Graziella

This novel-cum-memoir captures a Frenchman's erotic awakening in Italy, exploring love and loss through the lens of a Romantic writer's experiences.

In its first modern translation, Graziella is a captivating blend of novel and memoir that explores the erotic awakening of a Frenchman in Italy, penned by a distinguished Romantic writer. The narrative unfolds in 1812, when Alphonse de Lamartine, a young man of privilege, embarks on a journey through southern Italy. While in Naples, he encounters a young woman working in a cigar factory, igniting a passionate romance that will haunt him for the rest of his life. This lost love, whom he refers to as Graziella, becomes a central figure in his poetry and memoirs, deeply influencing his artistic endeavors.

The story begins with the narrator reflecting on his youth, entrusted to a relative in Tuscany. As he navigates the complexities of love and desire amidst the breathtaking Italian landscape, Graziella emerges as a poignant bildungsroman. It captures the essence of a young man's journey of self-discovery, revealing the delicate balance between inspiration and elusiveness in the pursuit of artistic expression.

Renowned for its introspective prose and evocative portrayal of the Italian countryside, Graziella stands as a timeless exploration of love, youth, and the bittersweet nature of artistic longing. Through its exploration of remorse and idealism, the novel invites readers to reflect on the transformative power of love and the enduring impact of lost connections.