From Library Journal
Italian author Deledda left over 60 works when she died in 1936, shortly after this novel was published. Though the prolific author won the Nobel prize in 1926, she was largely unrecognized in her homeland. This work is the story of Maria Concezione, a Sardinian seamstress who, at 28, undergoes surgery for breast cancer, the disease that killed the author. It is the beginning of the 20th century, and Concezione lives with her mother, Maria Giustina. After her diagnosis, Concezione eschews thoughts of marriage and a future and resigns herself to tending the small church built by her grandfather to atone for his sins. The story reads like a fairy tale, though one turned on its head. Instead of our "princess" being rescued from her fate, she transforms the young men who are suddenly thrust upon her as suitable husbands. But can she turn her back on Aroldo, the young laborer with big dreams for whom she does have feelings? This tale of faith and strength in the face of illness is beautiful. Though written more than 65 years ago, it is still timely, with its portrayal of a woman who lays blame for her disease on her past and her wavering devotion. Recommended for academic and large public libraries. - Bette-Lee Fox, "Library Journal"
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
A translation of Grazia Deledda's first novel, an autobiographically based portrayal if an Italian woman coming to terms with breast cancer at the cusp of the twentieth century.
--Ce texte provient d'une édition qui n'est plus publiée ou qui est non diponible.