If you've never read the writings of Giovanni Guareschi then I understand, although I'm also filled with pity for the pale cultural life you've had to live up to this moment. Let me introduce you.
Guareschi wrote in politically turbulent post-war Italy in the midst of violent conflict between right and left wing groups. He tried to humanise the conflict by telling simple and comic rural stories about a little village in the Po valley, ruled over by the communist mayor Peppone and watched over by the rough but kind priest Don Camillo. Their many conflicts - but also their ability to remain close friends throughout - touched a nerve in Italian society, and made Don Camillo a cultural icon.
In the 1960s a series of Don Camillo films were made in Brescello, a little village very like Guareschi's fictional one. That's where I've been this morning, visiting the museum, sitting in the ornate church, seeing the statue of the crucified Christ with whom Don Camillo had such animated conversations. A delightful side-pilgrimage!
If you're interested, Penguin published a set of translations of the utterly charming stories and they're still available, very cheaply, on the second-hand market. I recommend starting with The Little World of Don Camillo, the first in the series and the book that my father-in-law, Keith Lucas, gave to me in my twenties, to my eternal delight.
Just discovered the blog (knew about the pilgrimage) - just about caught up and will follow along. God bless Chris and prays for the journey. A copy of The Little World of Don Camillo is on its way!
ReplyDeleteI predict - or at least hope! - that you'll love it.
DeleteThe BBC (I think) did a series based on those stories. I didn't miss a single episode! Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh, I didn't know that. Must check it out!
DeleteSadly, it's not available on YouTube or player.
ReplyDeleteTry this link: https://youtu.be/JlNy7KzLx3c - it's currently working here in Italy.
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