Two of the most shocking books about World War II were written by the Italian fascist, litterateur and dandy, Curzio Malaparte. His “novels”, Kaputt and The Skin have been canonized through incorporation into the wonderful series of New York Review Classics.
One of your best articles. I only knew about Malaparte’s villa in Capri. This was an eye opener. As a coincidence, a couple of nights ago I started reading Naples’44 (very good!). Now I’m off to my bookshelf to find that art book about Balla, Boccione and Severini.
There's a newly translated biography of Malaparte out from NYRB books and it's very good! Also, according to Richard J. Evan's latest book the scene in Kaputt where Malaparte encounters Himmler in a sauna seems to have actually happened.
Great post. Why is there no great author writing about the Russo-Ukrainian conflict - or about any of eight prior Russo-Ukrainian conflicts? I think it is because there is not a cultural conflict. It is Slav versus Slav and the cultures are almost identical.
One of your best articles. I only knew about Malaparte’s villa in Capri. This was an eye opener. As a coincidence, a couple of nights ago I started reading Naples’44 (very good!). Now I’m off to my bookshelf to find that art book about Balla, Boccione and Severini.
Do you recommend Tony Judt's books?
Hm. Seems like this work is incredibly hard to find. This is so unfortunate. I truly hope it can be put back into print
every aesthete has his day
There's a newly translated biography of Malaparte out from NYRB books and it's very good! Also, according to Richard J. Evan's latest book the scene in Kaputt where Malaparte encounters Himmler in a sauna seems to have actually happened.
Fantastic. Can’t wait to read him.
It sounds like Malaparte's trilogy would be fascinating to read alongside Vasily Grossman's WWII writing.
Kaputt figures strongly in Nell Zinc’s delightful novel “Mislaid”, messaging to renounce the world’s struggles and just admire the sunsets from Capri.
Thanks, Adam. Three more books I have to read!
Great stuff!
I have read Naples '44 but not Skin (Malaparte); I am not sure I can face up to it now!
Great post. Why is there no great author writing about the Russo-Ukrainian conflict - or about any of eight prior Russo-Ukrainian conflicts? I think it is because there is not a cultural conflict. It is Slav versus Slav and the cultures are almost identical.