Vestigia. Vol. I. by George Fleming is a novel that explores themes of personal identity, societal expectations, and the complexity of relationships. The story follows Bernardino de Rossi, a young man who has been dismissed from his clerical position at the Telegraph Office in Leghorn. Confronted with feelings of disappointment and the weight of societal pressures, Bernardino must navigate his shifting sense of self, particularly in relation to his family and his love for Italia, a young woman who holds a special place in his heart.
The novel opens with Bernardino's emotional final moments at the office, where he faces his dismissal and reflects on the implications of his situation. After leaving the office, he walks home in solitude, contemplating his future. As the narrative unfolds, the novel delves deeper into themes of personal ambition, social class, and the evolving relationships between Bernardino and those around him, particularly Italia, setting the stage for further emotional and social developments.