Books Like...
'The Garden of the Finzi-Continis' by Giorgio Bassani is a tale set in Ferrara, Italy, during the 1930s, focusing on the lives of the wealthy Jewish Finzi Continis family and their interactions with a select group of young men in the town. The story revolves around the budding friendship and romance between the narrator and Micol Finzi Contini, the daughter of the family, against the backdrop of the looming threat of WWII and the racial laws that restricted the Jewish community's participation in Italian society. The narrative is described as slow-moving, atmospheric, lyrical, and bittersweet, with an emphasis on elegiac descriptions and the poignant portrayal of love and loss.
The writing style of Giorgio Bassani in 'The Garden of the Finzi-Continis' is characterized as meditative, intricate, and descriptive, with a focus on the settings, history, and physical environments. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, social dynamics, and political upheavals during a tumultuous period in Italy, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by the Jewish population in Ferrara as they navigate the changing landscape of pre-war Europe.
If you liked The Garden of the Finzi-Continis, here are the top 11 books to read next:
- #1
Save:A Family Lexicon by Jenny McPhee, Peg Boyers, Natalia Ginzburg is a memoir that vividly portrays the life of the Levi family in Italy during the rise of Fascism and World War II. The book focuses on the details of family life, using family sayings to bring back the rhythm of daily life and capture the exceptional events that unfolded during that tumultuous period. The writing style is warm and friendly, with great humor and well-described characters that provide a glimpse into Italian literary and leftist politics from the 1940s to the 1970s.
In addition to the “nitwits,” there were also the “negroes.” For my father, a “negro” was someone who was awkward, clumsy, and faint-hearted; someone who dressed inappropriately, didn’t know how to hi... - #2
Save:'The Betrothed' by Alessandro Manzoni is a classic Italian historical novel set in 17th century Lombardy, following the story of two young lovers, Renzo and Lucia, amidst wars, famine, and the plague of 1628-1630. The novel delves into the corrupt and oppressive rule of Spanish and Austrian oppressors, offering a compelling political analysis of the times. Through vivid descriptions of historical events and characters, Manzoni weaves a tale of love, suffering, and resilience, rich in characterization and profound interest in the workings of history.
One arm of Lake Como turns off to the south between two unbroken chains of mountains, which cut it up into a series of bays and inlets as the hills advance into the water and retreat again, until it q... - #3
Save:The Assault by Harry Mulisch is a gripping novel set during the Nazi occupation of Holland, focusing on the life of young Anton Steenwijk. The story begins with the assassination of a Dutch Nazi collaborator in front of Anton's house, leading to tragic events that shape Anton's life. Through various episodes spanning 36 years, the novel explores themes of guilt, innocence, and ethical choices under pressure. Mulisch's writing style intricately weaves together the past and present, revealing the complex truth behind a single violent incident and its lasting impact on Anton's life.
- #4
Save:La Storia by Elsa Morante is a poignant and heartbreaking novel set in Rome during World War II, focusing on the struggles of Ida Mancuso and her two children, Nino and Useppe. The narrative delves into the daily hardships faced by civilians caught in the conflict, portraying the grim reality of war from a unique perspective. The book is structured with each chapter representing a year, prefaced by major historical events, providing a backdrop for the intimate family drama that unfolds amidst the chaos of war. Morante's writing style weaves together historical context and personal narratives, emphasizing the importance of individual lives within the larger scope of history.
- #5
Save:'The Periodic Table' by Primo Levi is a unique and thought-provoking memoir that uses the elements of the Periodic Table as a framework to narrate stories from the author's life, including his experiences as a chemist, surviving Auschwitz, and growing up Jewish in Fascist Italy. Each chapter is named after a different chemical element and explores a memory or anecdote related to that element, blending autobiography with elements of fiction.
There are the so-called inert gases in the air we breathe. They bear curious Greek names of erudite derivation which mean “the New,” “the Hidden,” “the Inactive,” and “the Alien.” They are indeed so i... - #6
Save:Set in the 1860s during the time of Italian unification, 'The Leopard' by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa follows the decline of a noble Sicilian family, the Salinas, through the eyes of the patriarch, Don Fabrizio. The novel delves into the changing social and political landscape of Sicily as the old aristocracy gives way to the rising bourgeoisie and the forces of revolution. Through lush prose and intricate character development, Lampedusa weaves a tale of decadence, loss, and the struggle to adapt to a rapidly evolving society.
The daily recital of the Rosary was over. For half an hour the steady voice of the Prince had recalled the Glorious and the Sorrowful Mysteries; for half an hour other voices had interwoven a lilting ... - #7
Save:In the first book of the Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri, Inspector Salvo Montalbano is called to investigate the mysterious death of a local politician in Sicily, found in a compromising position in an area known for prostitution. Despite the death being initially ruled as natural causes, Montalbano suspects foul play and delves into a web of political corruption that reaches the core of Sicilian politics. The book unfolds with a mix of humor, cynicism, compassion, and a love for Mediterranean food, painting a vivid picture of Montalbano's investigative journey through false clues, corruption, and societal pressures.
No light of daybreak filtered yet into the courtyard of Splendor, the company under government contract to collect trash in the town of Vigàta. A low, dense mass of clouds completely covered the sky a... - #8
Save:The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati is a novel that follows the story of Giovanni Drogo, a young soldier who is stationed at Fort Bastiani on the border of the Tartar Steppe. The book explores themes of solitude, the futility of military preparations in times of peace, and the struggle to find purpose in life while waiting for something significant to happen. Buzzati's writing is described as sparse yet beautifully told, capturing the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the isolated fortress and the desolate steppe.
The novel portrays the protagonist's journey of waiting for glory and purpose in a setting filled with absurd military bureaucracy, monotony, and the passage of time. The narrative delves into Drogo's internal conflicts, his gradual acceptance of his isolated existence, and the haunting realization of missed opportunities and wasted time as he becomes entrenched in the routine and hopelessness of his post at Bastiani fortress.
He had himself called while it was still dark and for the first time put on his lieutenant’s uniform. When he had done, he looked at himself in the mirror by the light of an oil lamp but failed to fin... - #9
Save:'Baudolino' by Umberto Eco is a historical fiction novel set in medieval times, following the life of the titular character, Baudolino, who is known for his storytelling abilities. The book delves into Baudolino's adventures, which intertwine with historical events such as the Crusades and his quest to find Prester John. The plot is filled with fantastical elements, philosophical discussions, and a mix of truth and lies, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Eco's writing style is described as creative, humorous, and engaging, with intricate world-building and a mix of historical accuracy and mythical storytelling.
ego habeo facto the greatest stealing of my life, I mean from the cabbinet of the Bishop Oto I have stollen many pages that may belong to the Immperial Chancellor and I have scraped clean almost all o... - #10
Save:'The Prince' by Niccolo Machiavelli is a classic political treatise that offers advice on how a ruler can gain and maintain power. The book is known for its straightforward and practical approach to statecraft, providing insights into the art of governing with a focus on war, institutions, and discipline. Machiavelli's writing style is described as clear, concise, and pragmatic, offering a coldly pragmatic look at power play and its tools. The book is considered both fascinating and frustrating, with examples that explain his ideas far better than the parts where he actually explains his ideas.
Of Republics I shall not now speak, having elsewhere spoken of them at length. Here I shall treat exclusively of Princedoms, and, filling in the outline above traced out, shall proceed to examine how ...
