ROMOLA (1862-63) by British Victorian woman author George Eliot is a complex historical novel of Renaissance Florence. Young, handsome, and ambitious scholar Tito Melema falls in love with the erudite and intelligent Romola, daughter of another scholar and convinces her to marry him. In a mock ceremony Tito also marries a naive young Florentine girl Tessa. Political and religious upheaval fills the city, plague spreads, and events reveal Tito to be a dishonorable and cowardly schemer who betrays the trust of his adoptive father. Otherworldly and charitable Romola is thrust in the middle of this personal and political conflict, and her fate becomes entwined with historical events, and with Tessa, the "other wife." A sophisticated and many-layered psychological masterpiece by the author of MIDDLEMARCH.
George Eliot
George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a prominent Victorian-era novelist known for her insightful and complex characterizations. Her most notable works include "Middlemarch," considered one of the greatest novels in the English language, and "Silas Marner," a poignant tale of redemption and community. Eliot's literary style is characterized by its psychological depth, moral complexity, and social commentary. She was a pioneer in the realist tradition, exploring themes of morality, religion, and human relationships in her writing. Eliot's contributions to literature include challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms, as well as expanding the scope and depth of the novel as an art form. Her work continues to be celebrated for its profound insights into the human condition and its enduring relevance in contemporary society.