First published 1797
Vincentio di Vivaldi spots a veiled woman and becomes instantly enchanted by Ellena's mysterious beauty. The young nobleman wants to pursue her, but his proud mother despises the match. She turns to her confessor for help in destroying the romance. Schedoni agrees to separate the lovers. This monk once held power in the Inquisition and will use any method to complete his task. He considers kidnapping, physical torment, and killing as acceptable tools. Schedoni's dark plans threaten to destroy Vincentio and Ellena's chance at love. The story unfolds against Italy's dramatic landscapes as supernatural terrors emerge. The young couple must survive the monk's ruthless schemes and the mother's bitter opposition. Their struggle becomes a fight for both love and survival in a world where religious authority masks evil intentions.
Genres: romance, thriller, gothic
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forbidden-romance
Setting: Italy
Period: 19th Century
544 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics
Content warnings: violence