The Valley of Decision
Valley of Decision, The,historical novel by Edith Wharton, published in 1902.
Odo Valsecca, a young Italian nobleman, preserves from his neglected childhood among the family servants an interest in the lower classes, which brings him into accord with the liberal tendencies of the 18th century. In spite of his attitude, when he becomes heir presumptive to the duchy of Pianura (Lombardy), he is befriended by the minister of state Trescorre, the duchess's lover, who represents the conservative aristocratic and clerical classes. Odo continues to sympathize, however, with the intellectual group led by the philosopher Orazio Vivaldi, whose daughter Fulvia he loves. When Vivaldi is exiled because of his political beliefs, Odo rescues Fulvia from the convent in which she is imprisoned and takes her to Switzerland. From there he is recalled by his cousin's death to become Duke of Pianura, but he intends to help his people to gain political liberty....
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