Pescara: Novelli

A historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set in the backdrop of Renaissance Italy, focusing on the political tensions and personal tribulations of its characters, particularly Francesco Sforza, the young Duke of Milan. The story delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the intertwining of personal and political ambitions during a tumultuous period characterized by military conflicts and power struggles. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, as he grapples with the burdensome financial implications of fortifications amidst the looming threat from the formidable general Pescara. He shares a tense conversation with his chancellor, highlighting his internal conflict regarding alliances and his fears about betrayal. As political machinations unfold, Sforza's anxiety intensifies, exacerbated by the arrival of the ambitious and enigmatic Pescara. The chapter sets the stage for a complex interplay of characters, emphasizing their struggles for power and survival in a richly detailed historical context, drawing the reader into the intrigues of Renaissance court life.