Subject
Dalmatia (Croatia) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Justus Miles Forman
The Island of Enchantment
"The Island of Enchantment" by Justus Miles Forman is a historical novel set during the mid-14th century, a period marked by political strife and intrigue in Venice and its territories. The narrative follows the tumultuous events surrounding young Zuan Gradenigo, a nobleman embroiled in a conflict between the Venetian forces and the invading Hungarians, as he seeks to protect his family's heritage and reclaim lost honor in the wake of a political crisis. The themes of love, honor, betrayal, and redemption are interwoven throughout the tale, along with vivid depictions of the era’s cultural landscape. The story unfolds with Zuan Gradenigo being summoned by his uncle, the doge, to address the threat posed by the ban of Bosnia, who seeks to conquer Arbe, a cherished island for the Gradenigo family. Determined to defend it, Zuan leads a daring expedition but suffers setbacks due to a storm that separates his fleet. As he arrives on Arbe’s shores, Zuan encounters unexpected allies and foes, notably the enigmatic Princess Yaga, who he initially seeks to destroy but ultimately finds himself drawn to. The plot twists further when Zuan learns of Yaga's efforts to save him, revealing both her humanity and complexity. The climax builds to a tense resolution, where Zuan faces both the choices regarding his loyalty to his people and his conflicting feelings for Yaga, culminating in a poignant exploration of love amidst chaos and conflict.
Max Pemberton
Christine of the hills
"Christine of the Hills" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Christine, a girl with an intriguing past marked by hardship and resilience, as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations. The narrative begins with her sudden reappearance from obscurity, stirring the interest of those around her and setting the stage for her journey through life’s trials. At the start of the novel, the narrator and the boatman, Barbarossa, journey to an island in the Adriatic Sea where Christine lives. Upon their arrival, they glimpse the girl, a striking figure blending vulnerability and strength, set against the lush beauty of her surroundings. The old man, who cares deeply for Christine, recalls her tragic childhood filled with suffering, abandonment, and the longing for a better life. Through Barbarossa’s eyes, readers witness the enormous potential and challenges awaiting Christine as her story unfolds. The unfolding events suggest a mixture of romance and hardship in the life of a girl who yearns for freedom and love amidst the constraints of her world.
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