The Aspern Papers

Set in Venice, this novella explores themes of obsession and the complexities of love through the lens of a literary scholar. The protagonist seeks to obtain the letters of a famous poet from his former lover, now an elderly woman living with her niece. As he ingratiates himself into their lives, the scholar grapples with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his desires. The narrative delves into the tension between art and life, revealing the intricate dynamics of memory and identity.