Paolo and Francesca, Matteo Strukul

 

Paolo and Francesca

Matteo Strukul

Storyline

Two young people discovering love. A destiny overwhelmed by history. A passion that became legend. Among the towers and castles of medieval Italy unfolds one of the greatest love stories of all time, that of Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Rimini. Francesca loves books and the adventures of wizards and knights; she dreams of a Lancelot who will make her heart race. However, her fate holds an arranged marriage with the crude Giovanni Malatesta, a ruthless warrior and bloodthirsty conqueror. Her destiny seems already written, at least until Francesca meets Paolo, Giovanni's brother who has come to marry her by proxy. In the moment they exchange their first glance, the two in-laws are already lost, condemned to burn with a feeling impossible to fully live, yet too painful to repress. Their passion, immortalized by Dante Alighieri in the fifth canto of the Inferno, comes alive again in the pages of this novel, along with the splendor of Italy of that era, with its courts and tournaments, intrigues, and pursuits. “Paolo and Francesca” is the grand fresco of a tormented love where myth and history intertwine; a compelling yet rigorous reconstruction of a time that never ceases to fascinate us.

Review

This historical novel by Matteo Strukul narrates the tale of Francesca da Polenta and Paolo Malatesta's love story, which rose to fame as a result of Dante Alighieri's Inferno's Canto V. The protagonist, Francesca, is offered in marriage to Giovanni Malatesta, the lord of Rimini, as a token of gratitude for his assistance in seizing power during a war. Francesca is led to believe, with great excitement, that Paolo, Giovanni's brother, is her future husband; however, the marriage is actually celebrated by proxy. When Francesca discovers the truth, she is overwhelmed with sadness. She feels particularly betrayed by her father for withholding this crucial information and is insulted by the fact that her husband did not personally participate in such an important moment.

The author emphasizes that he has crafted the narrative by blending historical facts with elements of fiction. Despite the limited availability of historical sources, he has managed to create a vivid and detailed portrayal of the story, resulting in a dynamic and engaging plot. This achievement is made possible by his extensive knowledge of 13th-century events, the customs and traditions of the time, as well as the mentality and social complexities of the era. Additionally, he possesses a unique empathy that envelops the reader, guiding them through an exciting and immersive journey, page after page.

I found the character development particularly fascinating, especially that of Giovanni Malatesta. Despite his role as the antagonist, he emerges with unexpected depth. Upon arriving in Rimini, Francesca is disappointed not only by Giovanni's physical appearance but also by his rigid and distant demeanor. Although he fiercely battles against his deformity to establish himself as a valiant and feared warrior, this inner struggle is reflected in his personality, adding a layer of hardness to his character. It is precisely in these moments that his suffering—both physical and emotional—comes to light, as he is trapped in a love he neither knows how to live nor express. Giovanni departs from the stereotype of the evil antagonist, revealing a complexity that makes him much more human and tormented, at least in my eyes.

The differences in their personalities and the challenges they have faced over the years contribute to an increasing distance between Giovanni and Francesca, while simultaneously drawing Francesca and Paolo closer together, creating a poignant contrast. The author skillfully navigates the pain of betrayal, allowing us to witness Giovanni's torment as he, overwhelmed by despair, commits an act typical of his historical period—an almost inevitable reaction for someone who discovers his wife in the act with her lover. This emotionally rich landscape, filled with nuances, adds further depth to the narrative, transcending the simplistic dichotomy of good and evil.

An exceptional novel that transcends the boundaries of historical fiction, gracefully delving into the realms of existentialism and sentiment. While it explores profound emotional depths, the plot maintains its fluidity and engaging pace, thanks to well-orchestrated twists and extraordinary descriptions of the landscape. The latter shine with even greater realism due to the author's visits to the story's settings, providing the reader with an intimate and tangible connection to the depicted scenes.

A book that I highly recommend everyone to read, and one that I can only rate with the utmost praise. Once again, Matteo Strukul has succeeded in captivating and enthralling me with his storytelling.