Analysing the most recent best-selling novels in Italy, Walter Siti notes the disappearance of the ‘problematic individual’ identified by György Lukács as the hero of the modern novel. Contemporary Italian fiction only sells if it demonstrates a clear distinction between good and bad characters and provides a continuous, explicit explanation of every implication.   

In the east, a day spent reading books earns you eighty cents; in the west, a quarter of an hour’s sleep earns you five dollars. I briefly toyed with the idea of moving to Singapore, only to then reconsider Pennsylvania 

Hammering one’s collarbone and pumping oneself full of steroids in a bid to imitate Christ and elevate oneself. Catholics obviously disapprove, whilst the more extreme elements of the American right are having a field day with it. 

At the Festivaletteratura, when Siri Hustvedt discusses her memoir on her marriage to Paul Auster, "Storie di fantasmi," it becomes clear that she does not wish to discuss the book so much as the truly infinitesimal probability that a man and a woman might look at one another, take a liking to one another, and stay together forever

On the one hand, they are seen as a chaotic place where people turn on one another; on the other, as a cruel place where students face discrimination. And the Prime Minister’s proposal might seem so progressive as to appear revolutionary

The great philosopher anticipated self-publishing and the role of today’s publisher: essential reading for anyone who criticises the retailer when the product is substandard

School textbooks are useless and far too expensive, and the publishers are shrewd profiteers. Unfortunately, in the long run, ignorance costs more

Whilst awaiting the new translation of the Odyssey by Emily Wilson, a thought: what if, in criticising Nolan, the scholar had actually grasped precisely that nuance of the character which she had previously missed?

The future of extreme temperatures is here, and the education system must adapt. Unfortunately, such proposals cost elections: it is much easier to complain about it being too hot or too cold

The latest edition of the Pomigliano d’Arco Independent Literature Festival will take place in Casalnuovo. However, the five-kilometre distance is considered irrelevant.