La notte del Commendatore by Anton Giulio Barrili is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the main character, signor Commendatore Niccolò Ariberti, who reflects on his life and memories in a melancholy yet whimsical manner. The narrative begins with the routine interactions between Commendatore and his governess, signora Zita, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of themes related to aging, regret, and the passage of time. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Commendatore, who, after an evening of reading newspapers and sipping tea, becomes lost in introspection about his past and the fleeting nature of youth. As he muses on his missed opportunities and the vibrance of life that has seemingly passed him by, he is unexpectedly visited by a character reminiscent of Mefistofele, who engages him in dialogue about the possibilities of resurrecting youth and reclaiming lost time. This encounter sparks a transformative moment for the Commendatore, as he is suddenly rejuvenated and transported back to his youthful days of study at the university, foreshadowing a deeper exploration of his desires and regrets as the story progresses.
