Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa - The Professor and the Siren (stories)

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa - The Professor and the Siren (stories)Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, best known for his masterpiece The Leopard, also left behind The Blind Kittens, a sequel’s first chapter, and the enigmatic short story The Professor and the Siren (also published as Lighea). Written in 1957 and published posthumously, this tale is a profound and evocative venture into mythological fantasy. Set in 1938, the story is narrated by the grandson of Prince Fabrizio from The Leopard. It centers on an aging professor of classics, Senator Rosario La Ciura, who recounts his haunting and discreetly erotic encounter with the siren Lighea. The narrative explores timeless themes—life, mortality, eternity, memory, and the ephemeral nature of love—woven with historical and mythological detail. Is the siren a metaphor? A symbol of unattainable perfection? The story offers no clear answers but invites deep reflection. Vivid characterizations, rich descriptions, and philosophical depth mak