conceptsoftime's review
5.0
Wow. This is almost like the literary version of Bunuel's film The Discrete Charm of the Bourgeoisie: they are both works of surrealism and both deal with the absurdity of daily life, and the funny things we worry about when we have too much leisure time.
But this story is from the perspective of a child, and it's darker. It's main theme is that the real "paradise lost" is the perspectives and attitudes of our childhood. And so the title refers to education and other forms of socialization that we put children through.
Savinio's thesis aside, this work is an adventure through the mind of a toddler during a night out walking with his parents. Half the time he is amused (or frightened) by his parents' behavior, and half the time he is in a world of mythological creatures that talk to him. The "death" scene at the end (falling asleep) is extraordinary. (thanks to the translator!)
Major caveat: it's a surrealist work and thus difficult to read. I skimmed the parts that I couldn't follow.
But this story is from the perspective of a child, and it's darker. It's main theme is that the real "paradise lost" is the perspectives and attitudes of our childhood. And so the title refers to education and other forms of socialization that we put children through.
Savinio's thesis aside, this work is an adventure through the mind of a toddler during a night out walking with his parents. Half the time he is amused (or frightened) by his parents' behavior, and half the time he is in a world of mythological creatures that talk to him. The "death" scene at the end (falling asleep) is extraordinary. (thanks to the translator!)
Major caveat: it's a surrealist work and thus difficult to read. I skimmed the parts that I couldn't follow.
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