“Italian Felix Orsini is an enthusiast who broods over the oppression of people till he fancies himself commissioned by heaven to liberate them.”

— Abraham Lincoln, 1860

To today’s traveler, Italy is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and timeless beauty. Two centuries ago, however, it was a divided peninsula burdened by foreign occupation, papal mismanagement, and political unrest. The dream of a united and independent Italy remained distant as provinces were separated by fear, tradition, and economic hardship. At the center of this turbulent era stands Felix Orsini (1819–1858), a passionate nationalist, revolutionary, and assassin whose extraordinary life inspired this compelling work of historical fiction. Blending authentic historical events with gripping storytelling, Felix Orsini chronicles one man’s relentless pursuit of Italian liberty while exploring the larger struggle for national unity. The novel also brings to life influential figures such as Pope Pius IX (Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti) and Napoleon III, the Emperor of France who ultimately became Orsini’s target in one of history’s most dramatic assassination attempts. A richly researched and vividly written novel, Felix Orsini offers readers an unforgettable journey through one of Italy’s most transformative periods.