E L Voynichs historical book quotThe Gadflyquot is located in Italy in the middle of the 19th century A young Englishman named Arthur Burton who joins the Italian revolutionary movement against Austrian control is the focus of the narrative Arthur who was born and raised in Italy and whose mother is Italian has a strong feeling of devotion for the nation and its citizens He goes on to become a writer and utilizes his work to promote social justice and political change Along the process Arthur develops feelings for Gemma a young lady active in the revolutionary cause Their political views and the risks they encounter as campaigners strain their relationship As the uprising gathers steam Arthur becomes more and more active and adopts a new persona as quotthe Gadflyquot a standin for the resistance against Austrian oppression With Arthur and Gemma at the heart of the action the books dramatic clash between the rebels and the Austrian army serves as its climax Ultimately quotThe Gadflyquot is a riveting and moving book that examines political action love and devotion It provides a vivid portrayal of Italian life in the 19th century as well as the conflicts experienced by people who battled for freedom and social justice
