Manzoni's The Betrothed is a historical novel written by Italian author Alessandro Manzoni in the early 19th century. Set in 17th-century Lombardy, it tells the story of two lovers, Renzo and Lucia, who face numerous obstacles, including social injustice, war, and plague, as they strive to be together. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and the struggle against tyranny. The narrative is rich in historical detail and reflects the social and political issues of the time. The Betrothed is considered one of the greatest works of Italian literature and has had a significant influence on the development of the modern novel.