Matilde Serao
Suor Giovanna della Croce: romanzo
"Suor Giovanna della Croce: romanzo" by Matilde Serao is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the titular character, Suor Giovanna, an elderly nun facing profound distress as she and her fellow sisters are forcibly expelled from their convent due to new government laws. The narrative explores themes of faith, loss, and the universal experience of suffering, as it delves into the life of an individual stripped of her identity and sacred commitments. The opening of the novel sets a somber tone, introducing readers to the austere life within the cloister of the convent, where Suor Giovanna and her companions reside. As the narrative unfolds, we witness significant events that lead to the dissolution of their community, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by the sisters, particularly the oldest among them, Suor Teresa. The bad news delivered by their priest, Don Ferdinando, about the impending closure of their convent initiates a wave of grief among the nuns, who must grapple with leaving their home—a space that has been a sanctuary for them for decades. Suor Giovanna, recalling her past life as Luisa Bevilacqua, reflects on her lost dreams and the stark contrast between her desires and the oppressive reality of her present as she faces an uncertain future outside the safety of the convent.