But what makes this story different from others where вЂњlove conquers allвЂќ is that Renzo and Lucia (our protagonists) have constant recourse to prayer and to trust in GodвЂ™s providence - God sustains their love and supplies their needs along their difficult journey. It follows their fidelity through many twists and turns and obstacles which would prevent them from their goal, including the tyranny of local rulers, political upheaval, war, famine, imprisonment, and even a plague. Set in the turbulent 17th century of Northern Italy (principally in a small town on the shores of Lake Como and in Milan), the story begins with two charming young people, very much in love, who are betrothed and desire to be married. I Promessi Sposi was written by Alessandro Manzoni in the first part of the 19th century. Rather, it is the product of a Catholic mind and a Catholic heart living in a Catholic culture. It is also deeply Catholic in a way that never feels forced. I recommend it to you because while being loads of fun it is also a piece of great literature, accessible to everyone. ItвЂ™s a great read because everybody enjoys a good love story. ItвЂ™s a great read because of its cast of inspiring protagonists and wicked villains, both portrayed believably.

ItвЂ™s a great read because itвЂ™s filled with danger and adventure. Although unknown to most Americans, it is widely considered to be one of the greatest works of Italian literature, second only to DanteвЂ™s Divine Comedy. For your summer reading pleasure I thought I would recommend one of my favorite Catholic works of fiction, which you have probably never heard of: I Promessi Sposi (usually translated The Betrothed ).

All things work together for good