Love in Vain: Selected Stories

Federigo Tozzi. New Directions Publishing Corporation, $14.95 (164pp) ISBN 978-0-8112-1471-1

PEN award-winner Minna Proctor translated the 20 pieces by prolific Italian realist Federigo Tozzi (1883-1920) that make up Love in Vain: Selected Stories, in which the young characters' search for the romantic ideal often leads only to misery. Jealousy, obsession and betrayal are brought to the fore in these stories of smalltown lovers driven by their passions, trying desperately to connect usually without success. ""What good does love do me?"" one anguished character asks. Through the arranged marriages, secret trysts and unfulfilled desires, disappointment and frustration are never far off. (May 24)

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