La Testa Della Vipera

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds against a backdrop of social intrigue, focusing primarily on the troubled life of Lorenzo Lograve, a man grappling with the consequences of his gambling addiction and a complex relationship with his wife, Luisa, and his manipulative governess, Marianna. The opening of the novel introduces us to a tense moment where Lorenzo is engrossed in a late-night card game, unaware of the catastrophic state of affairs awaiting him at home. A servant announces that a woman is desperately seeking him, revealing that his wife is gravely ill. The narrative quickly transitions from the smoky atmosphere of the club to the ominous silence of his home, where Lorenzo's indifference ultimately culminates in tragedy. This early section sets the stage for a deeply emotional exploration of loss, guilt, and the impact of selfish choices, hinting at the dark and turbulent journey ahead for the characters involved.