
audiobook
by Christabel R. (Christabel Rose) Coleridge
Part 1, Chapter I. - Hugh’s Story.
Part 1, Chapter II. - Violante.
Part 1, Chapter III. - Mr Spencer Crichton.
Part 1, Chapter IV. - The Singing-Class.
Part 1, Chapter V. - The Mattei Family.
Part 1, Chapter VI. - Il Don Giovanni.
Part 1, Chapter VII. - Brotherly Counsel.
Part 1, Chapter VIII. - White Flowers.
Part 2, Chapter IX. - Contrasts.
Part 2, Chapter X. - The Time of Roses.
The sun drenches the Italian town of Civita Bella in a rare, almost tangible brilliance, turning ordinary stone and brick into a kaleidoscope of unexpected colors. An aging ducal palace, now sliced into modest flats, still holds the echo of its former grandeur: a spacious room with inlaid floors, a towering ceiling, and a lone grand piano that seems to wait for a touch. Through faded Venetian blinds, the town’s vibrant streets and playful children appear as a living tableau, inviting anyone who steps inside to feel both the weight of history and the promise of new stories.
Within this sun‑lit setting, a shy young woman named Violante prepares for a modest performance, her simple peasant costume brightened by rose‑colored silk and hopeful ribbons. Guided by a seasoned Italian matron and a kindly companion, she rehearses under the watchful eyes of a community that cherishes song and camaraderie. As the melody of her voice mingles with the town’s lively ambience, a quiet yearning begins to stir, hinting at connections that may blossom amid the lingering whispers of the old palace’s past.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (676K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2013-07-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1843–1921
A Victorian novelist and magazine editor from the Coleridge literary family, she wrote fiction for adults and young readers while helping shape reading for girls. Her work often blends storytelling with the moral and religious concerns of her time.
View all books
by Christabel R. (Christabel Rose) Coleridge

by Christabel R. (Christabel Rose) Coleridge

by Christabel R. (Christabel Rose) Coleridge

by Christabel R. (Christabel Rose) Coleridge

by Christabel R. (Christabel Rose) Coleridge

by Christabel R. (Christabel Rose) Coleridge

by Vinceslas-Eugène Dick

by Philippe Aubert de Gaspé