A Light In The Piazza by Elizabeth Spencer, is a charming novella full of soft Italian days. That she wrote it while enduring a 1958 Montreal snowstorm is surprising, but may have contributed to the dreamy quality.
Margaret Johnson is accepting that her 26 year old daughter Clara is not like other girls, having suffered an injury that left her with the mentality of a ten year old. On a Summer trip to Florence, she is her protector and caregiver, thinking one step ahead of Clara's impetuousness. It's not surprising to Margaret that young Fabrizio would meet them in the piazza, perhaps he is a local lothario, but when Clara responds and they begin dating, well, it will have to be stopped. His family speaks no English but welcome the charming Clara, and are heartbroken to think she will not stay in Italy. Despite her best efforts to halt the romance or at least hint at Clara's condition, Margaret begins thinking why not? Perhaps Clara can have the love and marriage she desires.
Having read too many ill-fated American abroad romances, I was prepared for some tragedy and it was quite near the end that I realized, along with Margaret, it's the limits placed upon people that impede their journey. Everything can be possible with love and support.
Really charming.
This was filmed in 1962 starring Olivia DeHavilland and George Hamilton at his suavest.
1958 / Tradeback / 239 pages (including other Italian tales)
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