If you’re a fan of brooding intellectuals and complex, moody literature, then Alberto Moravia is the author for you. With a career spanning over five decades, Moravia has produced a vast body of work that tackles everything from social decadence and moral decay to sexuality and the complexities of relationships. And while it’s impossible to pick just a few essential works from such an impressive catalog, these five novels are a great place to start if you want to get a taste of Moravia’s wit, intelligence, and sardonic humor. So, grab a copy and get ready to be transported to a world where brooding is not just a pastime, but a way of life.

1. The Time of Indifference – This novel, which is often considered one of Moravia’s best, follows the lives of a group of wealthy, upper-class Roman families as they navigate the tumultuous years leading up to World War II. With its themes of social decadence and moral decay, it’s a must-read for fans of brooding, moody literature.
2. Two Adolescents – This coming-of-age novel tells the story of two young friends as they struggle to find their place in a society that values superficiality over substance. With its sharp wit and deeply relatable characters, it’s a must-read for anyone who has ever felt out of place or misunderstood.
3. The Conformist – This psychological thriller follows the story of a man who is torn between his own desires and the expectations of the fascist society in which he lives. With its complex characters and themes of identity and moral corruption, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good literary mind-bending.
4. Conjugal Love – This steamy novel tells the story of a man who is torn between his love for his wife and his desire for a new lover. With its frank portrayal of sexuality and its exploration of the complexities of relationships, it’s a must-read for anyone who’s ever been in love (or at least pretended to be).
5. Boredom – This satirical novel follows the story of a man who is so bored with life that he becomes a nihilist. With its clever humor and biting social commentary, it’s a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a rut or like the world is just a big joke.

And there you have it—five essential works by Alberto Moravia that are sure to satisfy your inner brooding intellectual. From social decadence and moral decay to steamy love scenes and the complexities of relationships, these novels have it all. So, grab a copy and get ready to be transported to a world where brooding is not just a pastime, but a way of life. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself becoming a little moody and misunderstood after reading—it’s all part of the brooding intellectual experience.