Incantamento

More about the book

Lilian Eliot is a self-assured young woman in Boston, 1917, who prides herself on her clarity of thought and promptness in writing thank-you notes. With no significant misfortunes in her eighteen years, she seems destined for a prosperous life. However, her understanding of happiness is challenged when she encounters Walter Vail, an enlisted man who captivates her but then vanishes, leading her to believe she may never marry. Years later, she finds herself drawn to Gilbert Finch, a solitary Bostonian who offers a love she can comprehend. Just as she begins to envision a future with Gilbert, Walter reappears, complicating her choices. This narrative explores the life of a conventional girl with unconventional desires and the impact of her relationships with two very different men. Set against the backdrop of Beacon Hill, summers in Maine, and European travels between the world wars, Lilian's journey reflects the societal pressures surrounding marriage and the quest for personal fulfillment. Susan Minot crafts a rich portrayal of a woman grappling with her identity and the expectations imposed by her society, reminiscent of the works of Edith Wharton.