Profane Friendship

Set against the enchanting backdrop of 1930s Venice, the narrative follows Niles O'Hara, the son of an American novelist, as he navigates his complex relationship with Giangiacomo "Onni" Gallieni. After returning to Venice post-World War II, their on-again, off-again love affair unfolds amidst the city's beauty and the shadows of wartime experiences. Blending humor, romance, and irony, the story offers a profound exploration of human emotion and the intricacies of friendship, showcasing Brodkey's unique stylistic virtuosity.