La Fiammetta   By: Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375)

La Fiammetta by Giovanni Boccaccio is a captivating and beautifully written piece of literature. Set in fourteenth-century Florence, this novella follows the passionate and tumultuous love affair between the narrator and the titular character, La Fiammetta.

Boccaccio, known for his wit and narrative skills, showcases his mastery once again in this work. The story is narrated from a first-person perspective, which adds a personal touch and allows readers to dive into the complex emotions and inner thoughts of the characters.

One of the notable aspects of La Fiammetta is the vivid and detailed description of Florence. Boccaccio paints a picture of a vibrant city, capturing its sights, sounds, and customs with remarkable clarity. Through his writing, the author transports readers to another time and place, immersing them in the magic and beauty of medieval Florence.

The central theme of the novella is love, and Boccaccio delves deep into its many facets. The narrator's infatuation with La Fiammetta is portrayed with both tenderness and intensity, as he experiences the highs and lows of desire. The author skillfully portrays the turbulence of youthful love, as well as the obstacles and societal constraints that can impede such a relationship.

Furthermore, Boccaccio excels at developing his characters. La Fiammetta is a captivating figure; she is intelligent, self-assured, and passionate, captivating both the narrator and readers alike. Her complexity adds depth to the story, making her much more than just a love interest.

In addition to the romantic narrative, Boccaccio also explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and societal expectations. Through the eyes of the narrator, readers are exposed to the complexities of human emotions and the challenges of maintaining a relationship in a society that imposes strict norms.

Although lauded as a writer of humorous and often bawdy tales, Boccaccio shows a different side in La Fiammetta. The novella showcases his ability to delve into the depths of human emotions, highlighting his versatility and mastery of the written word.

In conclusion, La Fiammetta is a captivating and insightful novella that explores the intricacies of love, desire, and societal expectations. Boccaccio's skillful narrative style, vivid descriptions, and multi-dimensional characters make this work a true masterpiece of Italian literature. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, romance, or simply appreciate well-crafted storytelling, this book is definitely worth a read.

First Page:

Youth, beauty, and love, wit, gayety and laughter, are the component parts of the delightful picture conjured up by the mere name of Giovanni Boccaccio, the prince of story tellers for all generations of men. This creator of a real literary epoch was born in Paris, in 1313, (in the eleventh year of Dante's exile), of an Italian father and a French woman of good family. His father was a merchant of Florence, whither he returned with his son when the child was seven years old. The boy received some education, but was placed in a counting house when he was only thirteen, and at seventeen he was sent by his father to Naples to enter another commercial establishment. But he disliked commerce, and finally persuaded his father to allow him to study law for two years at the University of Naples, during which period the lively and attractive youth made brisk use of his leisure time in that gay and romantic city, where he made his way into the highest circles of society, and unconsciously gleaned the material for the rich harvest of song and story that came with his later years. At this time he was present at the coronation of the poet Petrarch in the Capitol, and was fired with admiration for the second greatest poet of that day... Continue reading book >>