Novecento (Oberon Modern Plays) Paperback – 30 Dec. 2020

I've read it in Italian over and over again and watched the movie half a dozen times. I think it's one of the best books of contemporary Italian literature and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to lose her/himself in the poetry of Baricco's words.

Something you definitely need to read at least once in your life. I don't remember how many times I have red it in my life in the original language. Wanted to try with the english translation. It's still great, even if the original one in Italian remain the best ever.

I love the writing of Alessandro Baricco whom I discovered while learning Italian. He captures the mood of American life aboard a transatlantic liner beautifully and leaves so many unanswered questions about what sort of a person Novecento really is, so that you continue to ask these questions long after you have finished reading the monologue. The English translation is very good but of course the original Italian is better.

A good short read

Beautifully written. a joy to read.

The book is AMAZING. One of my favourites (if not my absolute favourite). Brilliantly written, emotionally poetic, and here, skillfully translated in English by Ann Goldstein.This item was used but in good conditions (although sticky and with ring stains that I managed to wipe away without problems, but that in my opinion could have been easily cleaned out prior to selling).The only reason I don't feel like giving 5/5 stars is because it took 3 days to arrive (just 24 hours less than a standard delivery time) when I had selected the prime 1 day delivery, as I needed it urgently, and it barely arrived on time for what I needed it for. Apart from that, honestly great piece of writing. If you don't need it urgently, would definitely recommend.

Fantastic booklet

If, like me you are hungry for more Barrico this will please no end, a beautiful story enjoyable in a play format

L'HO REGALATO TRE VOLTE IN LINGUA ITALIANA E QUESTA VOLTA ... IN INGLESE.OTTIMO E CONSIGLIATISSIMO.COME (quasi) TUTTO BARICCO.

Novecento, as written by Baricco, is a wonderful creation, sits some unknown category melding the qualities of a book with the insertion of a number of theatrical instructions, which are scattered throughout. The whole idea of doing this seems entirely unique. The Italian edition starts with a note from Baricco in which he explains that the text is to be read out loud (ad alta voce) and that it had been performed about a year before its publication by Enaudi. It is most unfortunate that the translated text does not include this author's note, which I think is essential to understanding what the author's intent was and how to approach it. And indeed, the movie version directed by Tornatore, while admirably ambitious, couldn't capture the imagery and experience you get by reading it. This little book is quite fantastical and can really come to life in the readers' mind, particularly if read aloud, as it is supposed to be. It is a wonderful tale; a metaphorical treatment of yearning for place, finding identity, for friendship, for class differences, loyalty and human hopes and expectations.Read it. Aloud, like Baricco said. He also said it gave him pleasure just to think of someone doing that. It is a gift.

As described.

Un romanzo brevissimo, in realtà un monologo per il teatro, da leggere assolutamente. Perfetto, meraviglioso.Un monologue pour le théâtre, à lire absolutement. Parfait, merveilleux.A short novel, oreiginally a monologue for the theater, that has to be read. Perfect, wonderful. Don't miss it!

I had the pleasure of acting in this show. Mr. Barrico's play is a beautiful tale that we all fell in love with. The tale of a down-at-heel trumpet player who befriends the greatest pianist to ever sail the ocean. A fabulous story of magical realism, characters that we fall in love with, and a beautifully crafted story that moves at just the right pace. Thank you, sir, thank you so much. #NovecentoAtVerona