House by the Medlar Tree cover art

House by the Medlar Tree

House by the Medlar Tree

By: Giovanni Verga
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 In a picturesque Sicilian fishing village of the nineteenth century, the Malavoglia family stakes everything on a cargo of lupin nuts, hoping for a prosperous outcome. When disaster strikes and the cargo is lost at sea, a cascade of misfortunes befalls the family, leading to heart-wrenching tragedies. Revered as a masterpiece of social commentary within Italy yet overlooked by the broader world, The House by the Medlar Tree stands shoulder to shoulder with the works of Zola, Dickens, and Balzac among the greats of European literature. This poignant tale also inspired Luchino Viscontis 1948 film, La Terra Trema (The Earth Trembles), marking a significant contribution to cinematic history. - Summary by Tom DenholmCopyright Culture and Heritage classics Art Literary History & Criticism Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 020 - Chapter 15 Pt 2

    020 - Chapter 15 Pt 2
    Feb 17 2026
    In a picturesque Sicilian fishing village of the nineteenth century, the Malavoglia family stakes everything on a cargo of lupin nuts, hoping for a prosperous outcome. When disaster strikes and the cargo is lost at sea, a cascade of misfortunes befalls the family, leading to heart-wrenching tragedies. Revered as a masterpiece of social commentary within Italy yet overlooked by the broader world, The House by the Medlar Tree stands shoulder to shoulder with the works of Zola, Dickens, and Balzac among the greats of European literature. This poignant tale also inspired Luchino Viscontis 1948 film, La Terra Trema (The Earth Trembles), marking a significant contribution to cinematic history. - Summary by Tom Denholm
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    24 mins
  • 019 - Chapter 15 Pt 1

    019 - Chapter 15 Pt 1
    Feb 17 2026
    In a picturesque Sicilian fishing village of the nineteenth century, the Malavoglia family stakes everything on a cargo of lupin nuts, hoping for a prosperous outcome. When disaster strikes and the cargo is lost at sea, a cascade of misfortunes befalls the family, leading to heart-wrenching tragedies. Revered as a masterpiece of social commentary within Italy yet overlooked by the broader world, The House by the Medlar Tree stands shoulder to shoulder with the works of Zola, Dickens, and Balzac among the greats of European literature. This poignant tale also inspired Luchino Viscontis 1948 film, La Terra Trema (The Earth Trembles), marking a significant contribution to cinematic history. - Summary by Tom Denholm
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • 018 - Chapter 14 Pt 2

    018 - Chapter 14 Pt 2
    Feb 17 2026
    In a picturesque Sicilian fishing village of the nineteenth century, the Malavoglia family stakes everything on a cargo of lupin nuts, hoping for a prosperous outcome. When disaster strikes and the cargo is lost at sea, a cascade of misfortunes befalls the family, leading to heart-wrenching tragedies. Revered as a masterpiece of social commentary within Italy yet overlooked by the broader world, The House by the Medlar Tree stands shoulder to shoulder with the works of Zola, Dickens, and Balzac among the greats of European literature. This poignant tale also inspired Luchino Viscontis 1948 film, La Terra Trema (The Earth Trembles), marking a significant contribution to cinematic history. - Summary by Tom Denholm
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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