Subject
Russians -- Italy -- Fiction Books
Best books
Elinor Glyn
The Point of View
"The Point of View" by Elinor Glyn is a novel set in the early 20th century, likely written during the height of the Edwardian era. The story revolves around Stella Rawson, a young woman who finds herself caught between the stifling expectations of her life in a conservative English cathedral town and the exhilarating allure of a fashionable, romantic encounter in Rome. As she dines with her uncle and aunt at the Grand Hotel, Stella's life is forever altered when she meets the intriguing Count Sasha Roumovski, who represents both a new world of possibilities and a stark contrast to her current engagement to the dull Bishop’s junior chaplain, Eustace Medlicott. The opening of the novel introduces Stella and her relatives as they navigate the social complexities of their surroundings. As Stella becomes enchanted by the foreigner’s unique appearance and demeanor, she starts to question the life mapped out for her. Through her interactions with the Count, Glyn skillfully portrays Stella's internal conflict as she grapples with her feelings of duty versus the desire for independence and passion. The allure of Roumovski juxtaposed with the constraints represented by her fiancé sets the stage for a story rich in romance and self-discovery, capturing the tension of exploring one's identity within the confines of societal expectations.
L. F. (Liubov Fedorovna) Dostoevskaia
The Emigrant
"The Emigrant" by L. F. Dostoevskaia is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Irene Mstinskaia, a Russian woman who, disillusioned by her homeland and its society, seeks solace in Italy. As she navigates her new life in Rome—the city that both captivates and disappoints her—she grapples with themes of identity, faith, and existential despair. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Irene as she sits in the picturesque Monte Pincio garden, struggling to focus on a book while being enraptured by the beauty of Rome. Her past is filled with loss and isolation, stemming from a superficial upbringing under her scientist father, leaving her lonely but idealistic. She fantasizes about the perfect love and life that she believes exists abroad, reflecting on her feelings of contempt for Russian society. The opening chapters delve into her psychological struggles and introduce her complex relationship with faith—setting the stage for her eventual exploration of Catholicism through a meaningful encounter with Père Etienne, a priest who profoundly impacts her search for peace.
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