Benedetta Geddes and Caterina Perrone co-hosted a reading of their novel, Biografia di un amore dell’ottocento at the lastest Palazzi Community Center book presentation series. The presentation was conducted by Evelyne Arrighi, with readings by Giovanni Vannucchi.

The novel follows Bianca, a young woman living in 18th century Florentine society, and Corraddo Tommasi Crudeli, a doctor, scientist and freemason– and leading figure during the Italian Risorgimento. Their relationship was kept secret and survived through four hundred letters written over the span of three years, traveling between Tuscany, Liguria and Sicily. Their love defied the traditional social norms of the time period, holding secret meetings and exchanging letters until their marriage and Bianca’s death. With the plot set in the background of 18th century Italian unification, Bianca and Corraddo’s love unfolds amidst a national discussion of the future of Italy. As a love that grows in tandem with a young and emerging Italy itself, Bianca and Corraddo must forge their relationship amongst patriots and parliamentarians, a Florentine capital, and an emerging economy of Europe. 

Biografia di un amore dell’ottocento is inspired by a true story. As the great-granddaughter of Bianca, Geddes was motivated to write the novel following a discovery of many letters from her ancestors.

“[Geddes] asked me to write this book with her,” Perrone said. “She found letters of her ancestors, from one hundred and seventy years ago, and she was so passionate, enthusiastic about these letters that she wanted to write a story and she asked me if I would help her.”

Geddes and Perrone felt it was important to depict the plot during Italian unification not only because of Geddes’ letters, but also because the unification is an important part of the nation’s history. As a new and secret romance set in the backdrop of a developing Italy, readers may find parallels between the emergence of Bianca and Corraddo’s relationship and the growth of an Italian national identity. Florence’s role within the Italian unification also serves as important historical context for the novel. As a city with growing economic and political influence, Florence was temporarily the capital of Italy in the unification’s earliest years. 

“It’s a very important moment for Italy,” Perrone said. “Because for all of Europe, Italy was still not united… then they conquered Austria and formed this union of Italy. Florence became, for a period, the capital of Italy. It’s important because this moment is a moment they say is very interesting.” 

Geddes and Perrone wanted to write a romance novel because of the letters discovered by Geddes as well as their personal interest in the genre.

“I very much like these kinds of stories,” Perrone said. “It’s interesting because whoever reads it comes out as a very imaginative person, imagining realities that do not come to fruition. It’s not just facts, dates. A romance is very engaging, it’s a story. It involves so much more.”

Perrone also feels that it is important for young people to have representation of a love that predates social media and technology. Bianca and Corraddo’s method of communication through the letters is reminiscent of a growing popularity among younger generations to return to analog media as a means of personal creativity and self-expression.

Ultimately, Bianca and Corraddo’s relationship and the letters they write are a timeless example of love and its ability to transcend boundaries. Their relationship grows amongst an emerging Italian national identity as Florence plays a vital role in the unification. 

The next book reading, Letture in Giardino: Cleopatra, Coco e le Altre will take place at the Palazzi Community Center Tuesday December 2. Sign up to attend using the link below!