Title: The Leopard
Author: Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
First published October 25, 1958
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780394432915 (ISBN10: 0394432916)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s The Leopard takes us back to Sicily in the 1860s, where the aristocracy is in decline and their world is about to be shaken by the winds of change. The book captures the essence of a fading era with its poignant depiction of human frailty and the ever-present threat of revolution.
With a delicate touch, Lampedusa weaves together the public and private worlds of his characters to create a mesmerizing story that is both beautiful and powerful. Although the author began writing the book in his late fifties, it remains one of the greatest historical novels of our time, a testament to the enduring power of his talent.
About the Author
Giuseppe Tomasi was born in Palermo, Italy to a royal family. His father, Giulio Maria Tomasi, was the Prince of Lampedusa and Duke of Palma di Montechiaro, and his mother was Beatrice Mastrogiovanni Tasca Filangieri di Cutò.
Sadly, his sister passed away from diphtheria, making him the only child. Growing up, he was very close to his mother, who had a strong personality and influenced him greatly.
In contrast, his father was rather cold and distant. Instead of attending traditional school, he received an education at home.
He studied literature and English with a tutor and learned French from his mother. His grandmother also played a role in his education, reading him novels by Emilio Salgari.
During summer vacations at his family’s home in Santa Margherita di Belice, he discovered a love for theater after watching a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet by a traveling company. Notably, his cousin was Fulco di Verdura.
Editoral Review
The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa is a posthumously published historical novel set in Sicily during the unification of Italy in the 1860s. Lampedusa, an Italian aristocrat, wrote the novel in the 1950s, drawing inspiration from his family history and the changing society of his time.
The Leopard is widely considered a masterpiece of Italian literature and a seminal work of the historical fiction genre. The Leopard tells the story of Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, an aging nobleman and patriarch of a declining aristocratic family.
As the political landscape of Italy transforms, Don Fabrizio must navigate his own changing fortunes and those of his family, as well as the arrival of wealthy newcomers and the encroachment of modernity on a traditional way of life. Along the way, the novel explores themes of class, power, sexuality, and mortality, as well as the complex relationship between individuals and society.
Despite its historical setting, The Leopard is a deeply poetic and introspective novel, marked by its rich description, vivid imagery, and philosophical musings. Lampedusa’s prose is breathtakingly beautiful, capturing the sensory world of Sicily and the inner lives of his characters with equal detail and depth.
At the same time, the novel is meticulously researched and historically accurate, offering a nuanced perspective on a pivotal moment in Italian history. The strength of The Leopard lies not only in its writing but also in its characterization and plotting.
Don Fabrizio is a complex and deeply sympathetic protagonist, whose pride, wisdom, and regret are all brought vividly to life. The novel is also populated by a rich cast of supporting characters, from Don Fabrizio’s family members to his various acquaintances and rivals, each with their own distinctive personalities and motivations.
The plotting is leisurely but always engaging, with several memorable set-pieces and a sense of tragic inevitability as the story unfolds. That being said, The Leopard is not without its flaws.
The novel can be slow-moving at times, with lengthy descriptions and digressions that may test the patience of some readers. Additionally, some aspects of the novel’s treatment of gender and sexuality may strike modern readers as outdated or problematic, such as the objectification of women and the portrayal of homosexual desire as a form of decadence.
All in all, The Leopard is a remarkable and deeply rewarding novel, one that rewards close attention and reflection. It is a work of immense historical and cultural significance, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in Italian history and a meditation on the human condition that remains deeply relevant today.
For readers who appreciate beautiful writing, complex characterization, and thoughtful historical fiction, The Leopard is a must-read. Rating: 4.5/5
