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!)