Scan barcode
A review by penguinna
If on a Winter's Night a Traveller by Italo Calvino
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
In this book, the main character is you. You buy this very book in a store and realize it only contains the first chapter, repeated over and over. Frustrated, you go back to exchange it, only to receive a completely different book. And the worst part? After the first chapter, all the pages are blank. Furious, you set out to uncover the truth. And this is where your story begins…
This book features the first chapters of 10 different stories, intertwined with a main storyline about you trying to find the rest of these books.
Objectively, it’s a very good book. The author masterfully creates intrigue, introducing characters so vividly in just the first few paragraphs of each short story that you can’t help but become attached to them. You’re immediately hooked, eager to know what happens next. The variety of writing styles and genres show that Calvino is a truly professional writer.
Subjectively, I didn’t enjoy the main storyline about myself and my journey. I couldn’t follow what was happening – too many characters, too fast-paced, and too chaotic. It was hard to understand who was who or why events were unfolding as they were.
As for the short stories, they end right at the climax. While I understand the reason for this choice, it left me feeling sad and disappointed. By the time I reached the later stories, I barely cared what was happening, simply to avoid becoming attached to temporary characters who would vanish without explanation.
A separate issue is how women are portrayed – a sore spot for me in many books. The male gaze is clearly present here, and it’s difficult to ignore.
In any case, I highly recommend this book to writers – you’ll definitely find many relatable moments in terms of the craft of creating literature. For other readers, be prepared for a totally melancholic whirlwind of confusing action.
More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books
This book features the first chapters of 10 different stories, intertwined with a main storyline about you trying to find the rest of these books.
Objectively, it’s a very good book. The author masterfully creates intrigue, introducing characters so vividly in just the first few paragraphs of each short story that you can’t help but become attached to them. You’re immediately hooked, eager to know what happens next. The variety of writing styles and genres show that Calvino is a truly professional writer.
Subjectively, I didn’t enjoy the main storyline about myself and my journey. I couldn’t follow what was happening – too many characters, too fast-paced, and too chaotic. It was hard to understand who was who or why events were unfolding as they were.
As for the short stories, they end right at the climax. While I understand the reason for this choice, it left me feeling sad and disappointed. By the time I reached the later stories, I barely cared what was happening, simply to avoid becoming attached to temporary characters who would vanish without explanation.
A separate issue is how women are portrayed – a sore spot for me in many books. The male gaze is clearly present here, and it’s difficult to ignore.
In any case, I highly recommend this book to writers – you’ll definitely find many relatable moments in terms of the craft of creating literature. For other readers, be prepared for a totally melancholic whirlwind of confusing action.
More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books