Thank you for such an engaging article and for selecting concise excerpts for discussion! It's a lifesaver—I even read more at the beginning. You've written brilliantly about the main character, portraying him as an oxymoron.
I noticed that they begin by reading the Sorrowful Mysteries, which includes Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before his execution. This parallels the dead soldier who died alone in another garden. While we can't equate the soldier's death with an execution, the disregard for his body and how the memory of his tortured form haunts Fabrizio seems to continue the Sorrowful Mysteries motif. Fabrizio's quest to understand "Why did that soldier die?" echoes the question of Jesus' death, albeit on a smaller scale. Was it mere chance that he sought refuge in Fabrizio's palace?
Intriguingly, they pray in a chapel within their palace that features both Christian motifs and the ancient Roman pantheon. After the Rosary, the gods on the frescoes "awaken," as if they had respectfully withdrawn during prayers to another faith. If other deities occupy 23 and a half hours, which ones truly represent the House of Salina? Given Fabrizio's fascination with astronomy, the Olympian pantheon might resonate more—at least Mars and Venus are visible in the night sky.
The garden description is exquisite prose. The notion that everything there aspired to beauty but succumbed to laziness, and that it could only please the blind, paints a powerful image. If it's filled with magical aromas, count me in! Scents are paramount, and their link to memories is unbreakable. It's reminiscent of Proust, who in his books constantly smells his surroundings to evoke memories.
As for the little dog, I'm thrilled if he's the main character and the bearer of the central idea. I have two thoughts: he might guide the narrative, with Fabrizio following him and triggering events along the way. Alternatively, if his name implies he's blessed, perhaps he's the only family member who truly acts naturally, according to his good nature. The others might be influenced by their coat of arms, behaving more like wild cats than Christians. There's even a mention of the dog digging in the garden with the zeal of a true Christian.
I'm glad I joined the reading; I didn't expect such beautiful language and so many images and metaphors. I'm really looking forward to continuing the discussion.
I didn't catch that detail about the Sorrowful Mysteries, that's another incredible parallel with Jesus in the garden. You've been so helpful Dana in explaining Orthodox Christianity to us, I can't wait to hear your takes on Catholicisms, seeing as southern Italy is so very religious (and we use the same book after all!) I tend to focus on the more "pagan" aspects of the story, but you're absolutely right that they exist in tandem with Catholic symbolism, one doesn't work without the other. It's old versus new too, because people in Sicily very much used to worship greek and roman gods before Christianity took over. We'll see more about Fabrizio and religion next week and like I said, can't wait to hear your takes on that. What's his true religion? That's SUCH a good question.
That last part about Bendicò being a Christian is supposed to be read as irony, in Italian christian with a lower case can be synonym of "person", you will even hear us use it do describe people who are very much not Christians! Like, for example, if a bunch of people died in a earthquake in China, my old mom would inevitably say "all those poor christians!"
In Italian it says that Bendicò destroying the garden "really looked like a christian," meaning he was acting just like a person. In English it's translated something like, "how human of him!" I take it they went with a more literal translation in Russian? So, do you still think Bendicò's nature is "good", just like his name suggests? Is being human the same as being good?
Fascinating! I've decided to read the Russian translation. It's described as new and revised, which sounds promising. I found it online, too. It's likely to be quite literal, which makes it even more intriguing—I'll get to know some idioms the Italians (or is it Sicilians?) use. What's the correct term? When I was in Sicily, nearly everyone insisted: "Sicily is not Italy!"
In my view, a dog is inherently good; it's difficult for me to imagine one acting against its canine nature. So far, all it's been doing is digging in the dirt. However, a cruel, tyrannical owner could potentially turn it into a killer dog or even worse—like with Ingrid Olderock (it's better not to know about her). Not a scenario I'd like to witness, of course...
I'm eager to continue our discussion. I'll keep reading to maintain the suspense.
Thanks for your great introduction Ellie. I absolutely loved these opening pages. What a way to start. There's such a heaviness, and rottenness, and sensual energy to them. And the image of the painted figures peeping up the skirts of the ladies (and the *priest*) was wonderful.
I wondered about the paintings "ignoring the rules of perspective" - is the suggestion that these are not very good paintings, ie that this says something about the family being perhaps not as high and mighty (and rich) as they might appear at first?
The description of the garden is wonderful too. I'm reading Daniel Mason's North Woods at the moment, and there's a great image in that of an apple tree growing from a seed in the belly of a dead man which reminded me of these pages. I guess all gardening is like that - decay and regrowth and decay and regrowth. Or vice versa!
That's a magnificent observation Alison. Yes, the paintings don't seem to be very good, technically speaking. As we go deeper into high society you'll notice that particular contradiction too, there's a lot of character there, a lot of heart and color, but it's not exactly classy or refined. The garden too could never be defined elegant. What does that say about the ruling class, do you think? And how are foreigners going to perceive them? Are they rotting up, is the end near?
I've just finished to read North Woods too, talk about coincidences. Yes, nature is a bloody affair if you think about it, we only see what comes up and never what goes down. The apple seed in the stomach stayed with me too, makes me think of all the invisible ghosts dangling with the fruit.
Thank you for stopping by, and wow, you already understood the spirit of the novel so well. It's a joy to have you here Alison.
I think it will be fascinating. I'm a Brit, so of course the nuances of class are delicately drawn (though perhaps imo a little overstated sometimes), and it will be interesting to see how it works out for our cast. Most of all, though, I am strongly reminded of Dickens' Bleak House, where the decay of the Dedlocks is shown as cold and damp and moss and fog at their pile Chesney Wold, a very English version of a similar scene:
"The waters are out in Lincolnshire. An arch of the bridge in the park has been sapped and sopped away. The adjacent low-lying ground, for half a mile in breadth, is a stagnant river, with melancholy trees for islands in it, and a surface punctured all over, all day long, with falling rain. My Lady Dedlock's "place" has been extremely dreary. The weather, for many a day and night, has been so wet that the trees seem wet through, and the soft loppings and prunings of the woodman's axe can make no crash or crackle as they fall". And her church, nothing so Catholic as frescoes, "the little church in the park is mouldy; the oaken pulpit breaks out in a cold sweat; and there is a general smell and taste as of the ancient Dedlocks in their graves."
I've been meaning to read Bleak House for so long, I'm ashamed to say the only Dickens I've read is David Copperfield (and, well, a Christmas Carol, but novellas don't count). I love his sense of humor but he can be so evocative too! And it sounds like it would be a perfect autumn read.
The main difference between British decay and Mediterranean decay is of course the weather 😂 one has apocalyptic rain, the other apocalyptic heat (I love when he uses that term!)
What edition are you reading, Paula? Should be the same translation for everyone. It's not explicitly stated that the figures are peeking, we see them appearing from under the skirts as the women move around, except for Father Pirrone, who's blocking Perseus from smooching (a probably very naked, very chained up) Andromeda. It's more like an association of naughty images VS very proper long skirts.
This is so good! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts. The part about the German soldier is fascinating. My Italian is only so-so and it will take me a while to fully understand the link you shared, but I will get there. Very interesting to read that our bouncy Great Dane friend will play a significant role. I wonder if he will be the personification of goodness and innocence to provide a contrast to others’ dastardly deeds? I look forward to finding out and I hope and pray nothing bad is going to happen to him 🙏🙏🙏 I enjoyed reading to first pages of the book and noticed lots of symbols of both (ancient) power and decay. Change is clearly on the way. I look forward to reading more and sharing in your expertise! 👏👏👏
Well, the thing about Bendicò is... my lips are sealed 😉 But I'll say this about the dog, it's not something he does, it's more what he represents, the symbolism of it. And don't worry about translating the article, I mostly wanted you guys to see that amazing statue, and the automatic google translation is good enough for you to understand what it says.
Yes, there are ancient tensions at play, well observed! It's the age-old eros/thanatos question, it's a natural cycle of decay and rebirth. Were are we in the cycle, do you think? Is death taking over, or is rebirth underway? Are things really capable of changing, or are we stuck in a loop? These are all questions we'll ponder about in the upcoming weeks, I hope that's not too overwhelming! Thank you so much for joining the ride, Sharon.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and illuminating discussion. I first tried listening to the audiobook, but it was so rich in detail I could not comprehend it fully. I picked up my copy from the library on Saturday, and this really is a book that needs to be read on the page - so much imagery and detail! I am truly fascinated because I am American, but my dad is Italian (da Roma). I grew up hearing about Garibaldi: the man and the myth but never any details (such as the April 4 riots).
Ahh, Garibaldi. You know what they say, kill your heroes. Welcome to the ride! How long can you keep your library book (I'm sweating a bit because this will definitely take longer than a month!) If you need another copy send me a message 😉
Since you clued us in, I noticed that Bendico is the first character we are given the name of. The Prince appears first, but as yet has no name. After our Great Dane are just “the women”.
In poetry the last word in a line is the strongest, and the last chimed in, unlikely word is “death.” Perhaps Death should be in the character list, rather like Tolstoy’s sky.
Ooh, yes, that's true, and I find it so charming how Bendicò storms in, it's like he's defying the narrative to grab a main character status. He's another form of unstoppable life breaking the morbid prayer session.
I also love the idea of death being her own character (she's female in Italian, "la morte".) Would she be an all powerful being surrounding the whole island, or a more subdued presence, a silent companion following the Prince around?
I'll get to the fourth of April in the next entry, but very briefly: a group of rebels started an uprising against the king from inside a monastery in the city of Palermo, they were quickly dispatched by the army but more and more people followed their example and the riots spread all over the island. That's why the Salina girls are at home from their convent/boarding school, in case rebels targeted it next.
Great post Ellie! I was planning to just look in briefly, knowing I'm seriously over-committed with other books in varying stages of completion - but then I read the opening pages of The Leopard and well... hmmm... I may have to keep going. What lush, lavish writing. At first I was a little lost, trying to picture all the imagery in the drawing room, but once we got to the garden, I was utterly absorbed in the writing. The description of the pungent floral scents was so vivid - I could imagine it perfectly.
It's a very physical book. It reminds me a bit of Woolf in the way it jumps between past and present, but Virginia's flashbacks are like waves, there's a weight, a rhythm to them. Tomasi has this seamless, dreamlike way of making past and present coexist, we're walking through them like sleepwalkers.
How interesting! I don't know enough about Lampedusa's writing style yet to make a good comparison. But I think I see some similarities - there is a 'fullness' in both. Every line is clogged with stuff!
Thank you for such an engaging article and for selecting concise excerpts for discussion! It's a lifesaver—I even read more at the beginning. You've written brilliantly about the main character, portraying him as an oxymoron.
I noticed that they begin by reading the Sorrowful Mysteries, which includes Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before his execution. This parallels the dead soldier who died alone in another garden. While we can't equate the soldier's death with an execution, the disregard for his body and how the memory of his tortured form haunts Fabrizio seems to continue the Sorrowful Mysteries motif. Fabrizio's quest to understand "Why did that soldier die?" echoes the question of Jesus' death, albeit on a smaller scale. Was it mere chance that he sought refuge in Fabrizio's palace?
Intriguingly, they pray in a chapel within their palace that features both Christian motifs and the ancient Roman pantheon. After the Rosary, the gods on the frescoes "awaken," as if they had respectfully withdrawn during prayers to another faith. If other deities occupy 23 and a half hours, which ones truly represent the House of Salina? Given Fabrizio's fascination with astronomy, the Olympian pantheon might resonate more—at least Mars and Venus are visible in the night sky.
The garden description is exquisite prose. The notion that everything there aspired to beauty but succumbed to laziness, and that it could only please the blind, paints a powerful image. If it's filled with magical aromas, count me in! Scents are paramount, and their link to memories is unbreakable. It's reminiscent of Proust, who in his books constantly smells his surroundings to evoke memories.
As for the little dog, I'm thrilled if he's the main character and the bearer of the central idea. I have two thoughts: he might guide the narrative, with Fabrizio following him and triggering events along the way. Alternatively, if his name implies he's blessed, perhaps he's the only family member who truly acts naturally, according to his good nature. The others might be influenced by their coat of arms, behaving more like wild cats than Christians. There's even a mention of the dog digging in the garden with the zeal of a true Christian.
I'm glad I joined the reading; I didn't expect such beautiful language and so many images and metaphors. I'm really looking forward to continuing the discussion.
I didn't catch that detail about the Sorrowful Mysteries, that's another incredible parallel with Jesus in the garden. You've been so helpful Dana in explaining Orthodox Christianity to us, I can't wait to hear your takes on Catholicisms, seeing as southern Italy is so very religious (and we use the same book after all!) I tend to focus on the more "pagan" aspects of the story, but you're absolutely right that they exist in tandem with Catholic symbolism, one doesn't work without the other. It's old versus new too, because people in Sicily very much used to worship greek and roman gods before Christianity took over. We'll see more about Fabrizio and religion next week and like I said, can't wait to hear your takes on that. What's his true religion? That's SUCH a good question.
That last part about Bendicò being a Christian is supposed to be read as irony, in Italian christian with a lower case can be synonym of "person", you will even hear us use it do describe people who are very much not Christians! Like, for example, if a bunch of people died in a earthquake in China, my old mom would inevitably say "all those poor christians!"
In Italian it says that Bendicò destroying the garden "really looked like a christian," meaning he was acting just like a person. In English it's translated something like, "how human of him!" I take it they went with a more literal translation in Russian? So, do you still think Bendicò's nature is "good", just like his name suggests? Is being human the same as being good?
Fascinating! I've decided to read the Russian translation. It's described as new and revised, which sounds promising. I found it online, too. It's likely to be quite literal, which makes it even more intriguing—I'll get to know some idioms the Italians (or is it Sicilians?) use. What's the correct term? When I was in Sicily, nearly everyone insisted: "Sicily is not Italy!"
In my view, a dog is inherently good; it's difficult for me to imagine one acting against its canine nature. So far, all it's been doing is digging in the dirt. However, a cruel, tyrannical owner could potentially turn it into a killer dog or even worse—like with Ingrid Olderock (it's better not to know about her). Not a scenario I'd like to witness, of course...
I'm eager to continue our discussion. I'll keep reading to maintain the suspense.
Thanks for your great introduction Ellie. I absolutely loved these opening pages. What a way to start. There's such a heaviness, and rottenness, and sensual energy to them. And the image of the painted figures peeping up the skirts of the ladies (and the *priest*) was wonderful.
I wondered about the paintings "ignoring the rules of perspective" - is the suggestion that these are not very good paintings, ie that this says something about the family being perhaps not as high and mighty (and rich) as they might appear at first?
The description of the garden is wonderful too. I'm reading Daniel Mason's North Woods at the moment, and there's a great image in that of an apple tree growing from a seed in the belly of a dead man which reminded me of these pages. I guess all gardening is like that - decay and regrowth and decay and regrowth. Or vice versa!
That's a magnificent observation Alison. Yes, the paintings don't seem to be very good, technically speaking. As we go deeper into high society you'll notice that particular contradiction too, there's a lot of character there, a lot of heart and color, but it's not exactly classy or refined. The garden too could never be defined elegant. What does that say about the ruling class, do you think? And how are foreigners going to perceive them? Are they rotting up, is the end near?
I've just finished to read North Woods too, talk about coincidences. Yes, nature is a bloody affair if you think about it, we only see what comes up and never what goes down. The apple seed in the stomach stayed with me too, makes me think of all the invisible ghosts dangling with the fruit.
Thank you for stopping by, and wow, you already understood the spirit of the novel so well. It's a joy to have you here Alison.
I think it will be fascinating. I'm a Brit, so of course the nuances of class are delicately drawn (though perhaps imo a little overstated sometimes), and it will be interesting to see how it works out for our cast. Most of all, though, I am strongly reminded of Dickens' Bleak House, where the decay of the Dedlocks is shown as cold and damp and moss and fog at their pile Chesney Wold, a very English version of a similar scene:
"The waters are out in Lincolnshire. An arch of the bridge in the park has been sapped and sopped away. The adjacent low-lying ground, for half a mile in breadth, is a stagnant river, with melancholy trees for islands in it, and a surface punctured all over, all day long, with falling rain. My Lady Dedlock's "place" has been extremely dreary. The weather, for many a day and night, has been so wet that the trees seem wet through, and the soft loppings and prunings of the woodman's axe can make no crash or crackle as they fall". And her church, nothing so Catholic as frescoes, "the little church in the park is mouldy; the oaken pulpit breaks out in a cold sweat; and there is a general smell and taste as of the ancient Dedlocks in their graves."
I've been meaning to read Bleak House for so long, I'm ashamed to say the only Dickens I've read is David Copperfield (and, well, a Christmas Carol, but novellas don't count). I love his sense of humor but he can be so evocative too! And it sounds like it would be a perfect autumn read.
The main difference between British decay and Mediterranean decay is of course the weather 😂 one has apocalyptic rain, the other apocalyptic heat (I love when he uses that term!)
My book does not have mention painted figures peeping ip the skirts of the ladies :(
( translated by Archibald Colquhoun)
I could smell the garden.
What edition are you reading, Paula? Should be the same translation for everyone. It's not explicitly stated that the figures are peeking, we see them appearing from under the skirts as the women move around, except for Father Pirrone, who's blocking Perseus from smooching (a probably very naked, very chained up) Andromeda. It's more like an association of naughty images VS very proper long skirts.
By the way, thank you for being here Paula!
This is so good! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts. The part about the German soldier is fascinating. My Italian is only so-so and it will take me a while to fully understand the link you shared, but I will get there. Very interesting to read that our bouncy Great Dane friend will play a significant role. I wonder if he will be the personification of goodness and innocence to provide a contrast to others’ dastardly deeds? I look forward to finding out and I hope and pray nothing bad is going to happen to him 🙏🙏🙏 I enjoyed reading to first pages of the book and noticed lots of symbols of both (ancient) power and decay. Change is clearly on the way. I look forward to reading more and sharing in your expertise! 👏👏👏
Well, the thing about Bendicò is... my lips are sealed 😉 But I'll say this about the dog, it's not something he does, it's more what he represents, the symbolism of it. And don't worry about translating the article, I mostly wanted you guys to see that amazing statue, and the automatic google translation is good enough for you to understand what it says.
Yes, there are ancient tensions at play, well observed! It's the age-old eros/thanatos question, it's a natural cycle of decay and rebirth. Were are we in the cycle, do you think? Is death taking over, or is rebirth underway? Are things really capable of changing, or are we stuck in a loop? These are all questions we'll ponder about in the upcoming weeks, I hope that's not too overwhelming! Thank you so much for joining the ride, Sharon.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and illuminating discussion. I first tried listening to the audiobook, but it was so rich in detail I could not comprehend it fully. I picked up my copy from the library on Saturday, and this really is a book that needs to be read on the page - so much imagery and detail! I am truly fascinated because I am American, but my dad is Italian (da Roma). I grew up hearing about Garibaldi: the man and the myth but never any details (such as the April 4 riots).
Ahh, Garibaldi. You know what they say, kill your heroes. Welcome to the ride! How long can you keep your library book (I'm sweating a bit because this will definitely take longer than a month!) If you need another copy send me a message 😉
Yes, in English. Thanks
I am looking to buy a copy as I know it will take longer than a month. I can only find one with the green cover.
Are you reading in English? All editions should have the same translation
Since you clued us in, I noticed that Bendico is the first character we are given the name of. The Prince appears first, but as yet has no name. After our Great Dane are just “the women”.
In poetry the last word in a line is the strongest, and the last chimed in, unlikely word is “death.” Perhaps Death should be in the character list, rather like Tolstoy’s sky.
What were the riots of the Fourth of April?
Ooh, yes, that's true, and I find it so charming how Bendicò storms in, it's like he's defying the narrative to grab a main character status. He's another form of unstoppable life breaking the morbid prayer session.
I also love the idea of death being her own character (she's female in Italian, "la morte".) Would she be an all powerful being surrounding the whole island, or a more subdued presence, a silent companion following the Prince around?
I'll get to the fourth of April in the next entry, but very briefly: a group of rebels started an uprising against the king from inside a monastery in the city of Palermo, they were quickly dispatched by the army but more and more people followed their example and the riots spread all over the island. That's why the Salina girls are at home from their convent/boarding school, in case rebels targeted it next.
Great post Ellie! I was planning to just look in briefly, knowing I'm seriously over-committed with other books in varying stages of completion - but then I read the opening pages of The Leopard and well... hmmm... I may have to keep going. What lush, lavish writing. At first I was a little lost, trying to picture all the imagery in the drawing room, but once we got to the garden, I was utterly absorbed in the writing. The description of the pungent floral scents was so vivid - I could imagine it perfectly.
It's a very physical book. It reminds me a bit of Woolf in the way it jumps between past and present, but Virginia's flashbacks are like waves, there's a weight, a rhythm to them. Tomasi has this seamless, dreamlike way of making past and present coexist, we're walking through them like sleepwalkers.
How interesting! I don't know enough about Lampedusa's writing style yet to make a good comparison. But I think I see some similarities - there is a 'fullness' in both. Every line is clogged with stuff!