The Silent Duchess by Dacia Maraini
This novel is a poignant exploration of the life of an 18th-century Sicilian noblewoman, born into privilege yet silenced by a congenital disability. Through her eyes, readers experience the constraints and expectations placed on women of her time, navigating a world where her voice is metaphorically and literally stifed. Despite the limitations imposed by her society and her own family, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and defiance, seeking love, intellectual fulfillment, and a sense of identity within the opulent yet oppressive confines of her aristocratic life. The narrative delves into themes of power, gender, and the quest for personal freedom, painting a vivid picture of historical Sicily and the resilience of the human spirit.
The 5557th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1990
- Nationality
- Italian
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- 280-320
- Words
- Unknown
- Original Language
- Italian
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This book is on the following lists:
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)