Stradella

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23299

Title

Stradella

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 17th-century Venice and Rome, this romantic novel follows the flight of the celebrated singer Stradella and his wife Ortensia from her wealthy but controlling uncle. Blending musical artistry with intrigue, it explores themes of love, freedom, and the dangers of ambition against a vividly rendered historical backdrop.

Summary up to 500 words

F. Marion Crawford's *Stradella* presents a romantic and perilous tale set in the opulent yet treacherous landscapes of Venice and Rome during the late 17th century. The narrative centers on Stradella, a celebrated Neapolitan singer, and his wife, Ortensia, a talented but oppressed young woman. Ortensia faces the looming threat of marriage to her wealthy but miserly and vain uncle, Senator Michele Pignaver. Viewing the union as a trap that would strip her of her autonomy, she secretly plots an escape with the help of Stradella and his loyal servant, Cucurullo. The story unfolds with meticulous attention to the characters' psychologies and the era's rigid social hierarchies. Stradella is portrayed as a man of great artistic talent and vulnerability, torn between his fame and his domestic duties. Ortensia embodies the struggle of a woman seeking independence in a restrictive society. Their plan involves an elaborate flight during a church service in Rome, utilizing the chaos of the occasion to slip away unnoticed. However, the escape is fraught with peril, involving the machinations of powerful figures like the ex-Queen Christina and the violent enforcers known as the 'Bravi.' As the plot thickens, Ortensia feigns illness to delay Stradella's departure, allowing him to secure their exit. The narrative balances high romance with the gritty reality of the time, depicting the constant threat of violence and the intricate web of political intrigue. The setting is vividly described, from the grand palazzos of Venice to the bustling streets of Rome, reflecting the characters' internal states. Ultimately, *Stradella* is a tale of courage and the enduring power of love against overwhelming odds, showcasing Crawford's skill in constructing a complicated plot and creating memorable portraits of human passion.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23299.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg23299.epub

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Categories

• Biography
• Fiction