Set in 17th-century Italy, the story follows Antonia, a young orphan girl who is taken in by a convent and later adopted by a peasant family. As she grows up, her beauty and independence attract suspicion and jealousy from the villagers, leading to accusations of witchcraft. The narrative explores themes of superstition, social ostracism, and the harsh realities faced by women in a patriarchal society, ultimately portraying Antonia's tragic fate as a victim of fear and ignorance.
The 9597th greatest book of all time
