The Actress

Matt Turtledove

Summary

The story takes place in 1920s Rome and centers on Gabriele D’Annunzio, the famous poet and man of the world, caught in a web of love and adventure. The tale begins with his relationship with Eleonora, a fascinating and ambiguous woman whose tenderness contrasts with a past marked by harshness toward other men. The relationship soon becomes complicated by the arrival of Adriana Andreani, a young film actress who captures the poet’s interest.The climax of the story comes with the kidnapping of Adriana — who is revealed to be Aurora Andreani — an event that draws D’Annunzio into a mission to rescue her from the brute Giorgio Damiani, an actor and criminal obsessed with the young woman. Through psychological deductions, pursuits, and clever ruses, D’Annunzio discovers Aurora’s prison and, with Eleonora’s help, manages to free her. However, the final twist reveals that Aurora was not a victim, but a willing accomplice in love with Damiani, adding yet another layer of ambiguity to the plot.In parallel, the story deepens the relationship between D’Annunzio and Eleonora, whose love evolves amid jealousy, passion, and reflections on desire and human nature.

Available since: 06/04/2025.

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