Difficult Loves - by Italo Calvino (Paperback)

About the Book

Intricate interior lives are brilliantly explored in these short stories, now presented in this collection as Calvino intended them.

Book Synopsis

A "wondrous work from the early career of one of the world's greatest writers" (Kirkus Reviews), masterfully translated from Italian into English by Ann Goldstein Intricate interior lives are brilliantly explored in these short stories, now presented in one definitive collection as the author intended them. In Difficult Loves, Italy's master storyteller weaves tales in which cherished deceptions and illusions of love--including self-love--are swept away in magical instants of recognition. A soldier is reduced to quivering fear by the presence of a full-figured woman in his train compartment; a young clerk leaves a lady's bed at dawn; a young woman is isolated from bathers on a beach by the loss of her bikini bottom. Each of them discovers hidden truths beneath the surface of everyday life. This edition also include two stories translated into English for the first time, translated by Ann Goldstein (The Neopolitan Quartet, Elena Ferrante).

About the Author

ITALO CALVINO's superb storytelling gifts earned him international renown. At the time of his death, in 1985, he was the most-translated contemporary Italian writer.

ANN GOLDSTEIN has translated widely from the Italian, including works of Elena Ferrante and Primo Levi.