Tales of My Native Town

"Tales of My Native Town" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a collection of short stories that was likely written in the early 20th century. Set in the picturesque town of Pescara, it immerses readers in the local culture, blending elements of realism and fantastic occurrences. The narratives often explore themes of passion, heroism, and tragedy through the lives of the characters, such as the titular Turlendana and other vivid personalities that populate the stories. At the start of the book, we encounter a vibrant celebration in Mascalico, where the townsfolk are honoring their Patron Saint, Gonselvo. Amidst the festivities, L’Ummalido suffers a terrible injury while helping to carry the statue of the saint, symbolizing the sacrifices of the community. As his companions argue over his position after the accident, L’Ummalido’s determination to fulfill his duty reflects the profound connection between the individuals and their cultural traditions. This opening scene not only sets the tone for the book's exploration of local life but also introduces the reader to the mixture of beauty and raw humanity that D'Annunzio captures in his tales. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

General Gabriele D'Annunzio, Prince of Montenevoso, sometimes written d'Annunzio as he used to sign himself, was an Italian poet, playwright, orator, journalist, aristocrat, and Royal Italian Army officer during World War I. He occupied a prominent place in Italian literature from 1889 to 1910 and in its political life from 1914 to 1924. He was often referred to by the epithets il Vate and il Profeta.