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The Road to the City

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( 2,842 ratings, 354 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Road to the City by Natalia Ginzburg is a compelling exploration of self-discovery and family dynamics. Set against the backdrop of a small Italian town, it follows a young woman's journey as she navigates the complexities of adulthood and personal desires. As she struggles with societal expectations and her own ambitions, the narrative delves into themes of individuality and the yearning for a life beyond the confines of her immediate environment.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2600
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to character-driven narratives set against the backdrop of Italian life. The story explores themes of youth, love, and the quest for identity, capturing the challenges and transformations experienced in the transition to adulthood. With its vivid portrayal of emotions and intimate insights, it offers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of personal and familial relationships.

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The Road to the City

'If Ferrante is a friend, Ginzburg is a mentor.' - Guardian

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Delia is one of five children, growing up in a poor Italian village. She is 17 and dreams of marrying a rich man; she dreams of a grand apartment in the city and silk stockings. To escape her father's neglect and her mother's sadness, she begins to take the dusty road to the city every day, accompanied by Nini, her sweet and mysterious cousin.

When Nini takes a job in a factory and moves in with a city woman, Delia sees another way of being. But when she discovers she's pregnant, she agrees to marry the father, seduced by the promise of wealth and comfort. Nothing, not even Nini's desperate declaration of love, can stop her - but her rejection will be his undoing.

The Road to the City is a short, poignant novel about the dreams of youth and the cruelty it takes to make them come true.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Road to the City by Natalia Ginzburg is often praised for its evocative examination of small-town life and the nuanced portrayal of its characters. Reviewers highlight Ginzburg's ability to capture the emotional complexities of young women yearning for escape and independence. The novel's subtle yet profound exploration of themes like ambition, identity, and societal expectation resonates deeply with readers, making it a timeless piece of literature.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781911547624

Publisher: Daunt Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 May 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Daunt Books

Contributors:

  • Translated by Frances Frenaye

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Weight: 0g

Pages: 104

About the Author

Natalia Ginzburg (1916-1991) was born in Palermo, Sicily. She wrote dozens of books including the essay collection The Little Virtues, and the novels Happiness, as Such, Voices in the Evening and the Strega Prize-winning Family Lexicon, all published by Daunt Books. She was involved in political activism throughout her life and served in the Italian parliament from 1983 to 1987

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