Description: "In this seminal work, Barolini tells the story of Frances Molletone grappling with her ethnic heritage as she falls in love with a married man. When it first appeared, this novel was highly acclaimed in Italy. Now, it once again speaks to us of romantic love and conflicted longing in the aftermath of war."--Christine Lehner.
Brief description: Helen Barolini is the author of twelve books (including CROSSING THE ALPS, MORE ITALIAN HOURS & OTHER STORIES, and CHIAROSCURO: ESSAYS OF IDENTITY) and many stories that have appeared in literary reviews, anthologies, and collections including the annual Best American Essays. In 2008 the Italian edition of her novel Umbertina was awarded the Pemio Acerbi for literature.