Federico De Roberto is best known for his sweeping Sicilian saga, The Viceroys. But in Espasmo (which translates to 'Spasm'), he zooms in for a tight, psychological character study that feels surprisingly modern.

The Story

The book centers on Dr. Antonio Ribera, a man at the peak of his career and social standing. He has wealth, respect, and a calm, controlled demeanor. One evening, without any apparent reason or premeditation, he commits a shocking act of violence. The story then traces the fallout of that single moment, examining the investigation, the doctor's own bewildered attempt to understand himself, and the collapse of the pristine life he built. It's less a 'whodunit' and more a 'why-on-earth-did-he-do-it.'

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how De Roberto builds unbearable tension from page one. You know the crime, but the slow reveal of the doctor's inner world is masterful. It explores the idea that beneath the surface of any orderly life, there might be cracks we refuse to see. The writing is sharp and precise, focusing on the terrifying randomness of the act and the societal horror that follows. It’s a stark look at reputation, guilt, and the terrifying power of an unconscious impulse.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love classic psychological fiction, like the works of Dostoevsky or early crime novels that focus on motive over procedure. If you enjoyed the moral unease of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde but wanted it grounded in a real, social setting, this is your next read. It's a short, powerful punch of a book that proves a century-old story can still feel urgently relevant.