Life in Morgana

Morgana is located in the northern Apennines of Italy and the story starts with the trial of a woman for attempted murder:

"And so, according to circumstantial evidence, you appear to be guilty of attempted murder of Riccardo Buonaventura, nicknamed the Bloodsucker. Do you deny that?" Asked the judge lowering her spectacles to the tip of her nose and peering at the defendant over the rim of her glasses.

"I certainly do " exclaimed Marta, the notorious lesbian of Morgana. "And to prove my innocence, I have with me the diary of a newcomer to our town, who settled on a nearby farm two years ago. Can you grant me the time to read this manuscript?"

"Well," said the judge, "what else is there to do in this forgotten town? It's a rainy day, all the roads are full of mud and I am very comfortable here, with a full pot of hot coffee by my side. Might as well hear your story. Go ahead "