The Gold-Rimmed Spectacles by Giorgio Bassani

Into the insular town of 1930s Ferrara, a new doctor arrives. Fadigati is hopeful and modern, and more than anything wants to fit into his new home. But his fresh, appealing appearance begin to  crumble when he becomes infatuated with a handsome young student who's a bit of a thug.  Be careful who you fall for...
 
Originally published in 1958 this is a new translation by Jamie McKendrick
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Singular . . . The town of Ferrara and its inhabitants are realized with an extraordinary clarity ― Guardian

Powerful new translations . . . Bassani began as a poet, and McKendrick's redelivery of this taut uncompromising fiction reveals resonance and generosity -- Ali Smith