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This is a slim volume of short stories set in Sicily by one of Italy's most acclaimed writers, but took me a while to read, because they are just... difficult. The landscape is heartless, the people are either desperately poor or terribly corrupt, and illness colors the air.
The translator, D.H. Lawrence, says in his introduction:
"During the 'fifties and 'sixties, Sicily is said to have been the poorest place in Europe: absolutely penniless. A Sicilian peasant might live through his whole life wi ...more
The translator, D.H. Lawrence, says in his introduction:
"During the 'fifties and 'sixties, Sicily is said to have been the poorest place in Europe: absolutely penniless. A Sicilian peasant might live through his whole life wi ...more
A bit disappointing. These are ‘rustic’ tales but Verga’s style is rustic as well. He tends to make unexpected turns that confuse me, several times in each story. Turning back, you often understand what happens but in some case I just do not get it. Many of them are more sketches than real stories as well. You do get a good picture of the life and culture, and the poverty, of the Siclians of the 19th century. The last story Across the sea is full of romantic clichés.
May 22, 2012
Snoozie Suzie
marked it as wish-list
Shelves:
around-the-world-challenge,
short-stories
Jul 16, 2012
Dee
marked it as to-read
Sep 14, 2012
Almeta
marked it as to-read
Oct 01, 2012
Janice Lee
marked it as to-read
Jun 06, 2019
Diane
marked it as to-read
