The Charterhouse of Parma, Volume 1

by Stendhal

"The Charterhouse of Parma, Volume 1" by Stendhal is a novel published in 1839. It follows young Italian nobleman Fabrice del Dongo through the turmoil of the Napoleonic era, from his quixotic quest to join Napoleon at Waterloo to his entanglement in the intricate court politics of Parma. Alongside him moves his aunt Gina, whose passionate nature and alliance with the cunning Count Mosca draw Fabrice deeper into a world of ambition, forbidden romance, and dangerous conspiracies.