56 pages • 1 hour read
Ann RadcliffeA Sicilian Romance
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1790A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe follows the lives of the Mazzini family in a Gothic story set in a Sicilian castle. After the death of his first wife, the Marquis de Mazzini marries the manipulative Maria de Vellorno. Daughters Julia and Emilia, under the care of Madame de Menon, encounter supernatural occurrences. Julia falls in love with Hippolitus, but her father insists she marry another. Julia's escape attempts reveal dark family secrets and supernatural mysteries, culminating in unexpected family reunions and resolutions. This novel discusses suicide and abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ann Radcliffe's A Sicilian Romance is praised for its vivid Gothic atmosphere and intricate plot, engaging readers with suspense and drama. However, some critics find the prose overly descriptive and the characters lacking depth. Nonetheless, the novel remains a captivating example of Radcliffe's narrative mastery and her contribution to Gothic literature.
Who Should Read A Sicilian Romance?
Readers who enjoy gothic novels with a blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements will be captivated by Ann Radcliffe's A Sicilian Romance. Fans of classic works such as Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley will find this book compelling.