Jettatura

This novella intricately weaves themes of jealousy, fantasy, and fear as Paul d'Aspremont confronts local superstitions and his own insecurities regarding love and protection in Jettatura.

In the 1856 novella Jettatura, the renowned master of fantasy and the supernatural delves into the complexities of human emotion and the darker side of desire. The story follows Paul d'Aspremont, who travels to Naples to be with his fiancée, Alicia Ward. Upon his arrival, he is taken aback by Alicia's sudden pallor and the unsettling presence of Count Altavilla, an Italian suitor vying for her affection. As Paul grapples with his insecurities, he becomes increasingly convinced that he possesses the evil eye, a belief that spirals into a series of bizarre events fueled by local superstitions.

The narrative unfolds as Paul, plagued by jealousy and fear, seeks to protect Alicia from the perceived dangers surrounding them. The whispers and gestures of the locals only deepen his paranoia, leading him to consider extreme measures to safeguard her from what he believes to be malevolent forces. Jettatura presents a compelling exploration of the human psyche, revealing how love can intertwine with fear, jealousy, and obsession.

With its hauntingly surreal conclusion, Jettatura stands out as a brilliant and witty examination of man's innermost fantasies and fears. Celebrated as a neglected literary gem, this novella has been described by the Guardian as a 'post-modernist avant la lettre', inviting readers to reflect on the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.