Don Orsino

Francis Marion Crawford was one of the most highly praised novelists of his time. Yet, of the 40 books he wrote, few were as masterfully crafted as Don Orsino. It may not have been as popular as Saracinesca, Sant’ Ilario, or Corleone among its first generation of readers. However, few generations have come to appreciate its ingeniously written plot and its characters’ deep, raw emotions.

Don Orsino is one of the greatest literary works of the 19th century. Crawford weaves an emotionally gripping tale of a transition to manhood and the turbulent patterns of unlikely love.

This story follows the life of young Don Orsino Saracinesca, who is looking for love to negate the tumultuous relationship with his family at home. Orsino seeks romance with the kind, sympathetic Madame Maria Consuelo d’Aranjuez. Orsino’s passion is initially lustful and emotionally void. Finally, however, the young man begins to develop powerful feelings for Maria and starts to pursue something much deeper.

Don Orsino is a moving and unpredictable story, which makes it one of Crawford’s most endearing works. Readers will enjoy a delightful and sorrowful tale that has touched several generations of readers for over a century.