Le Strade: Short Stories

Written during the 1920s, when the author was in her 50's, the short pieces in this collection are sketches of the women and men that Ada Negri met or observed during her travels around Italy and Switzerland. After her beloved daughter Bianca married and Negri's own marriage had broken down, the writer began a life of wandering that led to a stay of several years on Capri and extended visits to Lago Maggiore and the northern Italian countryside. As we travel with Negri, we meet waitresses and tourists, bohemians and noblemen, office clerks and builders, servants and celebrities. As always, Negri is focused on class distinctions, women's interactions, and the domestic sphere. As she travels and sees the different ways others live, Negri expresses her forever-unfullfilled longing to find a place to settle down and belong. These stories give the reader a unique glimpse into the lives of early 20th century Italians from all walks of life. Translated into crisp and evocative English, this collection will bring new readers to an appreciation of Ada Negri and will inspire a new generation of Negri enthusiasts.