The Garden of the Finzi-Continis

A poignant tale of love and loss in 1930s Italy

Giorgio Bassani author Jamie McKendrick translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:1st Feb '07

Should be back in stock very soon

The Garden of the Finzi-Continis cover

This novel beautifully depicts an aristocratic Jewish family's life in Italy during the 1930s, highlighting their gradual decline. The Garden of the Finzi-Continis is a poignant tale.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Italy, The Garden of the Finzi-Continis is a poignant exploration of an aristocratic Jewish family's gradual descent into despair. The novel intricately weaves the beauty of Ferrara's landscapes with the looming shadows of impending doom, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the last page is turned. As the seasons change, so too does the fate of the Finzi-Contini family, whose privileged existence becomes increasingly fragile in the face of rising anti-Semitism.

The narrative captures the essence of youth, love, and loss, as the characters navigate their relationships amidst the societal changes that threaten their way of life. The protagonist, Giorgio, reflects on his memories of the Finzi-Contini family, whose garden serves as a metaphor for both sanctuary and entrapment. Through vivid imagery and lyrical prose, the author paints a picture of a world that is both enchanting and foreboding, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the lush yet perilous environment.

Originally published in 1962, The Garden of the Finzi-Continis not only tells a story of personal tragedy but also serves as a historical commentary on the Jewish experience in Italy during a tumultuous period. The novel's adaptation into film by Vittorio De Sica in 1970 further solidified its place in cultural history, winning an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1974.

Powerful new translations . . . Bassani began as a poet, and McKendrick's redelivery of this taut uncompromising fiction reveals resonance and generosity -- Ali Smith

ISBN: 9780141188362

Dimensions: 198mm x 131mm x 16mm

Weight: 232g

288 pages