It is what is politely called "historical romance fiction." Reality is that they were the Harlequin Romance books of their era. This one just happened to be written by a Tom Wolf sort.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

I think Da_Jane would be proud of me for grabbing this one and wanting to read it! ;-)

Another great book. Manzoni was the Italian Dumas (or maybe the Italian Victor Hugo) - and 'The Bethrothed' is undoubtedly his best work.