Cuttlefish Bones

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Cuttlefish Bones, his epoch-making first book, completes the trio of books (with the previously published 'The Occasions' and 'The Storm and Other Things') that won Eugenio Montale (1896-1981) the Nobel Prize in Literature and established him as the Greatest Italian poet since Leopardi. The renowned classicist, translator, and critic William Arrowsmith translated all three volumes.

"Virtually incomparable. . . . Arrowsmith has quite literally distilled this poetry's essence in order to recompose it with all of its colors, scents, and exquisitely understated potency intact." — Rebecca West

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1925

About the author

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Eugenio Montale was born on October 12, 1896 in Genoa, Italy. He was the youngest son of Domenico Montale and Giuseppina (Ricci) Montale. They were brought up in a business atmosphere, as their father was a trader in chemicals. Ill health cut short his formal education and he was therefore a self-taught man free from conditioning except that of his own will and person. He spent his summers at the family villa in a village. This small village was near the Ligurian Riviera, an area which has had a profound influence on his poetry and other works. Originally Montale aspired to be an opera singer and trained under the famous baritone Ernesto Sivori. Surprisingly he changed his profession and went on to become a poet who can be considered the greatest of the twentieth century's Italian poets and one who won the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature in 1975 "for his distinctive poetry which, with great artistic sensitivity, has interpreted human values under the sign of an outlook on life with no illusions."

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100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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The day returns


Through the golden lightning


Of the ancient on the walls,


The dawn draws the closed windows.


Here comes the sun again


But without the dark sounds


Without the burdened rustle.




"Far, far from here your path leads


There is no refuge for you. You have quenched your thirst:


Continue the journey of your stars.


So goodbye forever.."




"The gift of the wind that carried the fragrant


Sea to the purple valleys


And it flows over your hair and sprinkles it


Surely it tangles short against the backdrop of a bright sky.."




"And I captured it. For time


Never forms its grains twice in the same way.


And here lies salvation: if it were otherwise


Nature would have burned our story in the blink of an eye."




"The world exists.. coldness freezes the heart


That surrenders to the lurking accusations


Messengers of the night, and it cannot imagine


That people have a holiday of hunger."




"The heart that trembles with every movement


Is shaken by rare uprisings


So it leaps in the silence of the fields


Sometimes, a fiery leap."




"Give me the servant of the sun that I may carry it


To my land that the salty wind has opened


And let today show all its yellow-faced worry


To the pages of the shining blue sky.."




"..Behind the board


Perhaps the clear sky was peaceful


Just a seal


That prevented the clear sky.."




"You, my words, purify, the secret language


That mourns in the heart


The truest wisdom is the wisdom of one who knows how to be silent


The song of peace is the song that is beloved."




… ..
July 15,2025
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2 #Libros2018


I think this book would be much more enjoyable in Italian. There is a certain music and wordplay that is lost in translation. However, it is still very good. Especially "Huesos de Sepia", "Mediterráneo", and "Xenia". Each of these works has its own unique charm. "Huesos de Sepia" might take the reader on a journey filled with mystery and deep emotions. "Mediterráneo" could perhaps paint a vivid picture of the Mediterranean region, with its rich culture and beautiful landscapes. And "Xenia" might offer something special in terms of its themes and writing style. Overall, despite the potential loss in translation, this collection of works is definitely worth exploring.

July 15,2025
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I don't know if it's a shortcoming of the translator or if these poems lack beauty even in their original language. I had hoped to find at least one poem that would win my admiration in this book.

It's truly a pity that my expectations weren't met.

Maybe it's because my standards are too high, or perhaps the translator didn't quite capture the essence and charm of the original poems.

Nevertheless, I still believe that there are many wonderful poems out there waiting for me to discover, whether in this language or others.

I'll continue my search, hoping to encounter that one special poem that will touch my heart and leave a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
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E con questo ho definitivamente stabilito che leggere poesie non fa per me (sebbene io ami alla follia questo genere di letteratura). Niente, non riesco a godermele appieno.
I truly believe that reading poetry is not for me. Although I love this genre of literature like crazy, I just can't fully enjoy it. Maybe it's because I don't have the right mindset or the proper understanding.

Credo che proverò a cambiare autore.
I think I will try to change the author. Maybe there is another poet out there whose works will speak to me more deeply and allow me to appreciate the beauty and essence of poetry.

Leggere poesie non fa per me, dicevo. Ma è pur sempre poesia, il che equivale a dire che il suo benedetto fascino lo eserciterà ora e sempre e per sempre.
As I said, reading poetry is not for me. But it is still poetry, which means that its blessed charm will always exercise its power. Poetry has a unique allure that can touch our hearts and souls, even if we don't always understand it.

Una delle mie preferite è questa:
One of my favorites is this:

"Felicità raggiunta, si cammina
per te sul fil di lama.
Agli occhi sei barlume che vacilla,
al piede, teso ghiaccio che s'incrina;
e dunque non ti tocchi chi più t'ama.

Se giungi sulle anime invase
di tristezza e le schiari, il tuo mattino
e' dolce e turbatore come i nidi delle cimase.
Ma nulla paga il pianto del bambino
a cui fugge il pallone tra le case."
July 15,2025
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Vuotezza


Vuotezza is a concept that holds great significance in various aspects of life. It can refer to a state of emptiness or void, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. In the physical realm, vuotezza might describe an empty space, a room devoid of furniture, or a container without any contents. This emptiness can sometimes create a sense of tranquility and simplicity, allowing for a fresh start or a clean slate.


Metaphorically, vuotezza can represent a lack of emotional or mental clutter. It is the ability to let go of past baggage, negative thoughts, and unnecessary distractions. When we embrace vuotezza in our minds, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and a more profound sense of inner peace. It allows us to focus on the present moment and truly experience life without being weighed down by the past or overly concerned about the future.


In conclusion, vuotezza is a powerful concept that encourages us to embrace emptiness and simplicity. Whether it is in the physical or metaphorical sense, it offers us the opportunity to find balance, clarity, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
July 15,2025
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Some poems are surely iconic, while others are rather mediocre and forgettable. This is probably due to the fact that they are read one after another in a short period of time.

Overall, the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Literature to the author is understandable, as he has a particular poetic style in composition.

His works may not all reach the highest level of excellence, but there is something unique and captivating about his approach.

The diversity in the quality of his poems could also be seen as a reflection of his creative process, with some pieces shining more brightly than others.

Nevertheless, his contribution to the world of literature cannot be overlooked, and the Nobel Prize is a recognition of his talent and significance in the field.
July 15,2025
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Coccola dolce per anima malinconica. This phrase seems to carry a certain charm and tenderness. It implies that there is a sweet comfort or caress for a melancholy soul. In a world that can often be harsh and demanding, the idea of having something sweet to soothe the soul is truly appealing. It could be a gentle touch, a kind word, a beautiful melody, or a delicious treat. These small pleasures have the power to bring a smile to our faces and ease the burden of our hearts. When our souls are feeling down and out, we need that coccola dolce to lift us up and give us hope. It is like a ray of sunshine in a cloudy sky, warming our hearts and making us believe that better days are ahead.

July 15,2025
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The stars seem to be telling the truth. At times, there appear images of a stunning beauty and an incredible communicative force. But more often, it is difficult to disentangle the meaning and one follows better the sound of the words which sometimes is really like the ebb and flow, or is as sweet as a sun-drenched beach, or as feeble as the first summer afternoon. However, at the end of the poem, you ask yourself: "What have I read?" and you remain confused as when one tries to hear a voice among the noise of the waves.

This kind of poetry challenges our understanding and makes us question the very essence of what we are reading. It forces us to look beyond the literal meaning and explore the deeper emotions and sensations that the words evoke.

The use of vivid imagery and descriptive language adds to the overall impact of the poem, making it a truly immersive experience.

Despite the initial confusion, there is something captivating about this type of poetry that keeps us coming back for more. It makes us think, feel, and appreciate the power of words in a whole new way.
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