Reviews

Marcovaldo by Italo Calvino

hoffmann_fanatic's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

The best book I have read in the past few years.

It is so light, warm, and utterly hilarious. The character of Marcovaldo is one we all aspire to be, a modern-day court jester who finds beauty in everything, is constantly beaten down but gets back up, and appreciates every minute of life regardless of how it goes.

As usual for Calvino - impeccably paced. The way the realist humor progresses slowly to fantasy and absurdism is so well done.

Highly recommended for everyone.

gayos's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

libro semplice e simpatico, carino da leggere in mezzo a letture più pesanti

leo_seven's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

jaquie's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

What a vibrant, cohesive, episodic slice-of-life of Marcovaldo and his family’s lives. I often found myself smiling at the mishaps or the events that transpired to these characters. In each framed story, you were put in the minds of the characters, narrating their observations, ideas, perspectives, making the prose feel natural and easily digestible. Calvino’s word play, perspective building, and his shifting narrative can also oftentimes delightfully subvert your expectations. 

sputniksweetheart15's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted sad fast-paced

5.0

erikanatale_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

jackscou's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sorry_imbooked's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

conoraflynn's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

first time reading a book in italian in almost 3 years - Calvino is sooo good, such simple, lyrical writing, digestible little stories which give slices of life in an unnamed Italian city through the trials and tribulations of Marcovaldo and his family

chaegjang's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Solo Calvino poteva farmi trovare un libro bello perchè il protagonista è umanamente triste