Another of his subjects was Misia Natanson, the daughter-in-law of a wealthy Jewish banker.

WSJ: Vuillard, His Mother and Lucy Hessel at New York's Jewish Museum

Next to Misia, who was inspired by Mr De Carlo's real-life companion, a well-known ex-actress, Marco and Livio seem unpardonably wet and unconvincing.

ECONOMIST: Italian novels: Defending the genre | The

By contrast, Misia never takes herself or her lovers too seriously.

ECONOMIST: Italian novels