Elsa Morante

Elsa Morante was an influential Italian novelist, short story writer, and poet, born on August 18, 1912, in Rome, and died on November 25, 1985. She is best known for her novel 'La Storia' (History), which depicts the story of a woman and her son in Rome during and after World War II. Morante's work is characterized by its narrative depth, psychological insight, and vivid portrayal of characters, often focusing on themes of childhood, love, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. Her other notable works include 'House of Liars' and 'Arturo's Island', which won the prestigious Strega Prize.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. History

    Cover of 'History' by Elsa Morante

    "History" is a novel set in Rome during World War II and the post-war period, focusing on the life of a widowed schoolteacher and her young son. The narrative explores the struggles of the impoverished family against the backdrop of war, including the Nazi occupation of Rome, the Allied bombing, and the rise of Fascism. The book also delves into the themes of love, loss, and survival, offering a poignant depiction of the human condition.

  2. 2. Arturo's Island

    Cover of 'Arturo's Island' by Elsa Morante

    This novel unfolds on a remote island in the Gulf of Naples, where the young protagonist, Arturo, lives a solitary life steeped in the wild beauty of his surroundings. His existence is dramatically transformed with the arrival of his father's new wife, igniting a complex web of emotions and a tumultuous journey of self-discovery. Through Arturo's eyes, the narrative explores themes of isolation, the search for identity, and the painful awakening to the realities of adulthood, set against the backdrop of a rugged island landscape that mirrors the turbulent inner world of its inhabitants. The story is a poignant exploration of the bonds that tie us to our families and the inevitable loss of innocence, rendered with a lyrical intensity that captures the essence of youth and the stark beauty of the natural world.