Picciola

by X.-B. (Xavier-Boniface) Saintine

"Picciola" by X.-B. Saintine is a novel published in 1836. It tells the story of Count de Charney, a former soldier imprisoned for conspiring against Napoleon. In his cell, he discovers a small plant growing between two stones. What begins as a simple distraction transforms into an obsession, then a passion, as the fragile flower becomes a symbol of life and love. Through caring for this plant he names Picciola, Charney relearns appreciation for beauty and nature's persistent strength.