Alba de Céspedes was a writer whose experiences fueled a literary exploration of the human condition. Her works delve into the complexities of relationships and the inner lives of characters, often confronting themes of freedom and societal oppression. De Céspedes's fearless critique of political regimes led to censorship and imprisonment, lending her writing a potent, authentic voice. Her distinctive style offers profound psychological insight, revealing truths about human nature.
Valeria Cossati never suspected how unhappy she had become with the shabby gentility of her bourgeois life, until she begins to jot down her thoughts and feelings in a little black book she keeps hidden in a closet. This new secret activity leads her to scrutinize herself and her life more closely
Set in fascist Rome, this novel explores the intense emotional turmoil of a woman who finds herself compelled to commit murder against the man she loves. The story delves into themes of passion, betrayal, and the moral complexities of love in a politically charged environment, offering a gripping narrative that examines the darker sides of human relationships.