John Barleycorn, a misunderstood poet, does not teach, does not direct publishing houses or even poetic journals. In a word, it is poor. But he has a gift: he enchants when he writes. The historical context in which he lives is that of a news appeared in La lettura del Corriere della Sera, which announces the death of the last Italian cursed poet, Simone Cattaneo.
Alcoholic and full of obsessions, he remembers his glorious literary past, like a flash, extinguished by the envy of many. For this reason he sought concealment, but not without facing love, dreamlike delirium and ghosts, which stood in front of him as reflections of broken glass.
In appendix to the novel, the reader will find the poem A season in paradise.