Romola

"Romola" by George Eliot is a historical saga set in fifteenth-century Florence, where love, political unrest, and moral strength clash during the Renaissance. The story begins with Tito Melema, a young Greek man who arrives in Florence after a shipwreck, setting him on a path full of opportunities and challenges in the city’s complex world. The novel starts by painting a picture of Florence just before Lorenzo de’ Medici’s death, using poetic descriptions to highlight the city’s history and timeless human struggles. We then meet Tito, who is found on the streets by a pedlar, hinting at his uncertain future in a politically charged environment. As Tito looks for food and acceptance, he meets people who will influence his life, most importantly Bardo de’ Bardi and his daughter Romola; laying the groundwork to explore one's identity during times of great change.