Stendhal's novella tells the story of a pair of star crossed lovers, using biting realism and deep psychological insight. In Lazio in Italy, a young girl with a disapproving family meets a fatherless brigand, the two fall in love and meet in secret. However their passion has unintended and dangerous consequences. Whilst contemporary readers may have not appreciated Stendhal's ironic style, the modern reader will appreciate his use of realism and the depth of human passion that he portrays.