I’m a little obsessed with Europa Editions. I’ve added 4 or 5 Europa books to my bookshelves in the past couple of months, and many more to my wish list.
One of these additions was Margherita Dolce Vita by Stefano Benni. I mentioned this in August’s Polysyllabic Spree – I first heard about this book from Amanda’s great review.
I was not disappointed at all. Margherita is one of the funniest, most likable characters I’ve encountered in my reading this year. I couldn’t help laughing loudly during so many parts of the story.
Here’s the short summary from Europa’s site:
Fifteen-year-old Margherita lives with her eccentric family on the outskirts of town, a semi-urban wilderness peopled by gypsies, illegal immigrants, and no end of bizarre characters: a reassuring and fertile playground for an imaginative little girl like Margherita. But one day, a gigantic, black cube shows up next door. Her new neighbors have arrived, and they’re destined to ruin everything.
This novel is original, hilarious, and well worth the read. The ending is intense! This would be a great novel to discuss in a book group.
There are so many wonderful lines and passages in this book, but here are just a couple to give you a taste:
She is a good housekeeper and an excellent cook. Her specialties are Melodious French Fries, Desperation Omelet, and in particular, Remembrance of Things Past Meatloaf. (page 21)
I thought to myself: when a woman makes you change the way you live, you can laugh it off. But when a woman makes you change the soccer team you have always loved, the situation is serious. (page 131)
He stroked my hair and my heart pounded so hard and I thought: if he kisses me, I’ll die.
Unfortunately, he decided to let me live. (page 167)
Links to buy Margherita Dolce Vita:
Indie Bound
Book Depository (free shipping worldwide)
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