Alberto Moravia's 'Contempt' plunges into the psychological depths of a disintegrating marriage, viewed through the eyes of a screenwriter, Riccardo Molteni. Hired to adapt Homer's Odyssey, Riccardo finds his professional life intertwining with the growing chasm between himself and his wife, Emilia, who inexplicably begins to treat him with profound contempt. Moravia masterfully explores themes of alienation, communication breakdown, and the elusive nature of love in modern society. The novel critically examines the commodification of art and emotions, as the couple's relationship mirrors the director's struggle to capture the epic's essence. This profound work is a searing indictment of superficiality and a poignant meditation on the fragility of human connection.