Explore the latest books of this year!
Bookbot

Our Ancestors Series

This trilogy delves into absurdity and reflections on identity through fantastical narratives. Each novel features a unique character whose peculiar situation examines human nature and societal norms. The series is celebrated for its playful irony, philosophical depth, and timeless resonance.

Our Ancestors
Il cavaliere inesistente
Invisible Cities
The Cloven Viscount

Recommended Reading Order

  1. 1

    The Cloven Viscount

    • 128 pages
    • 5 hours of reading
    3.9(18493)Add rating

    The story follows Viscount Medardo of Terralba, who is bisected by a cannonball during a battle against the Turks. His two halves embark on contrasting paths: one indulges in a life of decadence and evil, while the other embodies virtue. As both halves vie for the affection of the same woman, their rivalry leads to increasingly outrageous antics. This novella showcases Calvino's unique blend of humor and fantasy, presenting a captivating exploration of identity and morality in a whimsically macabre setting.

    The Cloven Viscount
  2. 2

    Invisible Cities

    • 176 pages
    • 7 hours of reading
    4.2(60775)Add rating

    'A subtle and beautiful meditation' Sunday Times In Invisible Cities Marco Polo conjures up cities of magical times for his host, the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, but gradually it becomes clear that he is actually describing one city- Venice. As Gore Vidal wrote 'Of all tasks, describing the contents of a book is the most difficult and in the case of a marvellous invention like Invisible Cities, perfectly irrelevant.'

    Invisible Cities
  3. 3

    Il cavaliere inesistente

    • 136 pages
    • 5 hours of reading
    3.9(1265)Add rating

    Suor Teodora narra la storia di Agilulfo, cavaliere senza corpo, di cui vive solo l'armatura. Mentre Carlo Magno assedia Parigi, Agilulfo, dopo essersi coperto di gloria, decide di partire alla ricerca di Sofronia, fanciulla da lui salvata quindici anni prima. Accompagnato dallo scudiero Gurdulù, attraverso numerose peripezie, inseguito dalla guerriera Bradamante innamorata di lui, Agilulfo riesce a trovare Sofronia, ma, credendola macchiata di gravi peccati, decide di scomparire. Si sveste dell'armatura e la consegna a Rambaldo, giovane compagno d'armi. Sarà ora questi a proseguire nella bianca corazza, le gesta del cavaliere senza corpo.

    Il cavaliere inesistente

  4. Our Ancestors

    • 388 pages
    • 14 hours of reading
    4.3(1091)Add rating

    Viscount Medardo is bisected by a Turkish cannonball on the plains of Bohemia; Baron Cosimo, at the age of twelve, retires to the trees for the rest of his days; Charlemagne's knight, Agiluf, is an empty suit of armour. These three vivid images are the points of departure for Calvino's classic triptych of moral tales, now published in one volume and all displaying the exuberant talent of a master storyteller.

    Our Ancestors