The House On Via Gemito

Name: The House On Via Gemito
SKU: 9781787705463
Availability: InStock

EGP830.00

Starnone uses languages the way a great painter works with colour, conjuring the illusion of three dimensions from a blank flat surface.” ―Jhumpa Lahiri “One of Italy’s most accomplished novelists.” ―The Guardian “Masterly.” ―Times Literary Supplement The modest apartment on Via Gemito smells of paint and white spirit. The furniture is pushed up against the wall to create a make-shift studio, and drying canvases must be moved off the beds each night. Federì, a railway clerk, is convinced that, if he didn’t have a family to feed, he’d be a world-famous painter. Talented, ambitious, and frustrated, his life is marked by bitter disappointment. His long-suffering wife and their four sons bear the brunt. Years later, his first-born son will tell the story of a man he spent his whole life trying not to resemble. Narrated against the background of a Naples still marked by WWII and first published in Italy over 20 years ago, The House on Via Gemito is a masterpiece of contemporary Italian literature.

SKU: 9781787705463 Categories: Books, English Books, Literature &Fiction

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The House On Via Gemito

The House On Via Gemito Book Description

The House On Via Gemito invites readers into a tiny apartment on Via Gemito, where paint fumes mingle with everyday hardship. The story follows Federì, a railway clerk who yearns to become a celebrated painter, and his family as they cope with love, disappointment, and the lingering shadows of post‑war Naples.

The author, Francesco Starnone, treats language like colour on a canvas. He builds depth on a flat page, turning ordinary moments into vivid, three‑dimensional scenes. Jhumpa Lahiri praised his ability to “conjure the illusion of three dimensions from a blank flat surface,” while The Guardian calls him “one of Italy’s most accomplished novelists.” This acclaim highlights the novel’s literary merit.

Inside the cramped studio, furniture lines the walls and drying canvases crowd the beds each night. Federì believes that without family duties he could achieve worldwide fame. Yet his talent clashes with frustration, and his long‑suffering wife and four sons bear the emotional weight of his unfulfilled aspirations.

Key Features of The House On Via Gemito

Meanwhile, the novel paints a rich portrait of post‑war Naples, a city still echoing with the sounds of conflict. The setting adds historical texture, allowing readers to explore a society reshaped by reconstruction. Additionally, the story is later narrated by Federì’s first‑born son, who reflects on a father he spent his life trying not to become. This layered perspective deepens emotional impact and invites readers to consider cycles of family expectations.

Furthermore, the book balances personal tragedy with moments of quiet humour. Readers will laugh at the absurdity of moving canvases off beds each evening, while also feeling the sting of Federì’s bitter disappointment. The blend of melancholy and levity makes the reading experience both moving and accessible.

Moreover, the concise prose ensures a fast‑paced read. Each chapter unfolds with clear intention, keeping readers engaged without overwhelm. The language remains simple enough for a broad audience, yet powerful enough to linger long after the final page.

Why Read This Book?

Readers can discover a story that examines artistic ambition, family duty, and the lingering effects of history on everyday life. The book offers insight into how personal dreams clash with societal pressures, a theme that resonates with many contemporary readers. Additionally, vivid descriptions of Naples provide a cultural tour that enriches the narrative.

Fans of literary fiction will enjoy Starnone’s masterful storytelling, praised by the Times Literary Supplement as “masterly.” Meanwhile, those seeking an emotionally charged family saga will find a compelling portrait of love, sacrifice, and the desire to break free from inherited expectations.

Therefore, choosing The House On Via Gemito means investing in a novel that delivers artistic depth and relatable human drama. It makes a perfect addition to any modern literature collection.