A Favourite of the Gods and a Compass Error

Exploring the complexities of family and cultural identity, the narrative follows Anna Howland, an American heiress who marries an Italian prince and settles in Rome. The story delves into the lives of two generations, highlighting the strong matrilineal bond between Anna and her daughter Constanza. While Constanza inherits her mother's beauty and wealth, she grapples with her father's Catholicism, ultimately choosing to reject it. The novel intricately weaves themes of heritage, individuality, and the clash of traditions across nationalities.