THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

by Elizabeth Spencer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 21, 1960

In Italy, any ""dream will rise and walk again"", and it is in Florence that Margaret Johnson's long stilled hope of happiness for her daughter Clara, whose pretty face hides a ten year old mentality (a childhood injury) is viable again. Lulled by the strangeness, the sensuousness, the beauty of the city, Margaret is at first immobilized by the ""drift of days"" and permits Clara's casual friendship with the reasonably wellborn, wealthy Fabrizio- to whom her retardation is not apparent. After a shortlived attempt to intercept the courtship, Margaret accepts, and then encourages the once unthinkable, impossible idea of marriage for Clara. There is a certain sea change of perspective- here Clara's sweetness and gentleness have a higher value. With the plans for the marriage formalized, there is a sudden, frightening interruption (Fabrizio's father), but Margaret, committed to the deception she has sanctioned by default, now is prepared to protect it with a lagniappe... A novella, no more, is rueful, subtle and bittersweet and Elizabeth Spencer (The Voice at the Back Door) is a writer of particular discretion. Still, there are, afterthoughts- for the reader- in a situation which is slurred over and presumes on one's indulgence.

Pub Date: Nov. 21, 1960

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1960

Categories: FICTION