Summary

Part III follows the character of Gustavo Tullio. Back at home in Italy, Tullio watches his wife in their new kitchen and thinks about the fact that he is no longer attracted to her. Tullio and Maria have three daughters (Sara, Betta, and Esther) and two sons who are known as I Maschi (the boys).

Maria reveals that she has hired Ludovica as a babysitter and Tullio complains that it is ridiculous for a 31-year-old to be a babysitter. Tullio fantasizes about having sex with Ludovica and the narrator complains about being witness to Tullio’s fantasies, recalling that he did the same things to her when she was younger, that Tullio is imagining doing to Ludovica now. Maria tells Tullio that Ludovica has come back to Italy but that her husband is still in America. Tullio goes to confession and admits his...