Parthenope

The narrative spans over seven decades, beginning with Parthenope’s 1950 birth and following her life through the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and into the 2020s. It moves from postwar Naples and Capri’s vibrant scenes to the northern Italian academic world in Trento. The timeline emphasizes cultural shifts in southern Italy and the persistence of tradition across generations.

The story unfolds across Naples’ coast and nearby Capri, with later scenes in the northern city of Trento. It opens in the waters of Posillipo as Parthenope is born into wealth, then traces her life through Naples’ urban landscapes and Capri’s cliffside allure. The settings reveal a society split by privilege, art, and the shadow of organized crime.

❤️ Love

Romantic and familial desire drives the plot, shaping loyalties and betrayals. Parthenope becomes entwined with Sandrino while Raimondo clings to her, fueling a dangerous triangle. The story’s passions lead to tragedy, including Raimondo’s suicide and the fraught consequences of desire.

🧭 Identity

Parthenope’s growth as a thinker and as a woman unfolds against Naples’ rigid social codes. Her scholarly pursuits confront cultural expectations, miracles, and the allure of a life on stage. Across decades she negotiates belonging, exile, and a return to her roots.

⚖️ Power

Wealth, prestige, and criminal networks shape the Di Sangro household and Capri’s social scene. The Camorra’s shadow and Mafioso figures intersect with Parthenope’s personal choices, testing her independence. The narrative probes how power sustains or corrupts lives over time.

🎓 Academia

Parthenope’s academic journey anchors the story, from anthropology coursework to a professorship in Trento. Her research on suicide and miracles reflects a critical, cultural lens on Neapolitan life. The university setting offers an arena for intellect, ambition, and personal discovery.