Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 19 votes)
5 stars
5(26%)
4 stars
7(37%)
3 stars
7(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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19 reviews
July 15,2025
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Capannetta: Bozzetto siciliano

Lumie di Sicilia

These titles seem to offer a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Sicilian literature or art. Each one has its own unique charm and potential for exploration.

Con altri occhi, Una voce, La mosca, and La giara all suggest different perspectives, voices, and small, perhaps overlooked elements of life. They might invite us to see the world in a new way or pay attention to the details that often go unnoticed.

Non e una cosa seria and Pensaci, Giacomino add an element of lightheartedness or a call to reflection. They make us question the seriousness of things and encourage us to think about them more deeply.

Finally, La tragedia d'un personaggio and La rallegrata contrast the tragic and the joyous, showing the full range of human emotions and experiences. And La signeore Frola e il signor Ponza, suo genero presents a specific relationship or story that could be further explored and understood.
July 15,2025
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This is not actually the Pirandello's work I owned.

However, since I find it interesting in the way he placed his character in the tragic or pathetic condition, I think he should be on the list.

I would say that he really described real life. Biographically, his own life is not really different from those stories he has written.

I obtained the Indonesian version of his work from the "akubaca" publisher and am still in a very good mood when it comes to finding his other works or discussing about them.

Pirandello's works seem to have a unique charm that attracts me. His ability to create complex and relatable characters in difficult situations is truly remarkable.

I look forward to exploring more of his works and delving deeper into the themes and ideas he presents.

Perhaps through further study, I will gain a better understanding of his writing style and the messages he is trying to convey.

Overall, I am glad to have discovered Pirandello's work and am excited to see what else he has to offer.
July 15,2025
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A Book for Reflection


A thought-provoking, inward-examining, self-reflection yet witty, fun, and memorable book is a true gem. It has the power to make us think deeply about ourselves and the world around us. Among all the books I've read, I like It's Not To Be Taken Seriously the most. This book has a unique charm that keeps me engaged from start to finish. The author's writing style is both humorous and profound, making it a joy to read.


My next TBR (To Be Read) by Pirandello is One, No One, and a Thousand. I'm really looking forward to delving into this book and exploring the themes and ideas that Pirandello presents. I've heard great things about this book and I'm excited to see how it will impact me. I'm sure it will be another thought-provoking and engaging read that will add to my collection of favorite books.

July 15,2025
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The original article seems a bit unclear. However, I'll do my best to rewrite and expand it based on what I assume you might mean.

**Original Article**: 8,5/10

**Rewritten and Expanded Article**:

The number 8 is a whole number that holds significance in many aspects of life. It can represent a variety of things, such as the number of days in a work week for some or a symbol of balance and harmony in certain cultures.


On the other hand, the fraction 5/10 can be simplified to 1/2. This fraction represents half of a whole. It could be used to describe a portion of something, like half of a pizza or half of a group.


When we see the combination 8,5/10, it might make us think about a situation where we have 8 whole units and an additional half unit. Maybe it's 8 and a half hours of work, or 8 and a half apples.


In conclusion, the numbers 8 and 5/10 have their own individual meanings and when combined, they can create a unique concept that can be applied in various real-life scenarios.
July 15,2025
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The Wheelbarrow - 4.5 stars (not in this book)

Citrons from Sicily - 4 stars

The Oil Jar - 2.5 stars

Mrs. Frola and Mr. Ponza, Her Son-in-Law



These are some of the works that have received various ratings. The Wheelbarrow, unfortunately, is not part of this particular book but has managed to earn a remarkable 4.5 stars elsewhere. Citrons from Sicily has also done well, achieving a solid 4-star rating. On the other hand, The Oil Jar has received a relatively lower rating of 2.5 stars. Finally, Mrs. Frola and Mr. Ponza, Her Son-in-Law is another work included here. Each of these works likely has its own unique characteristics and qualities that have contributed to their respective ratings. Whether it's the creativity, the depth of the story, or the writing style, these factors all play a role in how readers perceive and rate the works.
July 15,2025
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Some of the stories in this collection were truly sweet and filled with a sense of nostalgia. They had the power to transport the reader back to their own cherished memories, evoking a warm and fuzzy feeling.

However, not all the stories were of the same caliber. There were others that were rather sad, tugging at the heartstrings and leaving the reader with a sense of melancholy.

And then there were a couple of stories that failed to capture my interest. They seemed a bit dull and lacking in excitement, making it a bit of a chore to get through them.

Overall, while I have read better short story collections in the past, this one wasn't bad either. It had its moments of charm and poignancy, and despite its flaws, it was still an enjoyable read.

I would recommend it to those who are looking for a diverse collection of stories that will take them on an emotional journey.
July 15,2025
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I decided to read this particular book with the intention of getting more exposure to the Italian language.

It is a dual-language book, which means that one side presents the text in Italian and the other side in English.

However, as I started reading, I found myself mostly relying on the English side. The reason for this was that the stories in the Italian section utilized quite advanced vocabulary.

Despite this, I still believe that the book served as a good learning tool.

It allowed me to see the Italian words and phrases in context, and I could compare them with the English translations.

Although the stories sometimes confused me, especially when I tried to understand them solely in Italian, I think this was also a valuable part of the learning process.

It made me think more deeply about the language and try to figure out the meanings of the words and expressions.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning Italian and wants to improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
July 15,2025
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This compendium contains a few translated stories.

As the title implies, there are 11 short stories by the Sicilian author from the turn of the century. Stanley Appelbaum has not only completed a brilliant introduction but also a detailed biography of Pirandello.

The stories include Capannetta, Lumie di Sicilia, Con Altri Occhi, Una voce, La mosca, La giara, non e una cosa seria, Pensaci Giacomino, La Tragedia d'un personaggio, la rallegrata, la signora Frola e il signor Ponza, suo genero. I still need to read the last 3 out of the total 11.

Appelbaum describes Pirandello in the best way, presenting a scholarly and vivid oral painting with the utmost clarity. The stories are well-chosen, cute, smart, and random, making them a great means to learn Italian.

Overall, this compendium offers a wonderful collection of Pirandello's works, providing readers with an opportunity to explore his unique literary style and gain insights into the Sicilian culture and society of that era.
July 15,2025
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I knew very little about Luigi Pirandello before reading Undici Novelle. My girlfriend had told me that if I wanted to read a great Italian writer, I should start with either him or Italo Svevo. So, when I went looking for something to read, I ended up bingeing. First, I read Svevo's Zeno's Conscience, and then I was compelled to buy Pirandello's One, No One & One Hundred Thousand just because I loved the title. But the short story collection Undici Novelle, a dual-language version translated and edited by Stanley Appelbaum, seemed like a good place to start. Now that I've finished it, I think it was a great choice.

Pirandello's career as a short story writer was clearly important to his work as a novelist and playwright. He wrote over 230 short stories, many of which influenced or were incorporated into his longer works in some way. He also constantly revised his stories, so each time one was included in a new collection, it might have anything from a few typographical corrections to major revisions.

The stories in Undici Novelle are presented in chronological order of publication and are all taken from their original versions to give a sense of Pirandello's development as a writer. The first story, Little Hut, which he wrote when he was only seventeen, is predictably the weakest. But it does clearly signal what is to come, showing that Pirandello's focus is much more on the description and nuances of character than on plotting - and he is a master of this.

His characters are highly realistic and idiosyncratic, and there is a definite tendency towards the tragic in their brief moments in the spotlight. An innocent who comes to recognize the failure of his love and a needless martyr who forever denies it to herself stand alongside more obviously, more unpleasantly selfish figures who, even when motivated by the desire to benefit others, are quick to turn on those who displease them. It must be said that Pirandello makes little effort to hide where his stories are going; in most cases, the general direction is clear from the opening paragraphs, leaving the reader knowing far more than the character about their impending fate. This often sacrifices some of the impact, and a few stories become a bit repetitive because of it, but the overall effect is to create a kind of fatalistic anticipation. These stories are all about the emotional response, both of the reader and the subject.

Well, not all of them. As the opening quote shows, there is also a fair amount of humor to be found in Pirandello's work, and many of the stories raise more than just a smile. There are also moments of more analytical study of the human condition, such as in It's Not To Be Taken Seriously. The hero of this story compulsively sees the ridiculous not only in those he sees putting on airs, but also in everyone he feels love for. He comes to see the beasts that still lurk within all men, the thieves, imposters, and murderers who lie hidden in potentia behind every civilized veneer. But there is still humor, as "after so many centuries of civilization, many people now sheltered in their cave an animal that was excessively subdued: a pig that said the rosary, a fox that had lost its tail."

There were four stories in this collection that really stood out for me. The first was A Character's Tragedy, a forerunner to his most famous play Six Characters in Search of an Author. This story gives an insightful look into his creative process and the tangible reality he gives to his characters - and even to other writers' characters. Although I found all the stories interesting, it was only with The Fly that I really began to feel the power of Pirandello's writing - and it was a cruel power. Pirandello was apparently fond of stories that were sympathetic to animals domesticated by man, and one story from the collection, A Prancing Horse, showed his greatest skill in expressing emotion. As I noted above, this was also an easy story to predict in its general tone, direction, and climax - but here there was also a twist, almost like a knife in the gut, a face-slapping insight into how one could take pleasure in the pain of others.

The Oil Jar, which is unsurprisingly his best-loved short story, is more narratively complete than most and unusually upbeat. A landowner who can only be described as a litigious git is ripe for a reprimand by the one person in a position to help him in his selfish hour of need. But, against anyone else's literary conventions, this person turns out to be every bit his childishly belligerent equal, and the two quickly descend into a mutual downfall from which only one can emerge the victor. Atypically, the stakes here are more emotionally trivial, and instead of a tragedy in the making, The Oil Jar resolves into a warm, Much Ado About Nothing-like rap on the knuckles for a man who probably deserves it - which one, I'll leave unsaid. But I will quote the opening passage of the story, as it perfectly sums up the writer and his work: a fertile mind, strongly nourishing, a mix of the sweet with the somber.
July 15,2025
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I cannot say that any story has not pleased me. Generally, I am satisfied.

However, the world of literature is complex. There is a story for a man who does not use literature in accordance with the rules related to reality, but rather literature becomes his reality.

A typical example is Pirandello :)

Literature has the power to create different realities and perspectives. It can transport us to worlds we have never imagined and make us experience emotions we may not have otherwise felt.

Each story has its own unique charm and value, whether it adheres to the traditional rules of literature or not.

Pirandello, in particular, is known for his innovative and thought-provoking works that challenge our understanding of reality and truth.

His stories often blurr the lines between fiction and reality, leaving the reader to question what is real and what is not.

In conclusion, while I may not always agree with the way a story is told or the message it conveys, I can always appreciate the creativity and imagination that goes into its making.

Literature is a vast and diverse world, and there is always something new and exciting to discover.
July 15,2025
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I especially loved the story, "A Character's Tragedy."

This story truly captured my heart and imagination. The way the author crafted the character and his tragic circumstances was both captivating and moving.

The protagonist in the story faced numerous challenges and setbacks, yet he remained determined and resilient. His unwavering spirit in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.

The plot was filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The author's use of vivid language and detailed descriptions brought the story to life, making it easy for me to picture the scenes and characters in my mind.

"A Character's Tragedy" is a remarkable story that I will not soon forget. It taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, the human spirit, and the power of storytelling.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good read that will touch their heart and make them think.
July 15,2025
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Like the other Pirandello works on my list, I must admit that I hardly gave this (probable) masterpiece my undivided attention.

It is truly a regret, as I am now realizing the potential greatness that lies within its pages.

Hence, this particular piece really ought to be on my to-read shelf, waiting for the moment when I can give it the focus and dedication it deserves.

I am eager to explore the depths of Pirandello's genius once again and discover the hidden treasures that this work has to offer.

With each new reading, I hope to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of his unique writing style and the profound themes he presents.

This time, I will make sure to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to engage fully with the text, allowing myself to be transported into the world that Pirandello has created.
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