James Payn / Laurence Oliphant / W. E. Norris
Librería Samer Atenea
Kálamo Books
Librería Elías (Asturias)
Librería Kolima (Madrid)
Librería Proteo (Málaga)
Stories by English authors: Italy (Selected by Scribners) presents a collection of short narratives shaped by the impressions of travelers and observers who explore the textures of Italian life through varied perspectives. The opening story introduces a reflection on youthful companionship marked by impulsive decisions and the early allure of risk. Recalling a formative visit to a lively racecourse, the narrator describes how curiosity and inexperience lead to entanglement with deceit and misplaced trust. A brief encounter with a dishonest figure results in an unexpected gain that quickly fuels overconfidence, setting the stage for a deeper downfall when a trusted attendant seizes the moment for betrayal. These events reveal the vulnerability that arises when innocence collides with temptation, underscoring the fragile balance between guidance and misjudgment. Through its depiction of misadventure, the narrative suggests an unfolding journey of reflection, responsibility, and the gradual understanding of consequences. Set against an Italian atmosphere that blends beauty with bustling unpredictability, the collection hints at broader moral insights woven into everyday experiences.
