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  Luigi Pirandello - A Short Story...

  Luigi Pirandello

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  Luigi Pirandello was born on 28th June 1867 into an upper-class family in Agrigento, in Sicily. 
   
  In 1880, the family moved to Palermo and there he completed high school and thence to the University of Palermo, at that time the centre of what became the Fasci Siciliani movement.  Although not an active member he had close friendships with many of its leading ideologists.  Pirandello then completed his university studies in Rome and Bonn, receiving his Doctorate in March, 1891. 
   
  His time in Rome had provided him with the opportunity to visit its many theatres. "Oh the dramatic theatre! I will conquer it. I cannot enter into one without experiencing a strange sensation, an excitement of the blood through all my veins..." 
   
  1894 brought marriage, at his father's suggestion, to a shy, withdrawn girl: Mara Antonietta Portulano.  The marriage encouraged his studies and writings and, the following year, the first part of the ‘Dialoghi tra Il Gran Me e Il Piccolo Me’ was published. 
   
  In 1903 the flooding of the sulphur mines in which his father had invested the family capital and Antonietta's dowry, brought financial catastrophe.  She, on hearing the news, was mentally broken.  Pirandello would now work a full day and then watch over his troubled wife at night. Somehow he found time to write ‘The Late Mattia Pascal’.  It was an immediate and resounding success.  
   
  In 1909, Pirandello began his collaboration with the prestigious Corriere della Sera.  Whilst his fame as a writer was increasing his private life was poisoned by the suspicion and jealousy of Antonietta who now turned physically violent.  His plays were now being regularly performed but, within a decade, Antonietta had to be placed into an asylum from which she never left. 
   
  In 1921, in Rome his play, ‘Six Characters in Search of an Author’ debuted.  It was a failure.  However, when presented in Milan it was a great success, as it also was in London and New York. 
   
  In 1925, Pirandello, with Mussolini’s help, assumed the artistic direction and ownership of the Teatro d'Arte di Roma.  He now described himself both as ‘a Fascist because I am Italian’ and ‘I'm apolitical, I'm only a man in the world...’  However his later conflicts with fascist leaders meant he fell under close surveillance by the OVRA, the secret police. 
   
  In 1934 he won the Nobel Prize but asked that the medal be melted down for Italy’s occupation of Abyssinia Campaign to which he had given his support.  
   
  Pirandello's canon stretches across novels, short stories, poetry, essays and some 40 plays.  His tragic farces are often cited as forerunners of the Theatre of the Absurd. 
   
  Luigi Pirandello died on the 10th December 1936 at his home at Via Bosio, Rome, Italy.  He was 69.

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  The Gold Seekers

  Vivian Stuart

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  The thirteenth book in the dramatic and intriguing story about the colonisation of Australia: a country made of blood, passion, and dreams.
   
  Against overwhelming odds they fought to tame a savage land, now they must fight to keep it.
  During the 1850s on a promise of fertile soil, the wilderness of Australia had been tamed by proud men and passionate women like the Broomes or Tempests. This first line of pioneers had worked the land for the betterment of the colony. But when gold was discovered in the rugged hills and desolate outback, a different type of pioneers made their way into the wilderness: The Gold seekers.

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  Warbow - Lord Edward's Archer...

  Griff Hosker

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  When justice is the target, Warbow's aim is true. 
   
  In an age where loyalty is as powerful as steel, Gerald Warbow finds himself entwined in a web of intrigue and valour. Held against his will in Westminster, Warbow is once again drawn into the shadows of royal service when he is tasked with escorting King Edward to Canterbury, disguised and vulnerable. As whispers of conspiracy swirl, danger lurks in the dark corners where assassins lie in wait. 
   
  While the king grapples with the forces aiming to exile his controversial companion, Piers Gaveston, Warbow’s own battles are just beginning. A message from the indomitable Lady Hawise ferch Owain ap Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn ignites his sense of honour, leading him to her besieged estate. There, amidst the echoes of a man's world, Warbow becomes her advocate, battling not just for her land but for her rightful place in history. 
   
  Set against the backdrop of medieval politics, Warbow intertwines themes of loyalty, love and the powerful struggles for women's rights that resonate through the ages. As Warbow and Lady Hawise forge an unbreakable bond, they challenge the ancient laws that threaten to bind her to a life of oppression. Together, they confront not only fierce enemies but also the very structures of a patriarchal society. 
   
  Experience a thrilling journey filled with heart-stopping conflict, cunning strategies, and unexpected romance. Will Warbow’s bravery and Hawise’s indomitable spirit rewrite their fate, or will the shadows of conspiracy extinguish their dreams? 
   
  Join them in this epic tale of courage and resilience, where every battle fought is not just for survival, but for justice and the liberation of the oppressed.

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  The Warwolf - A Peasant...

  Hermann Löns

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  The Thirty Years War, fought between 1618 and 1648, was a ruthless struggle for political and religious control of central Europe. Engulfing most of present-day Germany, the war claimed at least ten million lives. The lengthy conflict was particularly hard on the general population, as thousands of undisciplined mercenaries serving Sweden, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and various German principalities, robbed, murdered, and pillaged communities; disease spread out of control and starvation became commonplace. In The Warwolf, Hermann Löns's acclaimed historical novel, the tragedy and horrors of war in general, and these times in particular are revealed. The Warwolf, based on the author's careful research, traces the life of Harm Wulf, a land-owning peasant farmer of the northern German heath who realizes after witnessing the murder of neighbors and family at the hands of marauding troops that he has a choice between compromising his morals or succumbing to inevitable torture and death. Despite his desire for peace, Wulf decides to band with his fellow farmers and live like "wolves," fiercely protecting their isolated communities from all intruders. Löns's brilliant portrayal of the two sides faced by any person in a moral crisis—in Harm Wulf's case, whether to kill or be killed—continues to resonate.

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  Succession - The Australian...

  Michael J Beashel

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  In the late 19th century Sydney, a captivating drama involves amidst the cutthroat world of building barons, reminiscent of ‘Pillars of the Earth’ and Patricia Shaw’s ‘A Cross of Stars’. At its heart is the towering ambition of Leary Contracting entrusted with the monumental task of erecting Sydney’s tallest hotel the awe-inspiring Imperial.John Leary, a man of 55 years, leads his construction empire with an iron grip and is not alone in this endeavour. His two sons play pivotal roles in the family business, but it is his firstborn charismatic yet unpredictable Richard who basks in his father’s favour in stark contrast to Brendan, Richard’s half-brother who has the respect of Leary’s hard-working site men because he seems to have mortar running through his veins. As John tackles the colossal hotel project, he must navigate a labyrinth of bureaucratic red tape and withstand the relentless assault of his fiercest rival. The Imperial, a towering behemoth casts its shadow over the city while an array of tireless workers toils relentlessly to meet the unforgiving deadlines. Richard with his charm and capriciousness weds into high society dazzling the elite of 1885 Sydney while Brendan’s resilience shines when the demands of genuine love arise. John faces an agonising choice as he contemplates the future of Leary’s with only one of his sons fit to lead the family dynasty into the new century. It is only upon the completion of the Imperial that he makes his momentous decision.Succession stands as the third instalment in the Australian Sandstone Series; an evocative journey through the 19th century Sydney narrated from the gritty ground up.

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  Saving a Scoundrel

  Karla Kratovil

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  The death of a friend leads the cautious Eleanor Spencer to reevaluate her life. In a rare impulse, she kisses the man of her dreams—her best friend's older brother. The moment of madness gives her courage to take more chances. This spring, she will finally travel to London for the social season. All she needs is to compile a list of adventures to complete. At the top of her list? Kiss Lucius Grisham again . . . 
   
   
   
  Barely surviving since his father severed his funds, Lucius Grisham works two respectable jobs, and one decidedly disreputable job, just to keep up critical appearances. When Ellie becomes the target of a sordid bet made by his rakehell friends, Lucius must step in to protect his sister's friend. As he finds himself pulled into helping Ellie with her list of adventures, he is surprised to find his jaded heart tempted by the innocent beauty. But Ellie Spencer is far too good for a scoundrel like him. 
   
   
   
  Ellie will endanger both her heart and her virtue to make Lucius hers. Can Lucius become the man Ellie believes him to be? 
   
   
   
  Contains mature themes.

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