
A lively Venetian household prepares for a grand New‑Year’s Eve soirée, and the pressure to extend the proper invitation falls on the quarrelsome yet affectionate couple, Livia and Raimondo. Their exchange reveals a world of rigid social codes, family pride, and the delicate art of “who invites whom,” all set against the glittering backdrop of a first‑class hotel on the lagoon. As they scramble to include the distinguished Cantelli family and a host of other acquaintances, the dialogue crackles with humor and the subtle power struggles that define their marriage.
The narrative unfolds through witty repartee and a cast of colorful characters whose names and titles hint at hidden ambitions and old debts. Listeners will be drawn into the charming chaos of arranging a perfect celebration, where every guest count matters and the line between hospitality and obligation blurs, promising a delightful portrait of Venetian society on the cusp of a new year.
Language
it
Duration
~8 hours (491K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2011-12-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1836–1908
A lively figure in 19th-century Italian culture, he moved from legal studies into journalism and fiction, and also took part in the patriotic campaigns of his time. His long career joined public life, storytelling, and literary teaching in a way that made him a recognizable voice in post-unification Italy.
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