During his university years, Taleb Alrefai discovered a profound connection to literature through Lawrence Durrell’s “The Alexandria Quartet,” particularly its first volume, “Justine.” Translated into Arabic by Palestinian scholar Salma Khadra Jayyusi, the novel inspired in Alrefai a belief that every woman should read it—not merely for literary appreciation but to better understand her own feelings and femininity. This conviction deepened upon encountering the Arabic edition of “Lacci,” a novel by Italian author Domenico Starnone, translated by the late Amani Fawzi Habashi and published by Dar Al Karma in 2019.

“Lacci” explores the complex dynamics of a long-term marriage disrupted by infidelity. The story opens through the perspective of Vanda, a mother of two, who confronts the emotional turmoil of her husband Aldo’s affair with a woman named Lidia. Vanda’s voice is marked by both profound grief and pointed questions, as she seeks to understand the reasons behind her husband’s departure and grapples with feelings of abandonment—especially concerning their children. Her inquiries resonate broadly, touching on experiences shared by many women across cultures, as she asks: “What happened to you? Why did you leave me? Where did I fall short? What does she give you that I cannot? Can you truly abandon your own children?”

Starnone’s narrative technique is notable for presenting the viewpoints of both spouses, allowing readers to delve deeply into the emotional and psychological complexities from each side. While Vanda expresses the pain of betrayal and loss, Aldo’s perspective reveals his internal conflict, torn between the excitement of a new relationship and the enduring bonds of history and family. This dual approach underscores the difficulty of sustaining intimate relationships over time and the tension between change and routine.

Set against this backdrop, the novel’s later sections introduce the couple in old age, seemingly at peace during a seaside holiday. However, Starnone avoids simplistic resolutions, portraying instead how past fractures continue to shape their interactions. The metaphor of a healing yet marked bone aptly captures how a marriage may endure after trauma but cannot fully return to its original state. The narrative culminates with the voices of the couple’s adult children, now contemplating selling the family home, highlighting the lasting impact of the marital breakdown on subsequent generations.

Alrefai emphasizes that “Lacci” exemplifies the power of literature to extend lived experience, allowing readers to engage with feelings and situations beyond their personal histories. He suggests that the novel rewards multiple readings—first to understand the other, and then to discover oneself. Through its candid exploration of love, loss, and memory, “Lacci” invites reflection on the universal challenges inherent in human relationships.