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Rating: 
Summary: THE HEART OF SOUTH-ITALY
Review: "I Malavoglia" is one of the most beautiful novels about the life in South-Italy in 19th century. I personally am grown up on the countryside in South-Italy and, even if I live a century later than the Malavoglia, I still can find in the place where I live some of the colours and sounds that I love in this book. Someone may find the style disturbing, because of the lack of participation by the writer, but it is something Verga purposedly tried to achieve ( it is the Realism ), and it should not prevent you from enjoying the story told in this book ( even if it is a sad story, like are all the stories, that try to be truthfull). If you really want to get nearer to the heart of such a beautiful country like Italy ( and especially South-Italy)is you really should read this book.
Rating:
Summary: THE HEART OF SOUTH-ITALY
Review: "I Malavoglia" is one of the most beautiful novels about the life in South-Italy in 19th century. I personally am grown up on the countryside in South-Italy and, even if I live a century later than the Malavoglia, I still can find in the place where I live some of the colours and sounds that I love in this book. Someone may find the style disturbing, because of the lack of participation by the writer, but it is something Verga purposedly tried to achieve ( it is the Realism ), and it should not prevent you from enjoying the story told in this book ( even if it is a sad story, like are all the stories, that try to be truthfull). If you really want to get nearer to the heart of such a beautiful country like Italy ( and especially South-Italy)is you really should read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: You had to be there...
Review: How many times have you heard a story recounted, not gotten as excited about it as the teller, and had them say "You had to be there."Verga's novel was a classic in it's day. It's stark portrayal of life in the small fishing town of Aci Trezza at the turn of the century is considered to be groundbreaking Italian fiction. The translation and Verga's own pacing may not appeal to the average modern reader. When it was written, it was in the vanguard of neo-realist fiction. It is laudable for that fact alone. But it has a deeper hidden treasure that can be spirited out to a select few. If you're one who has actually been to southern Italy or Sicily and witnessed small fishing villages on the beautiful coasts, this book is for you. I lived in the small town of Aci Trezza where this book transpired and can honestly say the sights, sounds, people, and rituals are still intact as they're described in the book. If you have been there, this book will rekindle memories of places and sights you've seen before, though now personified. If you have not but plan to, either read this book before you go or take it with you and read it while eating a briosche from Eden Bar in Aci Trezza. The walk down to the rocks off the coast that night will have a different and more beautiful meaning. You had to be there!
Rating:
Summary: You had to be there...
Review: How many times have you heard a story recounted, not gotten as excited about it as the teller, and had them say "You had to be there." Verga's novel was a classic in it's day. It's stark portrayal of life in the small fishing town of Aci Trezza at the turn of the century is considered to be groundbreaking Italian fiction. The translation and Verga's own pacing may not appeal to the average modern reader. When it was written, it was in the vanguard of neo-realist fiction. It is laudable for that fact alone. But it has a deeper hidden treasure that can be spirited out to a select few. If you're one who has actually been to southern Italy or Sicily and witnessed small fishing villages on the beautiful coasts, this book is for you. I lived in the small town of Aci Trezza where this book transpired and can honestly say the sights, sounds, people, and rituals are still intact as they're described in the book. If you have been there, this book will rekindle memories of places and sights you've seen before, though now personified. If you have not but plan to, either read this book before you go or take it with you and read it while eating a briosche from Eden Bar in Aci Trezza. The walk down to the rocks off the coast that night will have a different and more beautiful meaning. You had to be there!
Rating: 
Summary: Italian historical novel
Review: If you wondered what life was like in Southern Italy
before our relatives all decided to leave, read this book.
In a non-maudlin manner, the author describes life in this little town, social mores and attitudes from a long ago time. Well translated, easy to read. Very touching book. An interesting study in family dynamics and the life of a small community.
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