The Shame of Motley

Name: The Shame of Motley
Author: Rafael Sabatini

Motley is a young man who is born into a life of privilege and wealth. He is the son of a wealthy English lord and is expected to follow in his father's footsteps. However, Motley has a wild streak and a rebellious nature that leads him to make some bad decisions. He falls in love with a beautiful gypsy girl and is determined to marry her, despite his father's disapproval. Motley's father disowns him and he is forced to make his own way in the world. He joins a band of gypsies and embarks on a life of adventure and danger. Along the way, he learns the value of friendship and loyalty, and discovers the true meaning of love. Motley's journey takes him to the far corners of Europe, where he faces danger and adventure. He must confront his own inner demons and learn to accept his past in order to move forward. In the end, Motley must choose between his love for the gypsy girl and his loyalty to his family.

By Rafael Sabatini · First published 1908 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 21 chapters · 81,529 words

First lines

[Being the Memoir of Certain Transactions in the Life of Lazzaro Biancomonte, of Biancomonte, sometime Fool of the Court of Pesaro.]

For three days I had been cooling my heels about the Vatican, vexed by suspense. It fretted me that I should have been so lightly dealt with after I had discharged the mission that had brought me all the way from Pesaro, and I wondered how long it might be ere his Most Illustrious Excellency the Cardinal of Valencia might see fit to offer me the honourable employment with which Madonna Lucrezia had promised me that he would reward the service I had rendered the House of Borgia by my journey.

What this Textopian page supports

The Shame of Motley is listed on Textopian as a novel by Rafael Sabatini, dated 1908 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Rafael Sabatini
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Mystery
Length: 81,529 words
Structure: 21 chapters, 2,619 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Shame of Motley by Rafael Sabatini
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The Shame of Motley is set in the 16th century and follows the story of a young man who is determined to restore his family's honor. This makes it a classic example of historical fiction.
Adventure — The Shame of Motley follows the protagonist's journey as he embarks on a quest to restore his family's honor. This makes it an adventure story with plenty of action and suspense.
Romance — The Shame of Motley features a romantic subplot between the protagonist and a young woman. This adds a layer of romance to the story.
Mystery — The Shame of Motley features a mystery element as the protagonist attempts to uncover the truth about his family's past. This adds a layer of mystery to the story.