To Leeward

"To Leeward" by F. Marion Crawford is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Marcantonio Carantoni, a young nobleman from Rome, and his sister, Donna Diana, as they navigate the complexities of love and societal expectations. The book explores the intricate social fabric of Rome and the existing tensions between tradition and modernity, as Marcantonio's affections are directed toward a young Englishwoman, Leonora Carnethy, who embodies progressive philosophies that clash with his family's aristocratic values. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the contrasting lifestyles and social strata within Rome through Marcantonio and his sister. Marcantonio expresses his desire to marry Leonora, despite his sister’s apprehensions about her character and philosophies. The narrative unfolds the conversations between Marcantonio and Diana, where familial love and social expectations intertwine, showcasing varied perspectives on marriage and love. As Marcantonio’s infatuation grows, the story hints at potential conflicts arising from societal norms and personal desires, particularly in the context of Marcantonio's noble heritage and Leonora's unconventional views. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Francis Marion Crawford was an American writer noted for his many novels, especially those set in Italy, and for his classic weird and fantastical stories.