La Disfatta

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a delicate group of characters, including the contessa Ginevra, the doctor Ambrosi, and the fragile Bice, as they navigate themes of love, suffering, and the challenges of social expectations. The interpersonal dynamics suggest a rich exploration of human emotions against the backdrop of societal norms. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is set in a melancholic social gathering where the doctor discusses the ill health of a young woman named Bice. As the evening unfolds, tensions arise surrounding Bice's emotional struggles with love and her frail condition. The interactions reveal complex relationships, particularly the attention of the doctor towards Bice's well-being and hints of her affection for the young lieutenant Lamberto. The opening establishes a sense of foreboding regarding Bice's fate, intertwined with a broader commentary on the nature of human connection and the societal pressures that shape their experiences.