Procida: The Island of Arturo Gerace in Morante's Novel
The island of Procida, located in the Gulf of Naples, is celebrated in a new article on Doppiozero as a place that exists in literature before reality. For readers of Elsa Morante, the island is forever 'L'isola di Arturo', a small island with solitary streets enclosed by ancient walls, welcoming visitors with the gentle and wild scent of broom. Morante's depiction of Procida is an enveloping synesthetic experience, capturing an atmosphere of light, colors, voices 'now plaintive, now cheerful', fine sand, pebbles, caves, and wide cliffs. The island is portrayed as an Eden, and the novel concludes with a departure: Arturo Gerace sets sail, leaving behind the land where he was born. The article, written by Alice Figini and Anita Romanello, was published on May 8, 2026, and reflects on the power of literature to shape our perception of real places.
Key facts
- Procida is an island in the Gulf of Naples.
- The article is titled 'Un libro e un luogo. Procida'.
- Authors: Alice Figini and Anita Romanello.
- Published on Doppiozero on May 8, 2026.
- Procida is associated with Elsa Morante's novel 'L'isola di Arturo'.
- The novel describes Procida with streets, ancient walls, and the scent of broom.
- Morante's depiction includes light, colors, voices, sand, pebbles, caves, and cliffs.
- The novel ends with Arturo Gerace leaving the island.
Entities
Artists
- Elsa Morante
- Arturo Gerace
Institutions
- Doppiozero
Locations
- Procida
- Italy
- Gulf of Naples