The Betrothed
Recommended. Age: 15+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Italy's great novel is a story about an engagement and about Providence. Two poor, faithful young people are kept from marrying by a wicked man, and God brings them through famine, kidnapping and plague. The conversion of the outlaw known as the Unnamed is unforgettable. Pope Francis told the young to read it. The reservation is length, and the plague chapters are grim.
For parents
Independent reading from about 15. Read aloud in parts from 13, skipping nothing but pausing at the Nun of Monza, a girl forced into the convent who falls into an affair and worse. Ask why Lucia's vow could be lifted. Ask what changes the Unnamed in one night.