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A review by bkish
Zeno's Conscience by Italo Svevo
5.0
Svevo in Trieste wrote this in 1919 and it was his last book. It was just before WW I. It was of course in Italian. This translation by Wm Weaver was finished in 1940. In Italy this book is a Classic. Its a long book to read and sometimes I considered returning it unfinished to my library.
Since I finished it yesterday I have a view now I lacked when I was reading it. First - Ettore or Italo Svevo is Italian tho he was born Jewish in Bavaria. this is the writing of an italian man 100y ago. It is his memoir and some of it is fictional or from his conscience rather than of reality. It is a man's journey somewhat like in Proust Remembrance... Everything is from the perspective of this man Svevo the one who penned it and Zeno his alterego and his character in Zenos Conscience.
Only at the end for me does this come together. there are chapters and one of the last is about his psychoanalysis from Dr S.
Zeno is a man who struggles with his sense of himself and his health. He has weaknesses and comes across as a weak man who bends with the tide. Others seem to control him. Only at the very end does he appear to experience what he has sought - Health.
The end of the book (1919) he warns the readers about the danger of "devices" that appear to benefit and yet really harm. He also warns the readers about the danger of a horrendous explosion which will wipe out everyone...
Superb book
Judy
Since I finished it yesterday I have a view now I lacked when I was reading it. First - Ettore or Italo Svevo is Italian tho he was born Jewish in Bavaria. this is the writing of an italian man 100y ago. It is his memoir and some of it is fictional or from his conscience rather than of reality. It is a man's journey somewhat like in Proust Remembrance... Everything is from the perspective of this man Svevo the one who penned it and Zeno his alterego and his character in Zenos Conscience.
Only at the end for me does this come together. there are chapters and one of the last is about his psychoanalysis from Dr S.
Zeno is a man who struggles with his sense of himself and his health. He has weaknesses and comes across as a weak man who bends with the tide. Others seem to control him. Only at the very end does he appear to experience what he has sought - Health.
The end of the book (1919) he warns the readers about the danger of "devices" that appear to benefit and yet really harm. He also warns the readers about the danger of a horrendous explosion which will wipe out everyone...
Superb book
Judy