Subject
Italian fiction -- Translations into English Books
Best books
Alessandro Manzoni
The Betrothed From the Italian of Alessandro Manzoni
"The Betrothed" by Alessandro Manzoni is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative centers on two lovers, Renzo Tramaglino and Lucia Mondella, who become entangled in a web of social and personal conflicts that threaten their betrothal. Against the backdrop of 17th-century Italy, the story explores themes of love, tyranny, faith, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a corrupt society. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Don Abbondio, a timid and cowardly curate who is confronted by two intimidating bravoes. They threaten him to prevent the marriage of Renzo and Lucia, revealing the dangerous power dynamics in their society. The narrative provides rich descriptions of the setting around Lake Como and highlights Don Abbondio's internal fears and helplessness in the face of external threats. As he seeks solace in his home, the stage is set for the struggles that Renzo and Lucia will face as they attempt to navigate love amidst societal corruption and oppression. The opening lays a foundation for the dramatic developments to come, establishing a sense of urgency and the complexities of human relations in a turbulent historical context.
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The Palace of Pleasure, Volume 1
"The Palace of Pleasure, Volume 1" by William Painter is a collection of Elizabethan translations of Italian and French novels written in the late 16th century. This work includes a variety of narratives drawn from renowned authors such as Boccaccio, Bandello, and Queen Margaret of Navarre. It serves as a significant historical source for understanding the themes and plot structures that influenced Elizabethan drama, notably the works of Shakespeare. The opening of the book presents its structure and foundational ideas, emphasizing Painter's role in bridging Italian literary traditions with English literature. The text outlines the importance of translations in the Elizabethan era, highlighting how these narratives provided essential plots and character inspiration for playwrights of the time. Through the initial pages, readers gain insight into the cultural exchanges that underpinned the literary scene, marking Painter's collection as a crucial link between European literary movements and early English storytelling.
Gabriele D'Annunzio
The Triumph of Death
"The Triumph of Death" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel belonging to "The Romances of the Rose" cycle. Set in the Abruzzo region, it follows Giorgio Aurispa, a noble aesthete consumed by obsession with his lover Ippolita. After witnessing a suicide and discovering his family's ruin, Giorgio retreats to the sea with Ippolita. But his growing paranoia and fixation on death lead him toward a desperate and fatal decision on a seaside cliff.
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Short story classics (Foreign), Vol. 2, Italian and Scandinavian
"Short Story Classics (Foreign), Vol. 2, Italian and Scandinavian" by William Patten is a collection of short stories compiled in the early 20th century. The anthology features works from notable Italian and Scandinavian authors, showcasing various themes and narratives that reflect cultural and societal aspects of their times. Among the stories included, the opening selection, “The Lost Letter” by Enrico Castelnuovo, introduces Professor Attilio Cernieri, an accomplished Egyptologist, whose life becomes entangled with memories of a lost love due to a forgotten letter from his youth. At the start of the collection, readers meet Professor Cernieri as he receives a long-awaited shipment of books, among which he discovers an old, unopened letter addressed to Maria Lisa Altavilla, a woman who once captivated his heart. The discovery forces him to confront the past and the feelings he suppressed over two decades. As memories resurface, Cernieri reflects on what might have been had he sent the letter, stirring a poignant mix of regret, nostalgia, and the realization of lost opportunities. The unfolding narrative hints at a deeper exploration of themes related to love, memory, and the choices that shape one’s life, setting the tone for the unique stories that follow in the anthology.
Gabriele D'Annunzio
Tales of My Native Town
"Tales of My Native Town" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a collection of short stories that was likely written in the early 20th century. Set in the picturesque town of Pescara, it immerses readers in the local culture, blending elements of realism and fantastic occurrences. The narratives often explore themes of passion, heroism, and tragedy through the lives of the characters, such as the titular Turlendana and other vivid personalities that populate the stories. At the start of the book, we encounter a vibrant celebration in Mascalico, where the townsfolk are honoring their Patron Saint, Gonselvo. Amidst the festivities, L’Ummalido suffers a terrible injury while helping to carry the statue of the saint, symbolizing the sacrifices of the community. As his companions argue over his position after the accident, L’Ummalido’s determination to fulfill his duty reflects the profound connection between the individuals and their cultural traditions. This opening scene not only sets the tone for the book's exploration of local life but also introduces the reader to the mixture of beauty and raw humanity that D'Annunzio captures in his tales.
Matilde Serao
The Desire of Life
"The Desire of Life" by Matilde Serao is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the beautiful backdrop of the Engadine mountains and follows characters searching for meaning and connection amid the complexities of love and societal expectations. Central to the narrative are Don Vittorio Lante and Lucio Sabini, two friends whose interactions reveal their personal struggles regarding love, freedom, and societal demands. The opening of the novel introduces Don Vittorio Lante and Lucio Sabini as they embark on a carriage journey through the captivating landscapes of the Alps. Their conversation touches on themes of love, longing, and the burdens of their respective social standings. Don Vittorio grapples with familial obligations and a sense of duty tied to his name, while Lucio expresses his frustrations with romantic entanglements and the fleeting nature of his affairs. Their discussions meld with evocative descriptions of the mountainous terrain, setting a tone of introspection and desire for a different life as they navigate this world, both outwardly glamorous and internally conflicted.
Matilde Serao
The conquest of Rome
"The Conquest of Rome" by Matilde Serao is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores the journey of Francesco Sangiorgio, a newly elected deputy from a small province, as he travels to Rome, grappling with the weight of ambition, personal history, and the vibrant life of the city. The story unfolds against the backdrop of political and social dynamics of the time, intertwining the protagonist’s aspirations with a deeper critique of human emotions and societal structures. At the start of the novel, we meet Francesco Sangiorgio on a night train to Rome, reflecting on his past as a provincial lawyer and the challenges he faced in his ambitions to become a deputy. As he journeys through the countryside and the city, Sangiorgio experiences an amalgamation of emotions—from excitement about his new role to feelings of isolation and introspection. The opening chapters focus on his anticipation of Rome, a city he admires deeply yet knows only abstractly, and set the stage for his encounters with political life, societal expectations, and the struggles of self-identity within the complex fabric of a bustling metropolis.
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Il Novellino: The hundred old tales
"Il Novellino: The Hundred Old Tales" by Edward Storer is a collection of medieval tales written in the late 13th century or early 14th century. This anthology features a variety of stories that reflect the moral values, wit, and culture of the time, focusing on themes such as justice, wisdom, and human interactions. Each tale presents characters, including kings, wise men, and common folk, who navigate moral dilemmas and societal expectations. The opening of "Il Novellino" introduces us to the compilation's origin—crafted likely by an unnamed minstrel who selected and adapted well-known tales for literary expression. The Proem sets the stage for the stories to follow, emphasizing the importance of noble speech and virtuous actions. The subsequent tales present a rich tapestry of characters, such as the Emperor Frederick, who engages with ambassadors, and a wise Greek who impresses a king with his knowledge. These stories not only entertain but also impart lessons on the virtues of moderation, wisdom, and understanding human nature. Each tale serves as a reflection of the medieval world, filled with moral teachings and human experiences that resonate with timeless themes.
Giuseppe Garibaldi
Rule of the Monk; Or, Rome in the Nineteenth Century
"Rule of the Monk; Or, Rome in the Nineteenth Century" by Giuseppe Garibaldi is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers on the decline of Papal power in Rome and the oppressive societal conditions under which its citizens live. It depicts the struggles of characters such as Clelia, the beautiful daughter of a sculptor, and other patriots as they navigate a city rife with corruption, power struggles, and personal tragedies, all under the shadow of a corrupt clergy. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Rome, framed as a city teeming with history yet suffering under its current regime, where the young Clelia, known as "The Pearl of Trastevere," lives with her father, a talented sculptor. As the narrative unfolds, we learn of a dark plot by Cardinal Procopio, who seeks to ensnare Clelia for his own desires, spurring concern and conspiracy among those who care for her. Characters like Attilio, Silvio, and Muzio emerge, each with their own ambitions tied to patriotism and love, setting the stage for conflicts against the backdrop of a politically charged and morally corrupt environment. The story promises a tale of rebellion, personal sacrifice, and the quest for liberation from Papal tyranny.
Matilde Serao
The Land of Cockayne: A Novel
"The Land of Cockayne: A Novel" by Matilde Serao is a work of fiction written in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the lives of various characters from the lower social strata of Naples, particularly focusing on their aspirations and struggles, centered around themes of fortune and despair, often represented through the lottery. Key figures in the story include Carmela, a seamstress with a wearied yet hopeful demeanor, and other townsfolk who are drawn into the world of gambling, revealing the underlying social tensions and dreams of a better life. The opening of the novel introduces the picturesque but melancholic setting of Naples, where the anticipation of a lottery drawing brings together a diverse group of people, united by their hopes for fortune. Through vivid descriptions, Serao paints a scene of a bustling street and an eager crowd, highlighting characters such as Michele, the shoeblack, and Carmela, who yearns for a small slice of hope amidst her struggles. As the crowd waits, their conversations reveal their intimate relationship with gambling and the lottery, which serves as both an escape from their harsh realities and a source of deep disappointment. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when the lottery drawing commences, eliciting emotional responses from the crowd and culminating in a strong sense of despair as hopes are dashed, setting the tone for the social commentary that unfolds throughout the novel.
Gabriele D'Annunzio
The Intruder
"The Intruder" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Tullio Hermil, a man grappling with his complex and tumultuous relationship with his wife, Juliana, marked by betrayal, infidelity, and an unsettling desire for both freedom and connection. It delves into themes of love, guilt, and the duality of human emotions, inviting readers to explore the depths of personal and romantic conflict." "The opening of "The Intruder" introduces Tullio Hermil as he reflects on his turbulent life and the secret he carries—a crime he cannot fully comprehend. We are thrown into his thoughts during a particularly introspective moment as he examines his past infidelities and the emotional toll it has taken on his wife, Juliana. As Tullio navigates through memories of both affection and regret, we see hints of his profound egotism and the destructive nature of his desires—a tension builds as he wrestles with questions of fidelity, identity, and the possible repercussions of his actions. This sets the stage for a deeply psychological exploration of love and loss, suggesting that the narrative will unfold around the conflict between his passions and the obligations he feels toward his wife."
Grazia Deledda
Nostalgia
"Nostalgia" by Grazia Deledda is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Regina, a young bride who has recently moved from her serene home in Sardinia to the bustling city of Rome with her husband Antonio. The narrative explores the clash between her longing for her pastoral roots and the overwhelming reality of urban life, capturing her emotional turbulence as she navigates her new surroundings and relationships. The opening of the novel transports readers into Regina's initial experience as she arrives in Rome, filled with a mix of excitement and emotional trepidation. As Regina journeys to the city, she is overwhelmed by the charm and beauty she has dreamt of, yet she is quickly confronted by the stark differences between her expectations and the reality of life in an unfamiliar environment. The contrast is further emphasized through her interactions with Antonio's family, who bring their own complexities and atmosphere to her newlywed life. From cumbersome train rides to chaotic family introductions, Regina's struggle with homesickness sets the tone for her journey of self-discovery amidst the vibrant yet isolating backdrop of Rome.
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