I promessi sposi | 
pickCome for the historical and cultural importance, stay for the charming story! I was reminded a bit of Les Miserables, in the strong, heartfelt emphasis on mercy and forgiveness.
nanuska_153 I love this book and it's due a re-read! I found it very interesting from a historical point of view. Manzoni's grandfather was Beccaria, who wrote a philosophical treaty outlining the cruelty of the criminal laws that re-shaped the system. I remember I thought his grandfather's influence was quite obvious 5y