Mastro Don Gesualdo by Giovanni Verga
The book is a poignant tale set in 19th-century Sicily, following the life of a self-made man who rises from peasant origins to wealth and status through hard work and marriage. Despite his success, he struggles with societal acceptance and personal fulfillment, as his newfound position brings neither the respect of the aristocracy nor the love of his wife. The narrative delves into themes of social mobility, the rigid class structures of Italian society, and the ultimate emptiness of material success without personal connections, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's tragic quest for recognition and happiness.
The 2342nd greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1889
- Nationality
- Italian
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 400-450
- Original Language
- Italian
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 3 lists:
- 1343rd on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)
- List of the 100 best Italian books of the last 200 years (IL RIFUGIO DELL'IRCOCERVO)