 
|
|
 |
|
The Italian
by Ann Ward Radcliffe
| List Price: |
$6.92 |
Unavailable for
purchase at this time |
|
Paperback
Publisher: General Books LLC
Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: perfon fhc had feen, and that, though he was wounded, vengeance might give him firength to ftrike his fiiletto at the heart of whomfoever approached him, while the dufkinefs of the place would fk- thc deed. She was yet at the entrance of the paflage, fearful to enter, and reluctant to leave it, liflening for a found, and ftill hearing at intervals, fwelling though feeble groans; when quick Heps were fuddenly heard advancing up the grand avenue, and prefently her own name vas repeated loudly in the voice of Schedoni. His manner was hurried as he advanced to meet her, and he threw an eager glance round the court. " We mult be gone," laid he, in a low tone, and taking her arm within his. " Have you feen any one pafs ?" .. . " I have feen a wounded man enter the court," replied Ellena, " and feared he was yourfelf." " Where ? " Where?—Which way did he gol" inquired Schedoni, eagerly, while his eyes glowed, and his countenance became fell. EHena, inftantly comprehending his motive for the queftion, would not acknowledge that fhe knew whither Spa- latro had withdrawn ; and, reminding him of the danger of their fituation, fhe entreated that they might quit the Villa immediately. " The fun is already fet," fhe added. ' I tremble at what may be the perils of this place at fuch an oblcure hour, and even at what may be thofe of our road at a later !" " You .are fure he was wounded?" faid the Confeflbr. u Too fure," replied Ellena, faintly. " Too fure!" flernly exclaimed Sche- doni. " Let us depart, my father; O let us go this iaftant !" repeated Ellena. "What '." What is the meaning of all this !' afked Schedoni, with anger. You cannot, furely, have the weaknefs to pity this fellow!" '". It is terrible to fee any one fuffer," faid Ellena. " Do not, by remain...
| Customer Reviews: |
|
| |
| Pure unadulterated gothic suspense! |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
 |
|
The life of young nobleman Vicentio de Vivaldi isn't the same the moment he catches a glimpse of a woman in a black veil. Ellena is beautiful, graceful and, in spite of her status as an impoverished orphan under her aunt's care, she has class and poise. But that is not enough for Vivaldi's parents. The son of a marquis cannot possibly take such a girl for his wife. When putting Ellena's reputation in question isn't enough, the marchioness takes some drastic measures to ensure a permanent separation. So she gets the help of Schedoni, a well-respected but corrupt monk, to lock Ellena up at a monastery against her will. Before and during these occurrences, a mysterious apparition in a monk's habit often warns Vivaldi. Is it a ghost? Is it friend or foe? And, more to the point, is it Schedoni? Is he playing some sort of sick game with Vivaldi? Twists and turns and big revelations abound.
Set in mid-eighteenth century Naples, this gothic story is about two star-crossed lovers who have to beat an unfair and corrupt system to be together. But this isn't just a romantic gothic tale. The Italian is also a demonstration of the political powers and corrupted religions of its time. It is social commentary, a very insightful and literary one at that. First published in 1796, The Italian is Ann Radcliffe's last and most accomplished novel. To think that she began her writing career because she was bored while her husband traveled for work-related reasons! Well, she did her research and devoted a great deal of time to developing some good stories. This novel is better than her previous two because it doesn't contain as many poems and sonnets as her previous efforts. It's more straight-to-the-point, more showing than telling, much more action-packed and suspenseful. The gothic elements are awesome. You'll love this novel if you're a fan of the genre, especially if you're a fan of classic gothic stories. Take the plunge and read Radcliffe. You won't regret it.
|
| Fantastic Page Turner |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
 |
|
I read this book while on vacation in Italy. I found myself staying awake far into the night, unable to put it down. It is very atmospheric and draws the reader into the time and place of the story. The characters are well developed (even if you don't like some of them)and the plot line never stalls. Definite read.
|
| too much prose |
| Customer Rating: 2 out of 5 |
 |
|
This book has all the makings of a very good plot and could have been very gripping if it had not been slowed down by all the prose and flowery descriptions of scenery etc. These were all beautifully written but to me slowed the story down to the point where I could not finish the book. Once again, I find it totally unrealistic to believe that a man who only sees a woman a couple times could fall so madly in love with her so as to endure all that this couple went through. I guess am too much of a realist to really enjoy novels of this type.
|
| Goth Lit. |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
|
|
This is the first of Ann Radcliffes novels that I have read...and it wont be the last. I love the trials each character goes through whether they are paired together or seemingly seperated for eternity. The determination of Vivaldi to be with Ellena is amazing. I felt every angle of that from absolute glee to despair. There are a couple of twists that in a way I thought I should have expected (of course due to the type of books and the time period it was written in) but was still pleasantly surprised. Recommended.
|
| Another beauty by my favourite author...... |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
|
|
I have a particular love for Mysteries of Udolpho, but The Italian is another wonderful book. I read it in one day, and couldn't put it down. The only sad part about it, is there is so few books of hers to read!
A must read for gothic literature!
|
|
