The Corsican Brothers

"The Corsican Brothers" by Alexandre Dumas is an early 19th-century tale centered on two brothers, Lucien and Louis de Franchi, bound by blood but separated by belief, whose lives vividly portray themes of family allegiance, Corsican traditions, and the intricacies of familial bonds. The story is told through a narrator who, upon arriving in Corsica, explores the island's customs and introduces Lucien de Franchi who is about to step into his role as an arbitrator between two Corsican families locked in a longstanding feud that started with a mere squabble over a chicken. The novel then sets up a vibrant contrast between Lucien, deeply rooted in Corsican customs, and his brother Louis, living a more modern life in Paris, as it weaves a compelling and at times humorous story of identity, conflict, and reconciliation within a rich cultural backdrop, and hints at the supernatural connection shared by the brothers.