La favorita del Mahdi

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25180

Title

La favorita del Mahdi

Language

it

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the Sudan of 1883, this adventure novel follows the forbidden romance between an Arab officer, Abd-el-Kerim, and the proud Greek Elenka. As the Mahdi's rebellion intensifies, political intrigue, rivalries, and brutal torture tests their love against the backdrop of war and religious fanaticism.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the Sudanese village of Machmudiech in 1883, Emilio Salgari's *La favorita del Mahdi* weaves a tale of forbidden love, religious extremism, and the brutal realities of colonial warfare. The story centers on Abd-el-Kerim, an Arab officer, and Elenka, a proud Greek woman, whose engagement is strained by the ongoing Egyptian campaign against the Mahdi's rebellion. Abd-el-Kerim's life takes a dark turn when he is captured by the Mahdi's forces and accused of being the lover of Fathma, the Mahdi's beloved favorite. The Mahdi, Ahmed Mohammed, is portrayed as a figure of extreme cruelty, ordering the torture of rivals and enemies. Abd-el-Kerim endures horrific physical torment, including burning and whipping, while the Mahdi interrogates him about Fathma's whereabouts. Amidst the chaos of war, a messenger arrives with news that Abd-el-Kerim and Fathma have united in Shendy. However, the messenger is killed by the Mahdi's loyalist, Abu-el-Nemr, who commits suicide upon realizing the Mahdi's wrath. The narrative explores themes of forbidden love, religious extremism, and the brutal realities of colonial warfare in Africa. The story culminates in a tragic twist where Abu-el-Nemr, having loved Fathma himself, realizes the Mahdi's forgiveness has been granted to the couple. In a final act of despair and devotion, Abu-el-Nemr shoots himself, leaving the Mahdi to reflect on the complex nature of his own fanaticism and the human cost of his crusade.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-04 08:58 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction