Cara Speranza

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Amalia, a country girl who begins working as a servant in a new household. The book explores themes of love, hope, and societal expectations as Amalia, despite her humble background, harbors dreams of marrying her beloved soldier, the ''bersagliere,'' and finds herself navigating the complexities of life and relationships in her new environment. The opening of the novel introduces Amalia as she arrives for an interview to become a maid, highlighting her rustic nature and the cultural clash between her rural upbringing and the more refined world she is entering. Despite her lack of experience with household duties, she is determined to learn and expresses her unwavering love for her soldier, who is stationed abroad. As she settles into her role, her earnestness and hopes for the future shine through, but the narrative hints at the challenges she faces, including societal judgments and personal sacrifices, setting the stage for the emotional journey that follows.