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The Uskok: A Tale of Love, Betrayal and Intrigue
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 20, 2026
About the author
George Sand
3,062 books967 followersAmantine Lucile Aurore Dupin de Francueil, best known by her pen name George Sand, was a French novelist, memoirist and journalist. One of the most popular writers in Europe in her lifetime, being more renowned than either Victor Hugo or Honoré de Balzac in England in the 1830s and 1840s, Sand is recognised as one of the most notable writers of the European Romantic era. She wrote more than 50 volumes of various works to her credit, including tales, plays and political texts, alongside her 70 novels.
Like her great-grandmother, Louise Dupin, whom she admired, George Sand advocated for women's rights and passion, criticized the institution of marriage, and fought against the prejudices of a conservative society. She was considered scandalous because of her turbulent love life, her adoption of masculine clothing, and her masculine pseudonym.
Like her great-grandmother, Louise Dupin, whom she admired, George Sand advocated for women's rights and passion, criticized the institution of marriage, and fought against the prejudices of a conservative society. She was considered scandalous because of her turbulent love life, her adoption of masculine clothing, and her masculine pseudonym.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 24, 2026
I am grateful for receiving a DRC of this new translation of George Sand's L'Uscoque, translated by Lynne Forest, from Aurora Metro Books via NetGalley.
Described by the publisher as a tale of 'love, betrayal and intrigue', this classic French novella follows the exploits of the young and handsome, yet ultimately unscrupulous, Venetian aristocrat Orio Soranzo. The story is set in the seventeenth-century Venetian Republic and amongst the islands of the Dalmatian Coast, where we see Orio squander and regain his fortune while he charms and manipulates those around him.
While this is my first foray into Sand's work, Lynne Forest's translation feels fresh and engaging, carrying the reader along on this fast-paced jaunt from the palaces of Venice to sea battles with pirates. Although The Uskok is a slim read at only 256 pages, it manages to pack a lot in with its exploration of themes of love, loyalty and revenge. Sand also cleverly frames the tale as a shocking yarn retold by three companions who each, in turn, pick up the story at various points throughout the book, almost as if we were listening to an adventure being recounted by a blazing fire on a long dark night.
The title of the book refers to real-life pirates that frequently attacked Ottoman and Venetian ships along the coast of what is now modern-day Croatia, which would lead you to believe this is just a story of swashbuckling sea exploits, a genre that's not really my cup of tea at all, yet the most intriguing sections of this book are its dark and Gothic depictions of Venice and the nobles that inhabit that enchanting city. Unsurprisingly, considering this was written in 1838, Sand plays with typical Orientalist tropes to add a certain 'exoticism' to some characters but this all fits within the romanticised depiction of the setting and the era. Sand likewise makes some humorous digs at Lord Byron, suggesting that the tale of the Uskok inspired him to write his idealised The Corsair and Sand's group of narrators purport to recount the real, and uncensored, story for the reader's delight.
A recommended read for any lovers of Gothic literature and the classics.
Described by the publisher as a tale of 'love, betrayal and intrigue', this classic French novella follows the exploits of the young and handsome, yet ultimately unscrupulous, Venetian aristocrat Orio Soranzo. The story is set in the seventeenth-century Venetian Republic and amongst the islands of the Dalmatian Coast, where we see Orio squander and regain his fortune while he charms and manipulates those around him.
While this is my first foray into Sand's work, Lynne Forest's translation feels fresh and engaging, carrying the reader along on this fast-paced jaunt from the palaces of Venice to sea battles with pirates. Although The Uskok is a slim read at only 256 pages, it manages to pack a lot in with its exploration of themes of love, loyalty and revenge. Sand also cleverly frames the tale as a shocking yarn retold by three companions who each, in turn, pick up the story at various points throughout the book, almost as if we were listening to an adventure being recounted by a blazing fire on a long dark night.
The title of the book refers to real-life pirates that frequently attacked Ottoman and Venetian ships along the coast of what is now modern-day Croatia, which would lead you to believe this is just a story of swashbuckling sea exploits, a genre that's not really my cup of tea at all, yet the most intriguing sections of this book are its dark and Gothic depictions of Venice and the nobles that inhabit that enchanting city. Unsurprisingly, considering this was written in 1838, Sand plays with typical Orientalist tropes to add a certain 'exoticism' to some characters but this all fits within the romanticised depiction of the setting and the era. Sand likewise makes some humorous digs at Lord Byron, suggesting that the tale of the Uskok inspired him to write his idealised The Corsair and Sand's group of narrators purport to recount the real, and uncensored, story for the reader's delight.
A recommended read for any lovers of Gothic literature and the classics.
August 21, 2026
BOOK TOUR REVIEW
Classic literature | Paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Uskok by George Sand, translated by Lynne Forest
Well, this is a fantastic novel and an enriching reading experience. I love the helpful footnotes at the end of most pages rather than the back of the book meaning it was easier to flow through the narrative. Translated by Lynne Forest from the French novel written in 1838 she has given us a highly readable yet authentic rendition of Sand’s novel. Set in the Venetian Empire in the late 1680s the beautiful heiress Giovanna is engaged to Count Enzzelino but she calls off the engagement when she encounters the magnetic yet destructive and penniless nobleman Orio Soranzo. The story is set during the turbulent wars with the Ottoman Empire and the scourge of pirates that operate around the Mediterranean shores. There is a lot of fainting, intrigue, romance and action. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I might.
Of course, I had to do a deep dive on the period of time the book was set, I had no idea the Venetian Empire of the late 1680s covered so much coastal land, nor how interlinked they were with the Ottomans, the Dalmatians and Greeks. I also became fascinated by the author, I had heard of novels by George Sand but always assumed it was a French man.
George Sand advocated for women’s rights and passion, criticized the institution of marriage, and fought against the prejudices of a conservative society. She was considered scandalous because of her turbulent love life, her adoption of masculine clothing, and her masculine pseudonym.
If you enjoy nineteenth century literature then I highly recommend you read this novel.
Pr-gifted by @randomthingstours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. @aurora_metro
#theuskok #translatedfiction #womenintranslation #nineteenthcenturyliterature #frenchauthor
Classic literature | Paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Uskok by George Sand, translated by Lynne Forest
Well, this is a fantastic novel and an enriching reading experience. I love the helpful footnotes at the end of most pages rather than the back of the book meaning it was easier to flow through the narrative. Translated by Lynne Forest from the French novel written in 1838 she has given us a highly readable yet authentic rendition of Sand’s novel. Set in the Venetian Empire in the late 1680s the beautiful heiress Giovanna is engaged to Count Enzzelino but she calls off the engagement when she encounters the magnetic yet destructive and penniless nobleman Orio Soranzo. The story is set during the turbulent wars with the Ottoman Empire and the scourge of pirates that operate around the Mediterranean shores. There is a lot of fainting, intrigue, romance and action. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I might.
Of course, I had to do a deep dive on the period of time the book was set, I had no idea the Venetian Empire of the late 1680s covered so much coastal land, nor how interlinked they were with the Ottomans, the Dalmatians and Greeks. I also became fascinated by the author, I had heard of novels by George Sand but always assumed it was a French man.
George Sand advocated for women’s rights and passion, criticized the institution of marriage, and fought against the prejudices of a conservative society. She was considered scandalous because of her turbulent love life, her adoption of masculine clothing, and her masculine pseudonym.
If you enjoy nineteenth century literature then I highly recommend you read this novel.
Pr-gifted by @randomthingstours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. @aurora_metro
#theuskok #translatedfiction #womenintranslation #nineteenthcenturyliterature #frenchauthor
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such an exciting and fantastical read that kept me invested throughout. While I’ve read some George Sand before, this is one of her less popular works that I hadn’t had a chance to before this and I’m so glad I did!
It’s always fascinating when the main character in a book isn’t necessarily someone that you’d root for or want to be friends with. It creates a tension within the reader and the audience that Sand and Forest’s translation do a wonderful job of exploiting and connecting to throughout.
Stories about pirates often feel very removed from the “real” world on land, but the way this is so deeply connected to the political environment of 17th century Venice provides another element of intrigue and tension to supplement the adventurism of the swash-buckling pirates.
The translator did a wonderful job — there weren’t any sections that felt too stiff or repetitive, as can sometimes be the case in translated works. I felt fully satisfied with the translation, with very minimal lingering thoughts about what I could be missing from the original work. The footnotes are also really helpful and provide a lot of context for the reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted eARC!
It’s always fascinating when the main character in a book isn’t necessarily someone that you’d root for or want to be friends with. It creates a tension within the reader and the audience that Sand and Forest’s translation do a wonderful job of exploiting and connecting to throughout.
Stories about pirates often feel very removed from the “real” world on land, but the way this is so deeply connected to the political environment of 17th century Venice provides another element of intrigue and tension to supplement the adventurism of the swash-buckling pirates.
The translator did a wonderful job — there weren’t any sections that felt too stiff or repetitive, as can sometimes be the case in translated works. I felt fully satisfied with the translation, with very minimal lingering thoughts about what I could be missing from the original work. The footnotes are also really helpful and provide a lot of context for the reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted eARC!
August 23, 2026
Although I enjoy the classics I hadn’t previously read anything by George Sand. This book is set in 17th century Venice, the Adriatic and Dalmatian coasts and islands. The central character is debauched and unprincipled aristocrat Orio Soranzo who has gambled away his fortune and now sets his sights on a wealthy heiress to restore his fortunes. Told from multiple POVs this is a compelling read.
Briefly, Giovanna is engaged to Count Enzzelino but she breaks her engagement in favour of Soranzo. The title Uskok refers to a group of largely Croatian refugees fleeing the Ottomans who ultimately took to maritime piracy against Ottoman and Venetian shipping. Looking for redemption Soranzo too turns to dangerous sea ventures and piracy with dire consequences.
A melodramatic tale that is fast paced and a relatively short and easy read, well done to the translator. I love a good gothic story and this is what I found the most enjoyable although the swashbuckling was entertaining! I did quite a lot of reading around the history of this time and the author, after finishing the book and it’s quite fascinating. I would definitely pick up another book by the author. It was a great historical fiction novel.
Briefly, Giovanna is engaged to Count Enzzelino but she breaks her engagement in favour of Soranzo. The title Uskok refers to a group of largely Croatian refugees fleeing the Ottomans who ultimately took to maritime piracy against Ottoman and Venetian shipping. Looking for redemption Soranzo too turns to dangerous sea ventures and piracy with dire consequences.
A melodramatic tale that is fast paced and a relatively short and easy read, well done to the translator. I love a good gothic story and this is what I found the most enjoyable although the swashbuckling was entertaining! I did quite a lot of reading around the history of this time and the author, after finishing the book and it’s quite fascinating. I would definitely pick up another book by the author. It was a great historical fiction novel.
Review of advance copy
George Sand’s The Uskok is far more than a thrilling pirate tale: it is the story of the tragic downfall of a Venetian nobleman, Orio Soranzo, whose insatiable greed and ambition consumes both his honor and his soul. In this little-known masterpiece of Romanticism, the author explores the shadowy depths of human psychology symbolized by the numerous gothic elements of the novel (most of the action takes place in a medieval fortress with long underground corridors, secret passages and hidden trap doors). With sharp social insight and lyrical depth, the work transforms what could have been a simple chronicle of piracy and intrigue into a profound reflection on love, betrayal, revenge, and the burden of secrets.
Lynne Forest’s excellent translation reads like an original Victorian novel (no mean feat!), and her well-informed, insightful introduction, as well as her footnotes, provides the reader with useful explanations.
Lynne Forest’s excellent translation reads like an original Victorian novel (no mean feat!), and her well-informed, insightful introduction, as well as her footnotes, provides the reader with useful explanations.
June 25, 2026
This is one of the lesser-known novels of the relatively neglected author George Sand (perhaps best known in the English-speaking world for her relationship with Chopin). Inspired by Byron, it is set in Venice, the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea in the late 17th century, it is a splendidly melodramatic tale of love, piracy, treason, betrayal and murder. The lead male character is an unprincipled villain who finds that his actions do not bring happiness and who finally gets his deserts in a showpiece trial. One of his accomplices is a cross-dressing Arab. The story carries the reader along with huge panache, helped by a superb translation. There are brief annotations to elucidate things which might not be clear to many readers.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me have a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me have a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
For my full sensory review please visit my blog.
I haven't read the original text, therefore can’t comment or make comparison against the original. I found Forest’s translation an excellent read. The book itself is in many chapters and these are not too long. I found the footnotes really helpful. I really enjoyed the adventure and found the translation kept pace. I am aways up for reading about pirates and treason. I am not too interested in love or romance narratives. If there is enough other areas explored and the romance is just part of the overall narrative that's great. I love that this old text has now been brought back to life and made accessible. If you enjoy historical adventure fiction, especially pirates and the seas then you don't want to miss Lynne Frosts translation of George Sand's The Uskok, a tale of love, betrayal and intrigue.
I haven't read the original text, therefore can’t comment or make comparison against the original. I found Forest’s translation an excellent read. The book itself is in many chapters and these are not too long. I found the footnotes really helpful. I really enjoyed the adventure and found the translation kept pace. I am aways up for reading about pirates and treason. I am not too interested in love or romance narratives. If there is enough other areas explored and the romance is just part of the overall narrative that's great. I love that this old text has now been brought back to life and made accessible. If you enjoy historical adventure fiction, especially pirates and the seas then you don't want to miss Lynne Frosts translation of George Sand's The Uskok, a tale of love, betrayal and intrigue.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very entertaining read. I enjoyed the blend of romance, adventure, and political intrigue, which kept the story engaging from beginning to end. The historical setting added plenty of atmosphere, and the themes of love, loyalty, and redemption gave the story emotional depth.
While some aspects of the writing feel very much of their time, the characters and dramatic twists kept me invested. Overall, this was a captivating classic that delivered both adventure and heart, making it a highly enjoyable read.
While some aspects of the writing feel very much of their time, the characters and dramatic twists kept me invested. Overall, this was a captivating classic that delivered both adventure and heart, making it a highly enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews