Monday, February 02, 2004
A review by Ann Ellenbecker
Hermit in Paris takes the reader on a journey through the life
of a fascinating author. For fans of Italo Calvino, this collection
of twelve essays will reacquaint readers with the ideas and thoughts
of the man behind the writing. Yet, the vast scope of topics will
entertain those new to his world, as well.
The bulk of the book consists of the previously unreleased "American
Diary," an essay rich in historical and cultural observations
about the United States in 1959. Traveling from New York through
the Midwest to the West Coast and back east through the South,
Calvino saw as much of the country as he could during his tour.
He experienced the gamut of suburban life, urban architecture,
small-town taverns, the Pacific coastline, and everything in between.
All are portrayed with the wit, charm, and understatement for
which Calvino is famous.
The collection is rounded off with eleven other essays (previously
published in Italian). Note, however, that the word "essay" should
be taken rather loosely, as some are transcribed conversations.
Others are letters and anecdotes of travels and writing. Whatever
the form, each of the pieces covers an amazing amount of territory:
Calvino's been a member of the Communist party and fought with
the partisans in WWII during the German occupation of Italy. He
met with Martin Luther King, Jr. while visiting Montgomery, Alabama
during the race riots. And, he's been wined, dined, and shunned
by the social elite. In the eponymous essay -- a real treat --
the author tackles fundamental questions of being and isolation.
Feeling as much a tourist in Paris as he is in his own thoughts,
he toys with the desire to be invisible yet immersed.
In these essays, as in his other writing, Calvino's observations
go beyond the surface and delve deep into the human experience.
He can see in the dark. Astute, political, and urbane, Calvino
is much more than a novelist; he's a philosopher of modern-day
questions. Hermit in Paris proves an essential addition to any
Calvino library....
Read the entire review at:
http://www.powells.com/pow/review/2004_01_31
COPIES NOW AVAILABLE*
Hardcover (New and Sale) starting at $18.50 (List price $23.00)
http://www.powells.com/pow/cgi-bin/product?isbn=037542184x
*Please note that copies are limited to on-hand quantity; used copies,
in
particular, may be available in extremely limited supply.
<<><><>>
Browse reviews from the past seven days:
http://www.powells.com/pow/review
Hermit in Paris takes the reader on a journey through the life
of a fascinating author. For fans of Italo Calvino, this collection
of twelve essays will reacquaint readers with the ideas and thoughts
of the man behind the writing. Yet, the vast scope of topics will
entertain those new to his world, as well.
The bulk of the book consists of the previously unreleased "American
Diary," an essay rich in historical and cultural observations
about the United States in 1959. Traveling from New York through
the Midwest to the West Coast and back east through the South,
Calvino saw as much of the country as he could during his tour.
He experienced the gamut of suburban life, urban architecture,
small-town taverns, the Pacific coastline, and everything in between.
All are portrayed with the wit, charm, and understatement for
which Calvino is famous.
The collection is rounded off with eleven other essays (previously
published in Italian). Note, however, that the word "essay" should
be taken rather loosely, as some are transcribed conversations.
Others are letters and anecdotes of travels and writing. Whatever
the form, each of the pieces covers an amazing amount of territory:
Calvino's been a member of the Communist party and fought with
the partisans in WWII during the German occupation of Italy. He
met with Martin Luther King, Jr. while visiting Montgomery, Alabama
during the race riots. And, he's been wined, dined, and shunned
by the social elite. In the eponymous essay -- a real treat --
the author tackles fundamental questions of being and isolation.
Feeling as much a tourist in Paris as he is in his own thoughts,
he toys with the desire to be invisible yet immersed.
In these essays, as in his other writing, Calvino's observations
go beyond the surface and delve deep into the human experience.
He can see in the dark. Astute, political, and urbane, Calvino
is much more than a novelist; he's a philosopher of modern-day
questions. Hermit in Paris proves an essential addition to any
Calvino library....
Read the entire review at:
http://www.powells.com/pow/review/2004_01_31
COPIES NOW AVAILABLE*
Hardcover (New and Sale) starting at $18.50 (List price $23.00)
http://www.powells.com/pow/cgi-bin/product?isbn=037542184x
*Please note that copies are limited to on-hand quantity; used copies,
in
particular, may be available in extremely limited supply.
<<><><>>
Browse reviews from the past seven days:
http://www.powells.com/pow/review
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