Love-at-Arms

by Rafael Sabatini

The lovely Madonna Valentina has but recently emerged from a nunnery. Guidobaldo, Duke of Urbino, her uncle, is determined to marry her off to the cruel Gian Maria, Duke of Babbiano.

But there are other suitors - Romeo Gonzaga, elegant courtier and Francesco, the popular Count of Aquila, implicated against his will in political intrigue...

Set in the time of the mighty tyrant Caesar Borgia.

Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Classics, Fiction, Romance, Historical, British Literature

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1907

About the author

Rafael Sabatini (1875 - 1950) was an Italian/British writer of novels of romance and adventure. At a young age, Rafael was exposed to many languages. By the time he was seventeen, he was the master of five languages. He quickly added a sixth language - English - to his linguistic collection. After a brief stint in the business world, Sabatini went to work as a writer. He wrote short stories in the 1890s, and his first novel came out in 1902. Sabatini was a prolific writer; he produced a new book approximately every year. He consciously chose to write in his adopted language, because, he said, "all the best stories are written in English. " In all, he produced thirty one novels, eight short story collections, six nonfiction books, numerous uncollected short stories, and a play. He is best known for his world-wide bestsellers: The Sea Hawk (1915), Scaramouche (1921), Captain Blood (1922) and Bellarion the Fortunate (1926). Other famous works by Sabatini are The Lion's Skin (1911), The Strolling Saint (1913) and The Snare (1917).

Reviews

[Carol, She's so Novel ꧁꧂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★

What a tale of derring-do!

Apologies if this keeps going into my friends' feed - my original review was lost with a glitch - something to do with the new draft feature I think. So I'm going to be saving every few sentences to make sure this review doesn't disappear as well!

I'm a big fan of Sabatini's well known novels (Scaramouche & Captain Blood ). I was expecting this early work to be inferior in quality. & so it is - but only marginally.

The lovely Madonna Valentina's uncle wishes to marry her to the unlovely Duke of Babbiano to cement an alliance against Caesar Borgia. But in spite of only recently having emerged from a convent, Valentina isn't one to submit tamely to her uncle's commands. Willing to aid her is the impoverished courtier, Romeo. But Valentina doesn't realise Romeo's true motives - or character. But there is another...

Out of all the wonderful features of this book, one of the best is the characters of the heroine & hero. Valentina isn't typical of heroines of romantic fiction written in the early twentieth century - she is no passive damsel in distress but wishes to control her own destiny. Francesco is courtly,brave, handsome and intelligent.

I did have to knock half a star off for a somewhat confusing beginning and a very sudden ending. (anyone who thinks Georgette Heyer ends her books abruptly, really should read this one) I had to check the page count on Goodreads to make sure there weren't a couple of pages missing.

Speaking of Heyer, it is clear that Sabatini is a strong influence of some of her early works.

A wonderful book.

https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun, enjoyable book that lived up to all my expectations of what I think a Sabatini book ought to include--a hero, an adventure, a fair lady, and all that sort of stuff! I'd definitely recommend it.
My edition is a cheap reprint from the 1930s, so it has numerous defaults in the editing, but I enjoyed the book anyway. I did like the compact size, though! And it still has that neat old-book smell...

[Huy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Có 1 nàng tiểu thư bị nhốt (hoặc tự nhốt) trong 1 toà lâu đài vì phản đối cuộc hôn nhân được sắp đặt sẵn thì dĩ nhiên (chắc chắn, không thể nào khác được) sẽ có một chàng hiệp sĩ đến giải cứu, và chàng này bắt buộc phải đẹp trai (nếu chàng không đẹp trai thì sẽ không thể nào cứu được nàng, bởi vì đẹp trai là điều kiện tiên quyết để cuộc giải cứu thành công) và dĩ nhiên hai người sẽ yêu nhau.
Truyện đọc cũng kịch tính, vui nhộn và ảo "tung chảo". Mà nói chung là đọc cho vui thôi :))))

[Sumaîya Afrôze Puspîta · Rating 4 out of 5]

রোমাঞ্চকর ক্লাসিক!

জিয়ান মারিয়া– ব্যাব্বিয়ানোর অদক্ষ এক শাসক। এ কারণে‌‌ রাজ্যবাসী সবাই জিয়ানের উপর ক্ষুব্ধ এবং‌ তাকে সরিয়ে স্থলাভিষিক্ত করতে চায় তার‌ই মামাতো ভাই ফ্র্যাঞ্চেস্কোকে–কাউন্ট অব অ্যাকুইলা–ইটালীর বিখ্যাত বীর। এ পর্যায়ে মনে হতে পারে, ভাইয়ে ভাইয়ে বুঝি তখ্ত দখল নিয়েই দ্বন্দ্ব হবে! কিন্তু না, ফ্র্যাঞ্চেস্কোর তো রাজ্যের প্রতি লোভ নেই।

কাজেই বিবাদটা বেড়ে ওঠে ভ্যালেনটিনাকে নিয়ে–দুই ভাই-ই যার পাণিপ্রার্থী। এদিকে জিয়ানের সাথেই ঠিক হতে যাচ্ছে ভ্যালেনটিনার বিয়ে.... ও হ্যাঁ, আরো একজন আছে, গন্‌ৎসাগা, সেও ফন্দি আঁটতে শুরু করে কীভাবে ম্যাডোনাকে পাওয়া যায়।

সবশেষে মূল চরিত্রের বুদ্ধিমত্তা, চমৎকার কৌশল,‌‌ কিছুটা ইতিহাসের মিশ্রণ– মোটামুটি উপভোগ্য ছিল।

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Sabatini classic. His books follow a predictable theme, but it's fun getting there. Highly recommended!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 15th century Italy, Francesco del Falco agrees to help Valentina, a young woman who decides she'd rather face a literal siege from an unwanted suitor than accept his offer of marriage. Unfortunately, Valentina's castle is not exactly prepared for action. Francesco makes the best of their limited ammunition and undependable mercenaries, but treachery inside the castle's walls may prove more of a threat than the soldiers that surround them.

This early book from Sabatini was a little rough, though still enjoyable. It had some very funny moments, and the whole idea of a runaway bride under siege was great. My main issues were Francesco's inconsistent sense of character judgement and an abrupt ending that let one character off more lightly than he deserved. The pace of the story also dragged a bit between Francesco's early flight and Valentina's escape.

I'd recommend this to fans of the author, but it's not the best introduction to his work.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabatini shows his ability in writing an excellent historical fiction book which plot involves Cesare Borgia and his famous enemy Sforza.

[Châu Anh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5

[LaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabatini created another strong male hero in Francesco, the Count of Aquila, and a bold, headstrong female heroine in Valentina. In fact, the heroine is so headstrong that she successfully thwarts her uncle's plan to marry her off for a political alliance. I enjoyed this historical adventure novel, but there were a few parts that were a bit melodramatic.

Also, I have to admit that my patience was tried a bit when only Peppe the (wise) fool recognized the villain Gonzaga for what he truly was. For all of his success in combat and strategy, and his general good judgment in assessing people, I would have expected the Count to see through Gonzaga. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining read with some enjoyable characters.

[Roswitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work started out with the promise of a more intricate plot than actually developed. Many of the obstacles and suggestions of intrigue that seemed likely to complicate matters were smoothed away pretty quickly. Still, it has an interesting setting (Medieval Italy, with Cesare Borgia looming on the horizon)and likable characters. You can always count on Sabatini for very masculine heroes and feminine heroines; which are, after all, two of the essential ingredients for a good romance.

[Gerichilli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mừng quá, cuối cùng cũng đọc xong được cuốn này (tua mất hơn 100 trang :v ), nhưng kỳ lạ là tua mà truyện vẫn cứ như dậm chân tại chỗ, tình tiết dễ đoán, ảo diệu, miêu tả lê thê dài dòng, không thấy lãng mạn mà cũng chẳng thấy hùng tráng. Thêm nữa là mình không hợp với thể loại mấy ông hiệp sĩ tính khí bốc đồng chỉ được cái mặt đẹp thế này. Không tệ đến nỗi 1 sao, khổ nỗi 2 sao của mình có nghĩa là đọc được, chỉ là kém hấp dẫn thôi. Còn quyển này chính xác là đọc trong đau khổ.

[Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is what it is, and for what it is, it's a great fun read. I'd been meaning to read Sabatini for ages, and I see now why he is still widely read. He's a cut above the usual corn. I got off to a slow start, but then read the last 150 pages in a single sitting... I couldn't put the silly book down! For that alone, I give Mr Sabatini a fourth star.

[Joe Newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really beautiful, classic tale from Sabatini. A Damsel, a Hero, an oafish Duke, an arranged marriage, a castle seige, a spy. How could you go wrong.

Read it just for the fun of it and for the nostalgia.

[Luan Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

Đọc có cảm giác như những truyện hồi còn nhỏ về hiệp sĩ công chúa mình đọc, làm nhớ da diết cái thời má còn bán sách. Giữa cái đống lộn xộn xà bề sách, có thằng nhỏ ngồi trong góc ôm cuốn sách đọc cười khúc khích vì khoái chí.

[Marc Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another super adventure from a master story teller. Best suited for those who believe in right over wrong, good over evil and all that honor drival...

[Huyen Pham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Câu chuyện hơi ngây thơ, và motif nữa. Mình không thích cả nữ chính và nam chính, "chiến trận" thì chưa đủ mà "cuồng si" thì chưa đến, chỉ có mấy cái tên Ý đọc hay hay thôi.

[Nouran · Rating 4 out of 5]

قد يكون أكثر ما أعجبني هي الترجمة الرائعة للكتاب، وحيث أني لم أجد أي ذكر للمترجم في صفحاته فهذا التعليق هو تحية لمن قام بتلك الترجمة البديعة التي أضافت للرواية جمالا فوق جمالها.

[John Sooter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read!!

As usual Sabatini tells a good tale. It has intrigue, action, romance, and heroism. It would make a delightful film.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, but not great, Sabatini story. The hero is a bit too flawless; the ending a bit too abrupt and dissatisfying.

[Simon Mcleish · Rating 4 out of 5]

More swashbuckling adventures from Sabatini. I like the Italian Renaissance set adventures best of his works, full of the glittering brittle show of that era, and this is a prime example.

[Abdullah Al Morshed · Rating 3 out of 5]

ব্যাব্বিয়ানোর ডিউক জিয়ান মারিয়ার বিরুদ্ধে প্রজাসাধারনের আক্রোশ তীব্র থেকে তীব্রতর হচ্ছে৷ তারা কেউই আর জিয়ান মারিয়াকে তাদের ডিউক হিসেবে চায় না। রাজ্য পরিচালনায় চরম ভাবে ব্যার্থ এই ডিউক কে অপসারণের জন্যে জনা ছয়েক লোক মিলিত হয়েছে গোপন এক সভায় যাদের প্রধান উদ্দেশ্যে ই হচ্ছে জিয়ান মারিয়াকে হটিয়ে তার স্থলে তার ই মামাতো ভাই কাউন্ট অব আক্যুইলা ফ্রাঞ্চেস্কো কে। যোদ্ধা হিসেবে যার খ্যাতি পুরো ইটালি জুড়ে। কিন্ত ফ্রাঞ্চেস্কোর বিন্দুমাত্র ইচ্ছে নেই কোন রাজ্যপরিচালনার দায়িত্ব নেয়ার। গোপন এ সভার খবর পেয়ে আক্রমন করে বসে জিয়ান মারিয়ার সৈন্যরা। পালিয়ে কোনরকমে বাঁচলেন কাউন্ট অব আক্যুইলা আর দু একজন সঙ্গী ।
অপরদিকে দুর্ধর্ষ সীজার বর্জিয়ার আক্রমণের শিকার হচ্ছে একের পর এক ছোট রাজ্যগুলো । একদিকে প্রজাবিদ্রোহ অপরদিকে সীজার বর্জিয়ার হুমকিতে মাথামোটা জিয়ান মারিয়া দিশেহারা হয়ে পড়ল। তার আক্রমনকে প্রতিহত করতে সে পাশের রাজ্যে উরবিনোর ডিউকের ভাইজি মোন্না ভ্যালেন্টিনা কে বিয়ে করে মৈত্রী স্থাপন করতে চাইল। কিন্ত ভ্যালেন্টিনার কোন ইচ্ছেই নেই এই উজবুক ডিউকের সাথে বিয়ের।সে ভালোবেসে ফেলেছে অচেনা অপরিচিত এক নাইট কে । সে পালিয়ে রোক্কালিয়ানের দুর্গে আশ্রয় নিল। অপরদিকে জিয়ান মারিয়া এই খবর শুনে দলবলসমেত ভ্যালেন্টিনো কে জোর করে তুলে নিতে আসছে। আর এরই মাঝে ঘটনাক্রমে সেই অপরিচিত নাইট হাজির হলেন ভ্যালেন্টিনো কে উদ্ধার করতে।

[Pushpa Rao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francesco de Falco, Count of Aquila and cousin of the Duke of Babbiano is a stalwart condottiero of great repute. His refusal to participate in a plot to overthrow his relation brings more trouble than he bargained for but also sets his path at odds with the lovely Valentina niece of the Duke of Urbino. She is convent-raised but an independent spirit which drives the story to its satisfying conclusion. Francesco is a true Sabatini hero, honorable, battle-hardened but with the heart of a poet. Valentina is not the typical medieval heroine waiting for a rescue. Good fun.

[Bettie]

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3530

[Viet Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Một tiểu thuyết đích thực thuộc thể loại "hiệp sĩ cứu công chúa". Rất lôi cuốn và thú vị. Rafael Sabatini có một lối hành văn rất hào hoa, bay bổng, và không thiếu những sự hài hước, châm biếm.