Subject
Naples (Italy) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Gabriele D'Annunzio
The Flame
"The Flame" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in the late 19th century. This literary work explores the relationship between the protagonist, Stelio Effrena, a passionate poet, and La Foscarina, a renowned tragic actress, as they navigate themes of art, beauty, and the intertwining of emotions against the backdrop of Venice. The narrative delves into the creative process and the search for inspiration, capturing the lure of the city and the complexities of desire. At the start of "The Flame," we are introduced to Stelio and La Foscarina during a moment of anticipation before a grand festival in Venice. She encourages him as he prepares to speak publicly, highlighting the power of the evening and the audience's expectations. The atmosphere is charged with art and emotion, stirring reflections on beauty and life, as the pair engage in an intimate dialogue. Stelio reveals his inner thoughts about the intoxicating influence of Venice, the meanings behind symbols like the pomegranate, and the duality of pleasure and suffering within the human experience, setting the stage for a poetic exploration that reflects D'Annunzio's fascination with existential and artistic themes.
D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
The Lost Girl
"The Lost Girl" by D. H. Lawrence is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the small industrial town of Woodhouse in England and revolves around Alvina Houghton, the daughter of a struggling merchant, as she grapples with societal expectations and her identity. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of women, individuality, and the constraints of society. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the declining fortunes of Alvina’s father, James Houghton, who once dreamed of becoming a successful merchant but now faces financial hardships. The narrative provides an insightful portrait of the family's dynamics, particularly focusing on the influences of Alvina's mother, an invalid, and her governess, Miss Frost. As Alvina grows into a young woman, she finds herself overshadowed by her father's failures and the societal pressures surrounding her, hinting at her struggle against the expectations of becoming another "old maid" in a society filled with unmarried women. The opening sets a tone that promises a deep exploration of Alvina's journey towards self-discovery and independence.
Ann Ward Radcliffe
The Italian, Volume 1 (of 3) : $b or, the confessional of the Black Penitents
"The Italian, Volume 1 (of 3): or, the confessional of the Black Penitents" by Ann Radcliffe is a Gothic novel published in 1796. When young Vivaldi falls for the beautiful but poor Ellena, his aristocratic mother enlists her sinister confessor, Father Schedoni, to destroy the match. What follows is a dark tale of kidnapping, disguise, and persecution set against the backdrop of the Inquisition, where mysterious monks issue warnings, convents imprison innocents, and shocking secrets threaten to surface in shadowy confessionals.
Ann Ward Radcliffe
The Italian, Volume 2 (of 3) : $b or, the confessional of the Black Penitents
"The Italian, or the Confessional of the Black Penitents" by Ann Radcliffe is a Gothic novel published in 1796. When Vincentio di Vivaldi falls for the beautiful but poor Ellena di Rosalba, his proud mother enlists her sinister confessor, Father Schedoni, to prevent their union. What follows is a dark tale of kidnapping, mysterious monks, the dungeons of the Inquisition, and shocking revelations that bind victim and villain in unexpected ways.
F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
Taquisara
"Taquisara" by F. Marion Crawford is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around Donna Veronica Serra, a young heiress caught in a web of familial expectations and societal pressures, specifically regarding her potential marriage to Bosio Macomer and the implications of her wealth on her relationships. At the start of the narrative, Veronica is seen signing her will, pressured by her aunt, Countess Macomer. The tension of the moment reveals her complicated feelings toward her guardians, especially as they seem more preoccupied with her fortune than her happiness. We are introduced to a variety of characters, including her stoic uncle Gregorio and the reserved but kind Bosio, as well as her friend Gianluca della Spina, whose unrequited love for her adds an element of tension and intrigue. The family dynamics and the looming threat of financial ruin for the Macomers create an atmosphere thick with desperation, ultimately setting the stage for the conflicts and decisions that will unfold throughout the novel.
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