The Betrothed

A Novel

By: Alessandro Manzoni, Michael F. Moore - translator, Jhumpa Lahiri - afterword

Narrated by: Ari Fliakos, Susan Vinciotti Bonito

“The first English translation in more than fifty years of Alessandro Manzoni’s masterpiece, a work of foundational Italian literature on par with the Divine Comedy and the Decameron.”—The Wall Street Journal

“An exemplary historical novel” (The New Yorker) from the father of modern Italian literature, The Betrothed receives its first new English-language translation in fifty years, hailed as “a landmark literary occasion” by Jhumpa Lahiri.

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker

The Betrothed is a cornerstone of Italian culture, language, and literature. Published in its final form in 1842, The Betrothed has inspired generations of Italian readers and writers. Giuseppe Verdi composed his majestic Requiem Mass in honor of Manzoni. Italo Calvino called the novel “a classic that has never ceased shaping reality in Italy” while Umberto Eco praised its author as a “most subtle critic and analyst of languages.” The Betrothed has been celebrated by Primo Levi and Natalia Ginzburg, and is one of Pope Francis’s favorite books. But, until now, it has remained relatively unknown to English readers.

In the fall of 1628, two young lovers are forced to flee their village on the shores of Lake Como after a powerful lord prevents their marriage, plunging them into the maelstrom of history. Manzoni draws on actual people and events to create an unforgettable fresco of Italian life and society. In this greatest of historical novels, he takes the reader on a journey through the Spanish occupation of Milan, the ravages of war, class tensions, social injustice, religious faith, and a plague that devastates northern Italy. But within Manzoni’s epic tale, readers will also hear powerful echoes of our own day.

Michael F. Moore’s dynamic new translation of The Betrothed brings to life Manzoni’s timeless literary masterpiece.

Public Domain (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This is not just a book; it offers consolation to the whole of humanity.” (Giuseppe Verdi)

“[Manzoni is] the only Italian literary figure whom his countrymen consider worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Dante.... It is almost impossible to accept this book as a first novel. Through the virtuosity with which its creator deploys and refines his raw materials, the story of Renzo and Lucia...consistently transcends its considerable potential for sentimentality.... The mélange of tones, styles and methods within the book makes the experience of reading it one of the most rewarding—and simultaneously most challenging—in nineteenth-century fiction.” (From the introduction by Jonathan Keates)

Marvelous performance

This is a modern Italian classic, essential reading for modern Italian literature. It has some of the wordiness of a 19th century novel. The prime example is the explanation of Gertrude’s entering the convent. But the story is fascinating. I have listened to many books over the years. This is probably the best performance.

An Italian Masterpiece Reborn

This is truly a timeless masterpiece. I don’t know who to thank more, Manzoni or Michael Moore. On all 3 counts, the book, the translation,the narration, I rate it a rare experience and 5 stars.

Wonderful classic—very good narration

This novel was a wonder to me. I recommend it highly. Regarding the narration, I’m generally quite sensitive to the quality of the reading, & I had no problem at all with this one. Obviously, the question of reader quality is a subjective one, but I urge Audible subscribers to give this one a chance. If you dislike it as much as one of the other reviewers did, you can always return the book.

Excellent Translation

What a beautiful and full story. I love the backstories given to some of the characters which help to give full understanding to their actions and development. I loved the narration.

Outstanding

Finally a fluent translation of this Italian masterpiece portraying a part of 17th century from the people perspective, with also a vivid depiction of the plague. The narrator is a bit too theatrical in its tone. I would have preferred less “shouting”, though he was probably mimicking the expressions envisioned by Manzoni. Highly recommended

a 400 year old novel resonates today

Great audio rendition of an outstanding historical novel. the plot and observations could be played in modern dress so to speak since they resonate so much with our current and recent history

A wonderful story, so enjoyable to listen to, so well read

I’m so pleased that this new translation brought the novel to my attention. A wonderful story, and having so recently gone through a pandemic, it makes the story hit home in a way that it might not otherwise. Highly recommend!

Epic historical fiction that is so timely for now.

Wonderful translation! Very long but didn’t drag. I found it so interesting to note how many parallels there were regarding the challenges we are facing now in 2023 and with those faced in Italy in the 1600s. I noticed myself comparing it to Ken Folletts’ Pillars of the Earth. One of my favorite books. This is why I gave it four stars rather than five. An obvious unfair comparison. As this book is truly a classic in its own right. The story helps us, put into some perspective, the trials and tribulations that we face today. You will feel the suffering and anguish and utter hopelessness caused by the disparity between the very rich and powerful and the poor.
The impact of prejudice, against those who are different or foreign, or members of a different faith are given account of.
The story exposes religious corruption, while also acknowledging the power of true faith and emphasizes the astonishing selflessness and goodness of many belonging to the clergy who absolutely gave their all in service to the hungry, poor, sick and disadvantaged. Those characters are truly an inspiration. The all too familiar devastating impacts of wars on the common people, perpetuated by the greed and desire, for power and wealth of only a few members of the nobility will be familiar. Published in 1827 but set two hundred years earlier, it is sometimes hard to fathom the way Alessandro Manzoni, reports the reaction of the people to the plagues. Often denying and ignoring facts and the advise of the learned and experienced and instead embracing conspiracy theories and superstition as to the causes, resulting in massive numbers of deaths that could have been avoided. It may be too soon and a little too close to home however in reading you will feel the crippling devastation, and outer hopelessness and helplessness of those who lost loved ones and livelihoods as a result of the air born viruses that they could not see or understand. The impact of droughts, floods, fires, and famine are all themes addressed . In fact, often during the descriptions of the hunger suffered by so many people and the masses dying of starvation, I found myself going into the kitchen and making a snack to take a break . There are too many other parallels to even list, but the exploration of the nature of man, good versus evil, the power of redemption and of course because it is after all a love story, the power of true love against all obstacles makes this a novel absolutely worth the time to listen.
I would go so far as to say it is a must read for anyone interested in learning from history so that we may have a chance of not repeating the mistakes and therefore hopefully contributing to the nobility and advancement of mankind and society at large.

Amazing Read during another pandemic

I loved the narrator's voice characterizations. There are so many characters and he gets them all beautifully which I'm sure Mancini would be thrilled about. I have heard about this book from Italian friends for so long and loved it and did not know that it was about a pandemic. It was amazing to read it during our pandemic, and given that it's 400 years later, I agree with our "anonymous" author, human beings always have much to learn!
This book should be better known among non- Italians, and hopefully the great translation and Jhumpa Lahiri's notes and reputation will help. highly recommended!

Multiple readers make this audible more interesting

Great performance with many different characters defined by the reading of their voices. This book is considered the national novel of Italy. This is thoroughly explained in the Forward section.