L'infedele

by Matilde Serao

"L'infedele" by Matilde Serao is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a complex love triangle involving Paolo Herz, Luisa Cima, and Chérie, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies romantic relationships. With rich character descriptions, the narrative delves into the inner lives and struggles of the protagonists, particularly the deep affection and conflict experienced by Paolo. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the three characters: Paolo Herz, a thirty-six-year-old introspective man grappling with his emotional needs, Luisa Cima, a twenty-six-year-old delicate and manipulative woman, and Chérie, an enigmatic figure without a clear past but whose charm captivates those around her. The opening focuses on the multidimensional nature of Paolo's character, detailing his past experiences of love, loss, and a reluctance to fully commit, while shedding light on Luisa's selfishness and Chérie's allure. Set against the backdrop of their intertwined lives, the stage is established for a turbulent exploration of love and infidelity.