Conversations in Sicily

by Elio Vittorini

Book Overview

It stands as a modern classic not only for its powerful thematic resonance as one of the great novels of Italian anti-fascism but also as a trailblazer for its style, which blends literary modernism with the pre-modern fable in a prose of lyric beauty. Comparing Vittorini's work to Picasso's, Italo Calvino described Conversations as "the book-Guernica."

The novel begins at a time in the narrator's life when nothing seems to matter; whether...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811214559
• ISBN13: 9780811214551
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Extraordinary!

Conversations in Sicily is Vittorini's masterpiece. Each and every word has such great depth. Intellectuals will truly enjoy the read. It is impossible to do this novel justice in such a short description, yet I must say, the story is not as simple as it seems. The real story lies in what goes unsaid and what is truly meant in Vittorini's text. This is not simply a story of a journey, rather a commentary on Fascist Italy and the dangers of abandoning humanity. A truly great read that is applicable even today.

If your interested in this, go ahead and read it...

Had to read this for my Italian Lit class, and I'm glad I did. Otherwise I would've never known about the book. The historical background is really interesting...written in WWII-era fascist Italy, it is an anti-fascist novel and I'm surprised that it initially did get past the censors. Keep this in mind; the anti-fascist sentiment becomes clearer and clearer as you read: there's a reason Vittorini went to prison for this. The writing flows well in this translation and I find the author's use of repetition to be very interesting (the newspapers "blaring new massacres"). Also check out the importance of Silvestro's memory returning. If you like Hemmingway check out his foreward, which is one of the longest extended metaphors I've ever read and is really beautiful writing. Overall, this book is to be studied, but can be enjoyed casually nonetheless. Read this and enjoy it.

Perfect introduction to 20th century Italian literature

This book stands on its own thanks to its rare beauty, not because of its author's imprisonment.With its lyrical tone, cristalline yet misty quality, it is a very good book to read, and an ideal introduction to the rich and varied italian literature.