Through Franca's Eyes. Diary of the Florios' Decline

Franca Iacona di San giuliano is a lucky girl: she has married the city’s most eligible and wealthiest bachelor, perhaps even Italy’s. Heir to an immense fortune, a man of great charm and style, Ignazio throws himself headlong into business ventures and clandestine affairs. But young Franca does not remain in the shadows: she is a Florio now. Beautiful, intelligent, and the undisputed queen of taste and refinement, she is the social star of every event. Her supposed friends envy her, and every glance gives rise to gossip, but she knows full well that they would all give anything to be in her place. Always on the front lines welcoming kings, princes, tsars, and kaisers, an intimate friend of artists, intellectuals, and writers, a noble soul always willing to help those in need, and an understanding, loving wife, she will nevertheless have a rather troubled life. Money, success, and jewels will not compensate her for the profound sorrows that no mother could ever accept, and the slow economic decline of the empire inherited by her husband will accompany her toward an inevitable yet dignified end.