A Lady's Tour in Corsica, Vol. 1 (of 2)

A keen‑eyed visitor sets out to chart the little‑known island of Corsica, offering a lively antidote to the familiar tales of endless brigands, deadly snakes and perpetual savagery. With gentle humor she explains how the island’s proud, reticent locals balance a fierce independence with a courteous welcome to courteous strangers. Her observations draw a line between the rugged, unspoiled countryside and the more cosmopolitan attitudes of the island’s small gentry, who now champion railways and commerce while denying the old vendetta myths. By the end of the opening chapters the reader already feels the contrast between untouched mountain retreats and bustling harbor towns.

The narrative moves through vivid sketches of places such as the bustling port of Bastia, the dramatic Grotto of Brando, the historic town of Ajaccio and even Napoleon’s birthplace. She recounts encounters with street children, the customs of local festivals, and the stark yet fascinating life of a bandit‑hideaway village. Throughout, practical notes on travel, scenery and everyday customs make the journey feel both informative and warmly personal.