“The Gadfly” (eng. The Gadfly) is a revolutionary-romantic novel, the most well-known to Russian-speaking readers by the work of the English—later American—writer Ethel Lilian Voynich. First published in 1897 in the USA.
Ethel Lilian Voynich’s debut novel “The Gadfly” became a masterpiece of world literature. The English writer managed to create the image of a true hero—whole, noble, loving, and suffering. No wonder the Gadfly became the idol of more than one generation of young people; the novel has been translated into many languages, constantly reprinted, and adapted for film more than once.
Young Arthur Burton, full of romantic illusions and lofty ideas, passionately in love with Jemma, worships Padre Montanelli and dreams of a free Italy—suddenly loses both freedom and love and faith. Years later he returns to his homeland as a completely different man—hardened, filled with bitterness and disappointment—ready to meet again the people to whom, in his youth, he had given his heart.