This novel of 19th-century Italy is stunning not only in its historical and psychological truth, but also in the sheer sensual beauty of Lampedusa's narrative. Of course, credit should be duly awarded to translator Archibald Colquhoun, although I'm sure he would convey most of it back to the original author. Of particular note is Lampedusa's infrequent (yet very affecting) use of distant "flash-forwards" -- never do you appreciate the fictive dream more than when it is jarringly interrupted.

Harold Check