Two men go walking in the Dolomites, but not together; one falls to his death, the other reports the body. Is it coincidence that they knew each other in earlier years, and that one had betrayed the other?
Erri De Luca Book order
May 20, 1950
Erri De Luca is a writer whose works are deeply rooted in his life experiences. A self-taught polyglot with a passion for mountain climbing, his prose often reflects a unique perspective forged through diverse experiences. His writing, which began early in life, explores the human condition with a distinct voice. Though a non-believer, he has translated several biblical texts into Italian, delving into various aspects of Judaism. His novels, often inspired by his background as a laborer and his travels, resonate with a powerful and unmistakable literary presence.
- 2022
- 2017
The Day Before Happiness
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
'Happiness - was it right to name it without knowing it? It sounded shameless in my mouth, like when someone shows off about knowing a celebrity and just uses their first name, saying Marcello when they really mean Mastroianni ...' A young orphan boy grows up in Naples, playing football, roaming the city's streets and hidden places. The older boys call him 'monkey' because he can climb anywhere. He is alone, apart from Don Gaetano, the apartment caretaker, who feeds him, teaches him to play scopa, and tells him stories about women, history and the dark secrets of Naples' past. Then one day the boy sees a young girl standing at a window. It is an encounter that will haunt his life for years and, eventually, shape his destiny. Lyrical and exuberant, told with the simplicity of a fairy tale and the intensity of a memory, The Day Before Happiness is the story of friendship, a city and what makes us who we are.
- 2016
The Day Before Happiness. Der Tag vor dem Glück, englische Ausgabe
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
"Happiness - was it right to name it without knowing it? It sounded shameless in my mouth, like when someone shows off about knowing a celebrity and just uses their first name . . . A young orphan boy grows up in Naples, playing football, roaming the city's streets and hidden places. The older boys call him 'monkey' because he can climb anywhere. He is alone, apart from Don Gaetano, the apartment caretaker, who feeds him, teaches him to play scopa, and tells him stories about women, history and the dark secrets of Naples' past. The one day the boy sees a young girl standing at a window. It is an encounter that will haunt his life for years and, eventually, shape his destiny. Told with the simplicity of a fairy tale and the intensity of a memory, The Day Before Happinessis the story of friendship, a city and what makes us who we are."
- 2002
God's Mountain
- 176 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of a pivotal year in a young boy's life, the narrative unfolds through his secret diary. As he navigates the complexities of adolescence, he faces transformative experiences that broaden his understanding of the world. The story captures the essence of growth, discovery, and the challenges of coming of age, revealing how a single year can shape one's identity and perspective.