As I am seated here at my desk, I do not entirely know how to collect my thoughts to discuss this novel eloquently. Initially, when deciding on books for my contract, Calvino caught my eye because I had heard one of his previous stories. Of course, it was batshit insane (sorry for my language), but it was cohesive enough to be both memorable and enjoyable. However, with this text, If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller, it felt more of a hassle and a building annoyance than anything. When Professor Beasley-Murray warned us a week ago about the absurdity and complexity of this text, I did not take it too close to heart. Truly, our professor was not understating how Italo Calvino would provoke and challenge our expectations.
(Here is the story that made me pick Calvino, watch it if you’d like!)
If I could turn back time, I would tell myself to pick the other available story to save myself from the grey hairs this has caused. Of course, I cannot be like “I” and seemingly “make clocks run backwards” if I focus hard enough or even forcibly rotate the hands back around (literally the only moment in the book that made me laugh; that woman was NOT having any of it from this man). Calvino made me feel consistently irritated and confused. If this was his intention, he completely succeeded! It was not as if his writing itself was horrible; there were quite a few moments when I was encaptured by it. Calvino had a way of writing descriptions that made me so absorbed and eager for more. Nevertheless, the 4th wall breaks were a central part of the book, so these moments were scarce and far apart.
With all honesty, it was not the cliffhangers that made me feel annoyed or bothered entirely. More so, I felt as if I could not fit the targeted audience Calvino was aiming for. The text required close attention and analysis, which was almost impossible for me to give. There was obviously a more significant message than just presented at the surface; it was wholly a literature book, albeit non-traditional. A kind where scholars can gather around and offer theories or political anecdotes. After watching the lecture video, this further cemented the feeling of my inaccuracy. I wanted to be able to find the more profound meaning of his text, but it made me feel so confused and irritated.
As a reader, I am not one who always has this intention. Instead of true meanings, I seek an escape, something enjoyable, a text that would bring a particular emotion depending on my mood. In turn, a novel where that assumes my feelings or even body position did not sit right with me. I did not wish to straighten my legs out when the narrator demanded or marry Ludmillia at the end. At the same time, I felt terrible for my feelings. Especially when recalling, “When I think that the interplanetary expectation of these young people will be disappointed, I feel a certain sorrow.” Even if this was not directly targeted at the readers, I took it as such.
Questions: Did you have any contradictory feelings about this novel? Was it both enjoyable and frustrating for you? Or did you completely loathe it? How did your reaction make you feel? (Please answer in the thoughts section below!)
Hello, and thank you for your thoughtful insights on this book!
To answer your question, I completely understand your frustration, and I think that is your own perception of this story. It is definitely a difficult book to understand fully, and that was where I felt the frustration as well. But at the same time, it was intersting to follow how Calvino intended, though it was not an easy process.
“Instead of true meanings, I seek an escape, something enjoyable, a text that would bring a particular emotion depending on my mood.” I find this very interesting. Could it be that Calvino tells us with this novel that both responses, almost physical, to the act of reading, are possible? I say this because there is almost a typology of readers portrayed, and although the narrator seems to be more empathetic with one type or another, he does not completely rule them out. Even readers for the “wrong reasons”, such as censors, still have a place to have fun. Would you agree?
Hi, I found this novel confusing and enjoyable at the same time because of all the different stories. I was enjoying it until I got to chapter 2. Then it started to get confusing because I was thinking why are the stories not following each other onto each chapter. Then I realised at the end that every story lead to the beginning of a “If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler” which I thought was fascinating!
-Sofia Almerling
Hi Franny! I shared your frustration reading this book…or books I guess. I stayed pretty consistent in my hatred for this book, I was only intrigued in the begin but that quickly changed. My anger and frustration towards the novel made it difficult to get through.
I agree with your point about the cliff-hangers not being the cause of your annoyance. At first I was a little confused on how none of the stories had closure but then I was able to see it’s intended purpose. Further, I agree that it was quite difficult to fit the targeted audience Calvino was aiming for. He also mentioned the reader reading a physical paper copy of the book which was also just not true for me, as I was reading the digital copy. So I also couldn’t really relate to this “reader” Calvino kept on focusing on.