Suche
Mein Konto
Jean Le Gall: Satirical journey through post-European Rome!
In his novel “Dernières nouvelles de Rome et de l’existence” Jean Le Gall presents a critical view of Italian society in the 1960s.
Jean Le Gall: Satirical journey through post-European Rome!
Anyone who would like to be carried away into the streets of Rome cannot ignore Jean Le Gall's new work “Dernières nouvelles de Rome et de l’existence”. The author, born in Bordeaux and living between Paris and the Gers, takes readers to a vibrant metropolis at the end of the 1960s. How France 3 reports, the protagonist Nicola Palumbo experiences a remarkable transformation - as the newly elected general secretary of a new political movement, he pulls the ripcord a short time later and becomes a salesman of sofas. All you can say is that the political scene probably didn't suit him in terms of taste!
The novel is set in 1969, a time of economic boom but also turmoil caused by anarchist bombings. In the midst of this historical vortex, Palumbo not only observes his surroundings, but also reflects on his own existence with thoughtful and succinct sentences. Le Gall reports his thoughts in an elegant and clear style that shows no indulgence in politics. Like the author himself Goodreads reveals, “Dernières nouvelles de Rome et de l’existence” is a convincing example of the “Comédie à l’italienne”, characterized by a mixture of comedy and serious, introspective themes.
A look into Palumbo's inner life
What really moves Palumbo? There are always scenes that reflect his inner conflict. These vividly described moments show how Palumbo suffers from his mental illness, but at the same time readers can't help but laugh with him as he has an inner dialogue with himself. Gallimard describes how Palumbo becomes increasingly isolated from reality; the more he observes, the more uncertain he becomes about the meaning of his existence.
Le Gall sheds light on Italian resilience and draws parallels to great film directors such as Ettore Scola and Dino Risi. Palumbo's ability to reflect in a time of social upheaval brings the reader closer to the powerlessness and humor of a man who has arrived at a crucial place to observe existence. Viewed from the streets, Rome's condition becomes not only a personal drama, but also a reflection of the failures of consumer society.
Bizarre encounters and lively characters
The characters around Palumbo are as bizarre as they are complex. From a gigolo to a writer in creative crisis to an enterprising man with prophetic abilities, Le Gall creates a vibrant environment reminiscent of the great dramas of Italian cinema. A special moment involves the monkeys that have escaped from a zoo and are relaxing on the sofas - an image that can evoke both disgust and laughter.
Although sometimes reminiscent of his own fleeting existence, Palumbo's journey through Rome, amidst all these events and influences, seems deeply human. The author succeeds in harmoniously portraying the tension between inner conflict and the external world and offers the reader a captivating story that resonates for a long time.
“Dernières nouvelles de Rome et de l’existence” shows that life goes on even in the hardest moments and that the art of observing existence can be a timeless pleasure. Le Gall's view of the city and its people is memorable and shows that we are all connected in some way.