Customer Reviews (1)

A memorable tale of dispossession
I read this book twenty years ago.It has served as such a mental reference for me that I intend to read it again.In the past I have done this only with "Crime and Punishment" and "A MovableFeast", so it keeps good company.

Specifically, it is the story ofan Italian mother and daughter chased from their town home by WWII. Theyretreat to less disputed hill territories and face all manner of hardship.What is so memorable is the study of the emotional effects of theirdispossession. They struggle to maintain their dignity and civility, buttheir world has truly been turned upside down. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

an entertaining portrait of real Italians
I found Racconti Romani a delight to read. Each short story has a different theme to explore although they all remain true to the style. To me, the great strength of Moravia's writing is the juxtaposition of reality (most tales take place in poverty stricken post-war Rome) and humour. I defy anyone who has spent any time in Italy not to laugh out loud at the totally believable and yet extreme characters. ... Read more