this was kind of dullsville for me but who knows you might like it. ( )

2.5 Still conflicted on this one. Loved the retro cover and the era it evokes, but the reality of post-war Europe, specifically romantic Italy, was less endearing. Whoever thought morals became loose in recent years needs to look at Europe in the 40s, according to this tale. First published in 1976, the book definitely presents challenges to a woke feminist sensibility. The writing is reminiscent of Hemingway in its outlook and sparse, unemotional prose and definitely has a chauvinistic view of women, who are referred to more than once as "prey." The premise is the itinerant sailing lifestyle of the narrator (unnamed), a 30 year old war refugee, who is spending a summer sailing around the ports of a beautiful resort-y Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. He seems to have a "girl" in every port who is willing to sail with him for a short time without serious romantic entanglements. It's like a nautical series of one-night stands. Until he docks in Oggebbio and makes the acquaintance of Mario Orimbelli, a 40-year old war veteran and essentially a dirty old man. Orimbelli invites him to be a guest at his villa (hence, the Bishop's Bedroom - a dead relative on his wife's side), where he meets the cold, shrewish Signora and her voluptuous niece Mathilde who is a war widow. Orimbelli invites himself along on the sailing conquests, adding his own affairs to the mix, and often seducing the narrator's women as well. This rankles after awhile (for the reader too) and the friendship is a bit strained, although the narrator is easy-going to a fault. Mathilde gets involved in the mix when she accompanies the two men and Orimbelli's true character is thoroughly exposed. When a tragedy calls them all back to the villa, enough doubt has been sown to tarnish all the relationships, and things take a strange triangular turn. The writing is masterful and no doubt a product of the time, but it didn't necessarily make it easier (or enjoyable) to read. On the plus side, it is a short read, so wasn't a huge investment of time or energy. ( )

This is a delightful novel that transported me to Lake Maggiore, a place I probably will never see but must be beautiful. Two new friends sail the lake and develop their relationship. Love leads to murder and suicide. ( )

Originally published in 1976, this new English translation of Piero Chiara's classic Italian novel is very welcome.

In post-war Italy, an unnamed sailor finds himself caught up with the enigmatic residents of a villa on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Mario Orimbelli, his wife, and sister-in-law Matilde live a slightly sinister existence, and as the narrator finds himself on his boat with first Orimbelli, and then Matilde, sexual couplings aplenty take place, and intrigue is never far away. There are dark secrets from the recently-ended WW2, and family skeletons in the closet to emerge. When one of the main protagonists is found dead, who (if anyone) is to blame?

With clear affiliation to the likes of Patricia Highsmith, this is an intriguing and lyrical study of desire, trust and family secrets. I'm very glad that Chiara's work will get a wider audience. Definitely recommended. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because this is an author that deserves to be read. ( )