The Cenci by Alexandre Dumas (1839)

Name: The Cenci
Author: Alexandre Dumas

The Cenci is a historical novel by Alexandre Dumas, first published in 1838. It is based on the life of the 16th-century Italian noblewoman Beatrice Cenci, who was accused of murdering her father and executed in Rome in 1599. The novel follows Beatrice's story from her childhood, when her father, Count Francesco Cenci, begins to abuse her, to her trial and execution. Beatrice's mother, Lucrezia, and her two brothers, Giacomo and Bernardo, are also involved in the plot to kill Francesco. The novel is a tragedy, focusing on the themes of justice, revenge, and the consequences of violence. It is also a meditation on the power of love and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

By Alexandre Dumas · First published 1839 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 12,010 words

First lines

Should you ever go to Rome and visit the villa Pamphili, no doubt, after having sought under its tall pines and along its canals the shade and freshness so rare in the capital of the Christian world, you will descend towards the Janiculum Hill by a charming road, in the middle of which you will find the Pauline fountain. Having passed this monument, and having lingered a moment on the terrace of the church of St. Peter Montorio, which commands the whole of Rome, you will visit the cloister of Bramante, in the middle of which, sunk a few feet below the level, is built, on the identical place where St. Peter was crucified, a little temple, half Greek, half Christian; you will thence ascend by a side door into the church itself.

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The Cenci is listed on Textopian as a novel by Alexandre Dumas, dated 1839 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Alexandre Dumas
Date: 1839 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Drama
Length: 12,010 words
Structure: 1 section, 374 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Historical Fiction — The Cenci is a historical novel by Alexandre Dumas, based on the life of the 16th-century Italian noblewoman Beatrice Cenci. The novel is set in Rome during the Renaissance period and follows the story of Beatrice and her family's struggles against the oppressive rule of the Pope.
Romance — The Cenci features a romantic subplot between Beatrice and her lover, Giacomo. The novel follows their passionate relationship and the obstacles they face in their pursuit of love.
Adventure — The Cenci follows Beatrice and her family's daring escape from the oppressive rule of the Pope. The novel features thrilling scenes of adventure and suspense as the characters attempt to evade capture and find freedom.
Drama — The Cenci is a dramatic novel that follows the struggles of Beatrice and her family against the oppressive rule of the Pope. The novel features intense scenes of conflict and emotion as the characters fight for justice and freedom.