Author
Giovanni Verga
1840-1922
Giovanni Verga (1840-1922) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Giovanni Verga
The House by the Medlar-Tree
"The House by the Medlar-Tree" by Giovanni Verga is a novel first published in 1881. Set in a Sicilian fishing village, it follows the Toscano family—ironically nicknamed "the Lazy Ones"—as they struggle against relentless misfortune. After a failed business venture triggers devastating losses, the family endures shipwrecks, deaths, broken betrothals, and crushing poverty. Each tragedy further unravels their bonds and reputation. The story chronicles their fierce fight to reclaim their ancestral home and dignity in the face of overwhelming hardship.
La vida en los campos: novelas cortas
"La vida en los campos: novelas cortas" by Giovanni Verga is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the life of rural Sicilian peasantry, portraying their struggles, desires, and conflicts through vivid characters and dramatic situations. The narratives capture the essence of Sicilian life, depicting themes of love, betrayal, and social realism. The opening of the collection introduces the character of Turiddu Macca, a soldier newly returned home, who grapples with lost love and rivalry in a small Sicilian village. Turiddu is infatuated with Lola, who has chosen to marry another man, prompting him to confront his feelings and the tensions that arise from them. Through dynamic dialogue and evocative descriptions, Verga sets the stage for the interpersonal dramas that will unfold, illustrating the complexities of peasant life and the fierce emotions that accompany love and honor in a tightly-knit community.
Under the Shadow of Etna: Sicilian Stories from the Italian of Giovanni Verga
"Under the Shadow of Etna: Sicilian Stories from the Italian of Giovanni Verga" by Nathan Haskell Dole is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the lives and struggles of Sicilian peasants, narrating their intense emotions and social realities against the backdrop of their beautiful yet harsh homeland dominated by Mount Etna. It presents a vivid portrait of characters such as Peppa and Turiddu, exploring themes of love, poverty, and betrayal that resonate deeply with the reader. The opening of the collection introduces the character of Peppa, who is about to marry a suitable match, but instead falls deeply in love with a notorious bandit named Gramigna. Her infatuation leads her to abandon her impending marriage, illustrating the powerful, irrational nature of love amidst volatile circumstances. As Gramigna is hunted by the authorities, Peppa's determination to be with him drives her to defy societal expectations and familial duties. The story captures the essence of desperation and devotion, setting the tone for the rich tapestry of Sicilian life depicted throughout the book—a world where personal desires often clash with harsh realities.