Colei che non si deve amare: romanzo

by Guido da Verona

"Colei che non si deve amare: romanzo" by Guido da Verona is a novel written in the early 20th century." The story follows the life of Stefano del Ferrante, a man beset by misfortune, who marries Grazia, a beautiful but capricious Sicilian widow, leading to a complicated family life marked by poverty and scandal. The narrative explores themes of love, infidelity, and the struggles of lower-middle-class existence, capturing the emotional turmoil not only of Stefano but also of his children as they navigate their own challenges. "The opening of the novel presents us with the life story of Stefano del Ferrante, who faces a series of misfortunes from childhood onward, including the death of his parents and a series of financial failures." He shows resilience through humbling work as an optician while supporting his wife, Grazia, and their four children, amidst the challenges of their familial situation. Grazia, described as beautiful yet scandalous, greatly contributes to the family's difficulties, while their children, particularly Arrigo, begin to mirror the tumultuous dynamics around them. The beginning sets up a poignant tale of familial struggle, societal judgment, and the complexities of love versus duty, laying the groundwork for further developments in the family's life.