Author
Grazia Deledda
1871-1936
Grazia Deledda (1871-1936) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Grazia Deledda
Cenizas
"Cenizas" by Grazia Deledda is a novel published in 1903-1904. In the Sardinian countryside, fifteen-year-old Rosalia falls for Anania, a dreamer who turns out to be married. When her father discovers her pregnancy, he casts her out. Years later, she leaves her young son at his father's door and disappears. The boy grows up with opportunities for education and love, but his illegitimate birth haunts him. As he searches for his mother to restore her honor, he risks losing everything he's built.
Καλαμιές στον άνεμο
"Καλαμιές στον άνεμο" by Grazia Deledda is a novel published in 1913. Set in rural Sardinia, it follows three aging sisters of a once-noble family living in a crumbling house with their devoted servant Efix, who harbors a dark secret about their father's mysterious death. When Giacinto, the son of their disgraced sister who fled years ago, arrives at their doorstep, he stirs conflicting emotions and brings hope for renewal to their fading household.
Nostalgia
"Nostalgia" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Regina, a young bride who has recently moved from her serene home in Sardinia to the bustling city of Rome with her husband Antonio. The narrative explores the clash between her longing for her pastoral roots and the overwhelming reality of urban life, capturing her emotional turbulence as she navigates her new surroundings and relationships. The opening of the novel transports readers into Regina's initial experience as she arrives in Rome, filled with a mix of excitement and emotional trepidation. As Regina journeys to the city, she is overwhelmed by the charm and beauty she has dreamt of, yet she is quickly confronted by the stark differences between her expectations and the reality of life in an unfamiliar environment. The contrast is further emphasized through her interactions with Antonio's family, who bring their own complexities and atmosphere to her newlywed life. From cumbersome train rides to chaotic family introductions, Regina's struggle with homesickness sets the tone for her journey of self-discovery amidst the vibrant yet isolating backdrop of Rome.
After the Divorce: A Romance
"After the Divorce: A Romance" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Giovanna Era, a young woman embroiled in sorrow after her husband, Costantino, is sentenced to prison for a crime he claims he did not commit. Set against a backdrop of traditional and social pressures, the narrative explores Giovanna's emotional turmoil and societal expectations following her husband's conviction. At the start of the novel, Giovanna is found in desperate grief, lamenting her husband's fate as he faces a potentially long prison term for the murder of his uncle. The opening scene depicts her in a dark room, overwhelmed with despair, while various family members attempt to console her. As the story unfolds, we meet a cast of characters including her supportive but practical mother, Aunt Bachissia, and the opportunistic student Paolo, who hints at the prospect of Giovanna finding freedom through divorce if her husband's sentence is upheld. The narrative captures the complexity of relationships, societal expectations, and the longing for love and justice as it delves into the emotional landscape of the characters.
The Woman & the Priest
"The Woman & the Priest" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a remote Sardinian hill village, the book intricately explores the psychological struggles of its two main characters, Paul, a young priest, and his mother, Maria Maddalena, as they grapple with the pressures of faith and desire. The narrative unfolds over the course of two days, delving into human connections and moral dilemmas while hinting at underlying themes of superstition, personal conflict, and the consequences of transgression. At the start of the story, Paul is shown preparing to sneak out of the presbytery, while his mother anxiously awaits him, sensing his distress. As she grapples with her fear over his increasingly reckless behavior, it becomes apparent that he is drawn to a woman who lives in a nearby house, stirring worries within Maria Maddalena about the potential impact on both their souls. The tension builds as she reminisces about Paul's past innocence and begins to suspect the nature of his visits. The opening sets the stage for a profound exploration of the characters' emotions as they confront the clash between societal expectations and personal desires, ultimately framing a narrative rich with themes of devotion, temptation, and maternal love.
Ashes (Cenere): A Sardinian Story
"Ashes (Cenere): A Sardinian Story" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in Sardinia and explores themes of love, betrayal, and social constraints through the eyes of a young girl named Olì. At the heart of the narrative is Olì's passionate relationship with a farm-laborer named Anania, complicated by his deception regarding his marital status, leading to significant turmoil in her life. The opening of the novel introduces us to Olì on Midsummer Eve, as she collects flowers for a ritual to bind love. At just fifteen, she is depicted as a beautiful, exotic girl, caught in the thrill of young love with Anania, a charming yet dishonest young man. The narrative hints at the development of their secret and intense romance, which carries with it the weight of societal judgment and familial expectations. Olì's father, aware of the budding relationship, harshly warns her about Anania's true identity, foreshadowing the chaos that will ensue in Olì's life as she grapples with love, abandonment, and the yearning for a better future. The vivid descriptions of the Sardinian landscape and the tension between tradition and desire set a poignant tone for this tale of youthful passion and the harsh realities of life.
Dopo il divorzio
"Dopo il divorzio" by Grazia Deledda is a novel published in 1902. Costantino Ledda is wrongly convicted of murdering his uncle but accepts his sentence out of love for his wife, Giovanna. Left without support, Giovanna divorces him and marries a wealthy but cruel landowner. When Costantino is freed after the real killer confesses, he and Giovanna begin a forbidden relationship. Set during heated debates over divorce in Italy, the novel explores loyalty, sacrifice, and impossible choices.
The mother
"The Mother" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a remote Sardinian village, it is a stark psychological study of a young priest, Paul, his devoted mother Maria Maddalena, and Agnes, the solitary woman who awakens his forbidden desire. The story probes the clash between human love and religious duty, filtered through superstition, village poverty, and maternal anguish. Its tension is intimate and fateful, unfolding over a brief span with the inevitability of tragedy. The opening of the novel follows a stormy night in which Maria Maddalena realizes Paul is slipping out to a woman’s house and, after failing to intervene, returns home torn between fear, faith, and a vivid, unsettling dream of the parish’s disgraced former priest. Paul, having just agreed to flee with Agnes, is shaken by the wind and his conscience, prays at the church door, then faces his mother; pressed by her quiet firmness, he swears to end the affair. Through a sleepless, tormented night he oscillates between resolve and longing, finally writing a letter to break it off; at dawn he celebrates Mass, chastens his meager flock, and has his mother deliver the note before being summoned to a dying hunter. Interwoven are memories that deepen the stakes: the mother’s recollection of their hopeful arrival in Aar and Paul’s of childhood shame at his mother’s servitude, seminary years, and an earlier encounter with a fallen woman. The section closes with domestic unease, the sacristan boy’s brisk chatter, and a pointed exchange about priestly celibacy, underscoring the moral conflict now set in motion.
Pako Egyptiin : $b Romaani
"Pako Egyptiin: Romaani" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the late 1920s. The story begins with Giuseppe de Nicola, a retired primary school teacher, who embarks on a journey after teaching for forty years. Through Giuseppe's reflections on his past and his decision to travel, the narrative hints at themes of nostalgia, lost connections, and the stark contrast between dreams and reality. At the start of the novel, Giuseppe de Nicola prepares for his long-desired journey, spurred by memories of his adopted son and a yearning for connection with a family that has moved away. As he boards a train, the excitement of new experiences is tempered by feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about the future. Upon arrival at a small station without a welcoming party, he faces the overwhelming emptiness of his surroundings, deepening his sense of isolation. However, he soon meets his granddaughter Ola, sparking a bond that stirs his heart and gives promise to the new chapter of his life. This opening segment sets the stage for an exploration of familial relationships and the complexities of human emotion as Giuseppe navigates his new reality.
Elias Portolu : $b Romaani
"Elias Portolu: Romaani" by Grazia Deledda is a novel published in 1900. When Elias returns home from prison, he finds himself drawn to Maria Maddalena, his brother Pietro's promised bride. Their forbidden love leads to carnal sin, betrayal, and consuming guilt. Seeking escape, Elias turns to the priesthood, but complications arise when Maddalena becomes pregnant. After Pietro's death, Maddalena begs Elias to claim their child, yet he remains determined to take holy orders—a decision with tragic consequences.
Äiti : $b Romaani
"Äiti: Romaani" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores complex themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and moral struggle as the protagonist, Maria Maddalena, grapples with the troubling behavior of her son, Paulo. Central to the narrative is the relationship between mother and son, particularly as Paulo becomes increasingly entwined with a mysterious woman, leading to strife and emotional turmoil within their household. At the start of the story, we meet Maria Maddalena, who is anxiously waiting for her son Paulo, who she suspects is sneaking out at night. As she listens to his stealthy movements, her worry intensifies and she recalls Paulo's recent troubling behaviors, which include spending more time grooming himself and showing interest in women, actions she fears may steer him into sin. When she decides to follow him one night, she discovers that he is heading to a home not far from theirs, one that harbors a young woman who is alone and alluring. The tension of Maria’s protective instincts and Paulo’s desires sets the stage for a conflict that delves deeply into themes of temptation and the frailty of human morality, all while the ominous force of the night serves as a backdrop to their unfolding drama.
Kotikaiho : $b Avioliittoromaani
"Kotikaiho: Avioliittoromaani" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the main character, Regina, as she embarks on a journey to Rome after marrying Antonio. The narrative captures her hopes, dreams, and the stark realities of her new life in a bustling city. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Regina during her train journey to Rome, filled with excitement and trepidation about her new life. As she gazes out at the landscape, she daydreams about the wonders of Rome, contrasting her childhood memories with her new reality. Upon arrival, she is overwhelmed by the crowd and her new family, feeling out of place and suffocated by their expectations. Regina's mixed feelings of joy and apprehension set the stage for her struggles in adjusting to her marriage and the social dynamics she faces in her new environment, marking the start of her complex journey towards self-identity amidst societal pressures.
Marianna : $b Romaani
"Marianna: Romaani" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the early 20th century." The story revolves around Marianna Sirca, who inherits property from her wealthy uncle following his death. As she navigates her new life, she confronts her past and her feelings toward her former servant, Simone Sole, who has transformed from a subservient boy into a complex character with ambitions of his own. The novel explores themes of social status, personal identity, and the consequences of familial ties against the backdrop of Sardinian culture. "The opening of the novel introduces us to Marianna as she recuperates in a cattle farm in the midst of Sardinia's countryside, having taken time away from the stress caused by caring for her ailing uncle." In the lush setting, she begins to regain her strength but is still shadowed by her past and her unique upbringing, where obedience to her guardians has defined her existence. As Marianna reflects on her childhood, the narrative sets the stage for her encounter with Simone, signaling a shift in their dynamic. The opening establishes a rich emotional landscape filled with nostalgia, personal conflicts, and an anticipation of change, as she finds herself back in familiar territory, stirred by memories and new possibilities.
Muratti : $b Romaani
"Muratti: Romaani" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the village of Barunéin, focusing on the Decherchi family, particularly around themes of familial ties, honor, and the hardships stemming from economic decline, all set against the backdrop of traditional Sardinian life. Key characters introduced include don Simone Decherchi, an aging nobleman, his troubled nephew Paulu, and Annesa, an adopted daughter whose loyalty and love become central to the unfolding drama. The opening of the novel sets the stage on a Saturday evening, coinciding with the festival of Saint Basil, as two old men, don Simone and Cosimu Damianu, engage in conversation about the mysterious disappearance of Paulu, the latter's son. The atmosphere is thick with tension and suspicion, as rumors swirl regarding familial discord and the boy's fate. The scene introduces us to other residents of the household, including the sickly old man Zua and the maid Annesa, hinting at deeper family secrets and the economic decay that threatens their way of life. The dialogue depicts a world filled with superstition and moral struggles, foreshadowing the conflicts that will arise as Paulu navigates his responsibilities and relationships amid their diminishing fortunes.