A Siren

"A Siren" by Thomas Adolphus Trollope is a novel written in the late 19th century that unfolds during the Carnival season in the historical city of Ravenna. The story primarily revolves around the characters of the Marchese Lamberto di Castelmare, his nephew Ludovico, and the renowned singer Bianca Lalli, as they navigate the excitement and tumultuous emotions during the final night of revelry before Lent. Themes of jealousy, desire, and societal expectations are likely to be central as the characters encounter each other amidst the festivities. At the start of the novel, the vibrant atmosphere of the Carnival is vividly depicted, emphasizing how the celebration intensifies towards its end. Ludovico and Bianca enjoy the night together while the Marchese Lamberto, witnessing their connection, grapples with feelings of jealousy and unrequited love for Bianca. As Ludovico proposes an excursion to the nearby Pineta forest for the following morning, setting the stage for possible complications, a sense of tension builds between the characters. Father Fabiano, a local monk, observes the emotional turbulence surrounding the younger generations, hinting at the deeper ramifications of their romantic entanglements. Overall, the opening chapters establish a rich backdrop and complex character dynamics that promise to lead to dramatic developments. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Adolphus Trollope was an English writer who was the author of more than 60 books. He lived most of his life in Italy creating a renowned villa in Florence with his first wife, Theodosia, and later another centre of British society in Rome with his second wife, the novelist Frances Eleanor Trollope. His mother, brother and both wives were known as writers. He was awarded the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus by Victor Emmanuel II of Italy.