Sagittarius by Natalia Ginzburg

At long last she was playing the role she had always dreamt about, that of a mother, full of anxious solicitude, preparing to confide her daughter into the hands of a young man with good intentions, good prospects and a good character.

A domineering mother moves from a small town to the suburbs of a city with her daughter and son-in-law, yet soon grows restless with her new life. When she strikes up a friendship with the mysterious Scilla, her world suddenly seems rich with potential and before long, the pair are planning to open an art gallery together.

After a series of afternoons spent over coffee granitas in local bars, however, it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to Scilla than meets the eye. Class, in all its manifestations and aspirations, is at the heart of Sagittarius, as misplaced confidence and ambition gone awry leads inexorably towards the downfall of a family.

‘I’m utterly entranced by Ginzburg’s style – her mysterious directness, her salutary ability to lay things bare that never feels contrived or cold, only necessary, honest, clear.’ Maggie Nelson

‘Ginzburg gives us a new template for the female voice and an idea of what it might sound like.’ Rachel Cusk

Translated by Avril Bardoni.

Paperback
Publication: 25 May 2023, Daunt Books
ISBN: 9781914198564
Extent: 128 pages