The Marchesa A Novel [Paperback]

From the award-winning and internationally acclaimed author ofThe Almond Pickercomes this sumptuous family saga set in nineteenth-century Sicily. Costanza Safamita is the beloved daughter of the Baron Domenico Safamita: Red-haired, gawky, and shy, she is considered an outsider by many on her family's estate. But when her adoring father makes her the sole heir to the Safamita fortune, she finds herself plunged into the glittering world of Palermo society, and into the arms of a depraved husband. As Costanza endures the travails of her marriage, she must also fight to preserve the family's household and way of life against the tide of revolution and change. Set against the fall of the Bourbon monarchy, and the rise of the mafia,The Marchesais a scintillating family drama, and a masterly fresco of a now vanished world.

SIMONETTA AGNELLO HORNBYwas born in Palermo and studied law in England, where she now lives. She is also the author ofThe Almond Picker.

Discussion Questions

1. Caterina immediately rejects the baby when she finds out it is a girl. Her rejection of Costanza is complete, and except for only brief flashes of affection, she is unable to feel anything but revulsion for her daughter. Why is a male child so vital for Caterina, yet not as important for Domenico? How does Caterina's situation compare with those of other modern day cultures where male children are preferred?

2. History is very important to the Safamitas and other members of the nobility. On p. 34-5, relatives of the Safamitas make underhanded comments about the disgraceful behavior of the House of Safamita during the Inquisition, almost as if it were something transpiring in the present. Why is history so important for the nobility? Is there a way in which they rely on history for their privileges? Do we have such an attitude in contemporary America? Why or why not?

3. Each chapter starts off with an epigram, a quote and a brief l3: