The Battle of the Villa Fiorita
A Virago Modern Classic
Author: Rumer Godden and Anita Desai Series: Virago Modern Classics
From the author of Black Narcissus, this New York Times best-selling coming of age novel examines the tension of divorce from a child's perspective.
10th November 2025
Paperback
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
From the author of Black Narcissus, this New York Times best-selling coming of age novel examines the tension of divorce from a child's perspective.
Description
FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BLACK NARCISSUS AND THE RIVER
'One of our best and most captivating novelists' PHILIP HENSHER '[Godden has] a genius for storytelling' EVENING STANDARD 'Her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty' NEW YORK TIMES When their mother leaves the country to be with her lover, Hugh and Caddie Clavering's seemingly perfect life falls apart. Devastated by the sudden, bitter dissolution of their parents' marriage and desperate for her to come back, the children travel alone to the Villa Fiorita on Lake Garda, determined not to leave without her. On arrival, they can tell Fanny and Rob are deeply in love, and their mother is happier than they've ever seen her, but the scheme lives on. Thankfully, Rob's young daughter is only too glad to help destroy their parents' relationship. Will Hugh and Caddie realise that their actions have consequences before it is too late?Told with wit and great empathy against a stunning evocation of the Italian countryside, Rumer Godden's The Battle of the Villa Fiorita marks another coming of age classic for the highly acclaimed author.Critic Reviews
One of our best and most captivating novelists -- Philip Hensher
[Godden has] a genius for storytelling Evening Standard
Her craftsmanship is always sure; her understanding of character is compassionate and profound; her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty New York Times
All [Godden's novels] have one important thing in common: They are beautifully and simply wrought by a woman of depth and sensitivity Los Angeles Times
Godden has never been out of print Irish Times
A beautiful and sensitive work of fiction . . . Rumer Godden's unique quality as a creative writer is evidenced once again, along with her rare ability to fathom the intricacies of the child personality . . . There is only delight in the reading experience Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Rumer Godden (1907-1998) was the acclaimed author of over sixty works of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Born in England, she and her siblings grew up in Narayanganj, India, and she later spent many years living in Kolkata and Kashmir. Several of her novels were made into films, including Black Narcissus, The Greengage Summer and The River, which was filmed by Jean Renoir. She was appointed OBE in 1993.
Product Details
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.
10th November 2025
