Campiglio, Giovanni
"La figlia d'un ghibellino, vol. 2/2" by Giovanni Campiglio is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. Set around Milan at the dawn of the fifteenth century, it entwines factional strife and siege warfare with a love tried by honor, centering on Arrigo Bianchi, the Pusterla family—especially Beatrice—and warlords such as Facino Cane and the rising captain Carmagnola. Expect duels averted by solemn vows, audacious stratagems, betrayals within castle walls, and the relentless clash between Guelfs and Ghibellines.The opening of the novel finds Arrigo Bianchi torn by remorse and rivalry, accepting a duel with Giovanni Pusterla before Beatrice, with Friar Paolo, intercepts him and wrings from him a solemn promise never to fight her father. Called to arms by Franchino Rusca, Arrigo instead joins the defense of the Castello di Erba, where Facino Cane lays siege and lures the garrison into a disastrous night sortie; Carmagnola exploits the chaos to seize the outer works, and Pusterla captures Arrigo. Facino, jealous of Carmagnola’s growing fame, sidelines him and presses an all-out assault; inside, the opportunist Carcano incites a mutiny, negotiates the surrender, and secures Arrigo’s release, while Pusterla and his falconer force the mastio through a secret passage—Lodovico Rusca dies in the final struggle. Back at Pusterla’s castle, Beatrice rejoices at her father’s safety even as Arrigo’s unexpected prison escape is discovered; Carcano clings to Facino’s favor. Faci…
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