novel published in 1906. Set during the chaos of the Boxer Uprising of 1900, it follows two couples whose arranged marriages unravel tragically—one groom dies from opium addiction while his brother's bride-to-be becomes a prostitute. The story explores the conflict between traditional marriage duties and personal survival as young people face impossible choices between family honor and their own lives. One of the decade's bestsellers, it responds to attacks on Chinese marriage customs.
Walter Scott
Lammermoorin morsian
"Lammermoorin morsian" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1819. Set in the Scottish Lammermuir Hills around the Act of Union of 1707, it follows the doomed romance between Lucy Ashton and Edgar Ravenswood, whose families are bitter enemies. When Lucy's manipulative mother schemes to destroy their engagement and force Lucy into an arranged marriage, tragic events spiral toward a devastating conclusion. Based on an actual incident, this tale of forbidden love inspired Donizetti's famous opera "Lucia di Lammermoor."
Rafael Sabatini
Aseistettu rakkaus
"Aseistettu rakkaus" by Rafael Sabatini is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against a backdrop of intrigue and political machinations in Renaissance Italy, particularly focusing on the character Francesco del Falco, known as Aquila, who finds himself embroiled in conspiracies against the Duke of Babbiano. At the start of the novel, a group of noblemen, including Francesco, gathers in a humble tavern, engaged in a secretive meeting. They discuss the rising threat posed by the Duke, Gian Maria Sforza, who is characterized by his reckless indulgence and negligence towards state affairs. During this meeting, it is revealed that a spy, Masuccio Torri, has been lurking nearby, causing tension and fear of betrayal among the conspirators. Recognizing the urgency of their situation, the nobles contemplate joining forces to overthrow the Duke, with Aquila being a pivotal figure in this plot, leading them into a spiral of adventure and danger.
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