The Leopard: A Novel by Giuseppe Di Lampedusa Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Leopard: A Novel
Book Review: An Italian historical Romance?
Summary: 4 Stars
In a lot of ways this novel written in 1958 reads like Jane Austin
for me: the manners are of another time
and the customs are very much Latin.
It there a hidden policy here or just a comment on the changing of times? About the changing of the guard he say:" ... that process of continual refining which in the course of three generations transforms innocent peasants into defenseless gentry." The Leopard is the symbol of the family coat of arms in which we are told that old families transform in a romance of manners to the tune of the times. We get to the end and find it was all supposed to be about the nephew Tancredi, Concetta and the vulgar new princess Angelica. The loss of fortunes on the
whim of a minute or the romance of new times, who can say.
Why was it published in the early newer era of Europe?
Book Review: Breathtaking
Summary: 5 Stars
The Leopard is set in Sicily in the 1860's, around the time a united Italy was formed. The plot involves events in the lives of Fabrizio, Prince of Salina, and his family, set against a backdrop of revolution and the collapse of the old aristocracy. I read this in translation so my comments reflect that rather than the original Italian but the language is breathtaking. When Fabrizio walks into a room in the palace, the reader follows his eyes as they take in every detail and hear his reflections on the history of the objects there. There is such a strong sense of place. I was fascinated with his description of the Sicilian character. When a representative of the new national government asks him to join the Senate, describing all the improvements that will be coming to Sicily, Fabrizio declines, explaining that Sicilians don't want improvements. "They are coming to teach us good manners...But they won't succeed because we think we are gods." The story of his family is simple: love, marriage, jealousy, death, all seen through the old man's eyes and filtered through his understanding of the collapse around him. This is a marvelous book.Book Review: Great service
Summary: 5 Stars
The book, which looked brand new, arrived within a few days of placing the order.Book Review: Il Gattopardo
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are reading this review you are considering reading one of modern Italy's greatest literary achievements. Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) is one of those rare books you just don't want to miss. You've come this far, buy the book and prepare for some excellent reading.Book Review: Machiavellian
Summary: 4 Stars
Can a leopard change its spots?
If the leopard in question is Don Fabrizio, the eponymous leopard of our novel, his oft quoted answer forms the basis for a grand tale. Quote The Leopard: "If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change."
Listed among the great novels of the twentieth century, the book takes place in 1860 Sicily. It is a time of great geopolitical changes. America is involved in a cruel and bloody civil war. Asia has retreated into isolationism and Europe is again redrawing national boundaries from previous wars while preparing for new ones. In Italy, or what is to become Italy, the force of Garibaldi's red shirts lends credibility to the diplomacy of Manzini and Cavour. The combination proves successful in uniting the country for the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire.
Amidst the turmoil stalks Don Fabrizio, Prince of Salina. His banner carries the image of a leopard. Like his namesake, Fabrizio is cunning and stealthy. An aristocrat with knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, he faces a changing word with limited treasure and no army, his power derives from his ability to make alliances with the right people at the right time. As the story unfolds, we are witness to the maneuverings of a master at work. Here, he plays the aloof scientist; there, he is the avuncular head of an extended family. His roles are as varied as his responses to shifting currents. The more things change, the more Machiavellian he becomes. In the end, he proves to be a rock solid Prince but a disappointment as father and husband.