Arturo's Island

Arturo's Island, a novel by esteemed Italian writer Elsa Morante, has been revitalized through Ann Goldstein's translation, showcasing its significance in world literature. Set on the secluded Neapolitan island of Procida, it follows the life of adolescent Arturo, who navigates the challenges of isolation and longing in the absence of his mother and often indifferent father, accompanied only by his dog. The arrival of his father's stunning young bride, Nunziatella, disrupts his tranquil existence, setting the stage for themes of desire and familial tension that resonate throughout the narrative.