Return to Paradiso

«Return to Paradiso» — the second book of the trilogy about a small town in Lombardy and Graziella, who was born and raised in a small house that everyone calls «Paradiso». The world war is behind, Italy is gradually beginning to revive after the destruction and tragedies of the past, and the technical progress is rapidly encroaching on the remote Italian province ─ telephones and electrical appliances, household conveniences, all seem like unprecedented luxury to the inhabitants of «Paradiso». Graziella's life flows under the caring guardianship of her widowed mother and aunt, but she is already almost an adult girl. First love awakens sensuality in her and transforms her familiar world. The book tells about Graziella's coming of age: her first experiences of love and loss, the hopes and fears she faces on the threshold of adult life. Her personal story is closely intertwined with the sweeping changes in Italy, the weakening influence of the Catholic Church, and the emancipation of women.

The novel is filled with emotions — from tender childhood love to deep experiences and tragedies, a very emotionally rich book with an amazingly vibrant and charming heroine, for whose fate it is impossible not to be concerned.