Taquisara By: F. Marion Crawford (1854-1909)
Taquisara by F. Marion Crawford is a captivating tale set in the scenic and turbulent backdrop of Italy. The novel immediately plunges readers into a world of political intrigue, feuds, and forbidden love, making it an enthralling read from start to finish. The story primarily follows Orsino Saracinesca, a young Italian nobleman, as he navigates the complex web of family loyalty, societal expectations, and personal desires. Orsino's inner struggle between duty and love forms the heart of the narrative, and his journey towards self-discovery is both touching and relatable. One of the most remarkable aspects of the novel is Crawford's remarkable ability to transport readers to Italy and immerse them in the vibrant atmosphere of the setting. The author's vivid descriptions effortlessly bring to life the landscapes, architecture, and culture of the country, making it feel like a living, breathing entity. From the tranquil countryside to the bustling streets of Rome, every setting is brought to life with exquisite detail. The characters in Taquisara are equally compelling. Orsino is a well-rounded protagonist, torn between his love for his family and his genuine affection for the mesmerizing Duchess Elena. The complexity of his emotions, as well as his internal conflicts, are skilfully depicted, making him a truly three-dimensional character. Supporting characters, such as the charismatic Taquisara and the enigmatic Don Giovanni, add depth and flavor to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. Each character is carefully crafted and serves a distinct purpose, with their interactions contributing to the intricate plot. The plot itself is a masterful blend of romance, political intrigue, and family drama. The twists and turns keep readers engaged, as each revelation adds a new layer of suspense and intrigue. Crawford's storytelling prowess shines through as he expertly weaves together multiple storylines, seamlessly leading to a satisfying resolution. While the pacing may be slow at times, it never detracts from the story's overall charm. Crawford's eloquent prose and attention to detail compensate for any lulls in momentum, creating an engaging and immersive experience for readers. In conclusion, Taquisara is a rich and captivating novel that seamlessly blends history, romance, and drama. F. Marion Crawford's talent for vivid descriptions and intricate storytelling allows readers to become fully immersed in the world of Orsino Saracinesca. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and those looking for a compelling tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of Italy. First Page: [Transcriber's note: Both "Matilde" and "Matilda" appear in the source text.] TAQUISARA BY F. MARION CRAWFORD 1895 CHAPTER I. "Where shall I sign my name?" Veronica Serra's thin, dark fingers rolled the old silver penholder nervously as she sat at one end of the long library table, looking up at the short, stout man who stood beside her. "Here, if you please, Excellency," answered Lamberto Squarci, with an affable smile. His fingers were dark, too, but not thin, and they were smooth and dingy and very pointed, a fact which the young princess noticed with dislike, as he indicated the spot on the broad sheet of rough, hand made paper, where he wished her to sign. A thrill of repulsion that was strong enough to be painful ran through her, and she rolled the penholder still more quickly and nervously, so that she almost dropped it, and a little blot of ink fell upon the sheet before she had begun to write. "Oh! It is of no importance!" said the Neapolitan notary, in a reassuring tone. "A little ink more or less!" He had some pink blotting paper ready, and was already applying a corner of it to the ink spot, with the neat skill of a professional scribe. "I will erase it when it is dry," he said. "You will not even see it. Now, if your Excellency will sign that will make the will valid... Continue reading book >>

Taquisara By: F. Marion Crawford (1854-1909)

Taquisara by F. Marion Crawford is a captivating tale set in the scenic and turbulent backdrop of Italy. The novel immediately plunges readers into a world of political intrigue, feuds, and forbidden love, making it an enthralling read from start to finish.

The story primarily follows Orsino Saracinesca, a young Italian nobleman, as he navigates the complex web of family loyalty, societal expectations, and personal desires. Orsino's inner struggle between duty and love forms the heart of the narrative, and his journey towards self-discovery is both touching and relatable.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the novel is Crawford's remarkable ability to transport readers to Italy and immerse them in the vibrant atmosphere of the setting. The author's vivid descriptions effortlessly bring to life the landscapes, architecture, and culture of the country, making it feel like a living, breathing entity. From the tranquil countryside to the bustling streets of Rome, every setting is brought to life with exquisite detail.

The characters in Taquisara are equally compelling. Orsino is a well-rounded protagonist, torn between his love for his family and his genuine affection for the mesmerizing Duchess Elena. The complexity of his emotions, as well as his internal conflicts, are skilfully depicted, making him a truly three-dimensional character.

Supporting characters, such as the charismatic Taquisara and the enigmatic Don Giovanni, add depth and flavor to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. Each character is carefully crafted and serves a distinct purpose, with their interactions contributing to the intricate plot.

The plot itself is a masterful blend of romance, political intrigue, and family drama. The twists and turns keep readers engaged, as each revelation adds a new layer of suspense and intrigue. Crawford's storytelling prowess shines through as he expertly weaves together multiple storylines, seamlessly leading to a satisfying resolution.

While the pacing may be slow at times, it never detracts from the story's overall charm. Crawford's eloquent prose and attention to detail compensate for any lulls in momentum, creating an engaging and immersive experience for readers.

In conclusion, Taquisara is a rich and captivating novel that seamlessly blends history, romance, and drama. F. Marion Crawford's talent for vivid descriptions and intricate storytelling allows readers to become fully immersed in the world of Orsino Saracinesca. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and those looking for a compelling tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of Italy.

First Page:

[Transcriber's note: Both "Matilde" and "Matilda" appear in the source text.]

TAQUISARA

F. MARION CRAWFORD

1895

CHAPTER I.

"Where shall I sign my name?"

Veronica Serra's thin, dark fingers rolled the old silver penholder nervously as she sat at one end of the long library table, looking up at the short, stout man who stood beside her.

"Here, if you please, Excellency," answered Lamberto Squarci, with an affable smile.

His fingers were dark, too, but not thin, and they were smooth and dingy and very pointed, a fact which the young princess noticed with dislike, as he indicated the spot on the broad sheet of rough, hand made paper, where he wished her to sign. A thrill of repulsion that was strong enough to be painful ran through her, and she rolled the penholder still more quickly and nervously, so that she almost dropped it, and a little blot of ink fell upon the sheet before she had begun to write.

"Oh! It is of no importance!" said the Neapolitan notary, in a reassuring tone. "A little ink more or less!"

He had some pink blotting paper ready, and was already applying a corner of it to the ink spot, with the neat skill of a professional scribe.

"I will erase it when it is dry," he said. "You will not even see it. Now, if your Excellency will sign that will make the will valid... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – F. Marion Crawford
Wikipedia – Taquisara

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