Blind Contessa's New Machine, The: A Novel (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
The Blind Contessa's New Machine is the novelization of the life of Contessa Carolina Fantoni and the invention of the typewriter. Carolina is a young Contessa in 19th century Italy who discovers that she is going blind. Her remote parents and self-involved fiance don't believe her when she tells them about her condition. Only Turri, her eccentric friend and inventor, takes her seriously. Carolina's impending blindness only serves to separate her futher from her remote family and eventual husband. She retreats into her dream world and spends more and more time at her beloved lake in the company of Turri. He encourages Carolina to imagine a new, fantastical world in her mind. Carolina falls futher into fantasy and into her relationship with Turri. They begin an affair and Turri creates a writing machine so that Carolina can send him letters. The affair abruptly ends when it is discovered by Carolina's husband. He whisks her way, never to return. The vivid, fantastical imaginings of Carolina's dreams are the most interesting part of this book - I enjoyed experiencing the world she created for herself. I did not feel that the characters themselves were engaging or fully realized. I didn't connect with them and couldn't get a handle on what motivated so many of their actions, including key plot points. The book is small and a quick read, so it doesn't require a large time investment. It might be of interest to reader's who can enjoy the sensory experience of the text and can handle a love story with a sad ending. There was so much I wanted this book to do that it wouldn't in spite of being very well-written. For some reason I thought it was going to be more sci fi or magical realism so it was my expectations that were disappointed. Perhaps I should read a dust jacket every now and again to avoid situations such as these. In spite of my low star rating, I think that fans of historical romance would love it and I will recommend.
What do You think about Blind Contessa's New Machine, The: A Novel (2010)?
Historically accurate, impressive insights into blindness, romantic...a quick must read!
—Catherine
This book was very interesting - reads like a fairy tale.
—mariliase
