I demagoghi / O, I misteri di Livorno

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22026

Title

I demagoghi / O, I misteri di Livorno

Language

it

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 1821 Livorno, this novel blends historical intrigue with supernatural folklore. It follows a secret revolutionary society plotting against the state, interwoven with tales of a demonic goat, a daring duel involving poison, and the redemption of a noble family in the Caribbean. A gripping tale of conspiracy, passion, and social justice.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the turbulent year of 1821, Cesare Monteverde's *I demagoghi / O, I misteri di Livorno* weaves a complex narrative of revolution, slavery, and personal honor. The story opens in Livorno, where soldiers guard a fortress rumored to be haunted by a four-horned goat, a devilish manifestation protecting the city's underworld. Within these walls, a secret revolutionary society led by the enigmatic 'Caprone' plots against the government. The plot centers on Alfredo, a young officer, and Esmeralda, a masked woman who challenges him to a duel. During a carnival confrontation, Esmeralda reveals her identity as the Caprone's wife and warns Alfredo of the conspiracy's dangers before fleeing. The narrative expands to the Caribbean, introducing the Artini family: Adolfo, a nobleman; his wife Amalia; and their son Giovanni. In Guadeloupe, Adolfo frees his enslaved people, declaring himself a citizen of the world and rejecting European titles. Giovanni grows into a heroic figure who saves enslaved couples from cruel masters and vows vengeance against oppressors. The novel interconnects the political intrigue of the Italian revolution with the moral struggles of slavery and freedom in the colonies. Themes of class conflict, the nature of honor, and the fight for liberty drive the characters as they navigate treacherous alliances and personal sacrifices. The story delves into deep family secrets, including the tragic history of Giovanni's father, who was imprisoned by a treacherous uncle before escaping with the help of a loyal servant named Iago. The novel concludes with a revelation of these secrets and an enduring commitment to justice against tyranny. Through its dual settings, Monteverde explores how the pursuit of liberty in Europe mirrors the fight for emancipation in the colonies, suggesting that true freedom requires both political action and moral courage. The tone shifts between the eerie superstitions of Livorno and the vibrant, dangerous freedom of the Caribbean, ultimately presenting a vision of a world where the oppressed rise against their oppressors.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction