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An Italian Obsession
As you read these lines, you may perhaps think back to a time when you felt that your world was falling to pieces. A time when your parents made you miserable “for your own good”. Perhaps you ached for somebody and they stood in your way.
Would you believe me if I said that I had loved her since the day I saw her at school, in fifth grade? It sounds crazy, I know, but it’s true. I have tried so much to let her go, but I can’t. I simply can’t. They can send me away, they can try to break my spirit, but they can never make me stop.
The separation, the mourning, the guilt, everything I’ve done . . . nothing matters now, if I can see her, touch her. But she has changed so much, and so have I . . .
Roberto never really got over the crush he had on Alessandra in school and when, years later, they meet again and fall in love, tragedy strikes and all seems lost. After a long separation Roberto finally reconnects with Alessandra and has a chance to win her back, but a dark secret from his past threatens to come back to haunt him. With the police, who have taken a belated interest in past events, and Roberto's romantic relation with Alessandra's roommate, which complicates everything, will he be able to keep his life from taking another bad turn?
This coming-of-age novel is set in postwar Europe, with social realism that will transport you back to the 1970's. That was a time when young people had a devil-may-care attitude and faced the same problems youth of the current generation does - sex, drugs, and same sex set-up.
Would you believe me if I said that I had loved her since the day I saw her at school, in fifth grade? It sounds crazy, I know, but it’s true. I have tried so much to let her go, but I can’t. I simply can’t. They can send me away, they can try to break my spirit, but they can never make me stop.
The separation, the mourning, the guilt, everything I’ve done . . . nothing matters now, if I can see her, touch her. But she has changed so much, and so have I . . .
Roberto never really got over the crush he had on Alessandra in school and when, years later, they meet again and fall in love, tragedy strikes and all seems lost. After a long separation Roberto finally reconnects with Alessandra and has a chance to win her back, but a dark secret from his past threatens to come back to haunt him. With the police, who have taken a belated interest in past events, and Roberto's romantic relation with Alessandra's roommate, which complicates everything, will he be able to keep his life from taking another bad turn?
This coming-of-age novel is set in postwar Europe, with social realism that will transport you back to the 1970's. That was a time when young people had a devil-may-care attitude and faced the same problems youth of the current generation does - sex, drugs, and same sex set-up.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
295 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2012
33 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Kfir Luzzatto
56 books148 followersKfir Luzzatto is the author of seventeen novels, several short stories, and seven non-fiction books. Kfir was born and raised in Italy and moved to Israel as a teenager. He acquired his love for the English language from his father, a former U.S. soldier, a voracious reader, and a prolific writer. He holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and works as a patent attorney. In pursuit of his interest in the mind-body connection, Kfir was certified as a Clinical Hypnotherapist by the Anglo-European College of Therapeutic Hypnosis.
Kfir is a member of the HWA (Horror Writers Association) and ITW (International Thriller Writers).
You can visit Kfir’s web site and read his blog at https://www.kfirluzzatto.com. Follow him on Twitter (@KfirLuzzatto) and friend him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KfirLuzzatto...).
Kfir is a member of the HWA (Horror Writers Association) and ITW (International Thriller Writers).
You can visit Kfir’s web site and read his blog at https://www.kfirluzzatto.com. Follow him on Twitter (@KfirLuzzatto) and friend him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KfirLuzzatto...).
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 10, 2012
This is the second book that I have read by author Kfir Luzzatto and It is a wonderful novel. A coming of age novel of a young Italian man who has developed serious feelings toward a girl that he met in grad school. He does not meet her again until he is a teenager and they develop a serious relationship. This is a time when sex and drugs are being experimented with on a regular basis among the young people. Roberto's parents are rather cold people and when Roberto gets into trouble with the law , he is shipped off to boarding school and his relationship with Alessandra comes to an end, at least for awhile.
After his parents and brother leave from a visit, they are killed in an accident and the only "family" he has is an "Uncle" Dan.
He works in Dan's shop as a mechanic and his life goes on. After his uncle dies he goes into a partnership with a friend and his life seems to be going along well, Alessandra comes back into his life via one of her friends, Giorgia. But things are not what they seem and this is where the story gets a little dark. This book explores the political times of the era, with young angst and young love and of course there is the mystery of how Roberto's parents actually died. I love the authors writing style and I recommend this book.
I received this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
After his parents and brother leave from a visit, they are killed in an accident and the only "family" he has is an "Uncle" Dan.
He works in Dan's shop as a mechanic and his life goes on. After his uncle dies he goes into a partnership with a friend and his life seems to be going along well, Alessandra comes back into his life via one of her friends, Giorgia. But things are not what they seem and this is where the story gets a little dark. This book explores the political times of the era, with young angst and young love and of course there is the mystery of how Roberto's parents actually died. I love the authors writing style and I recommend this book.
I received this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
December 6, 2020
Hard
This was a hard book to read. I almost just gave up. Yes Roberto had a very hard life and made some very bad decisions. How he was able to live with what he had done would have been hard. Still not my type of book.
This was a hard book to read. I almost just gave up. Yes Roberto had a very hard life and made some very bad decisions. How he was able to live with what he had done would have been hard. Still not my type of book.
June 9, 2021
Did not enjoy this at all. There was no real plot and the obsession was with sex.
May 20, 2013
Recently we at Reflections were given the opportunity to review An Italian Obsession, a self-published fictional coming-of-age tale by Kfir Luzzatto. After reading the synopsis of the story, I decided that it looked really interesting and decided to give it a try. My reasoning was that I would be able to possibly relate with the main character of the book, being that he was a man coming of age and would deal with similar problems that all men face during adolescence (hormones, relationships, defiance towards parents, etc). Although the story takes place in Italy during the 60′s and 70′s, I figured there would be enough similar themes to make it worth my while. So, I dove into it.
An Italian Obsession begins with the simple life of Roberto Lucci, a young boy growing up in Milan, Italy in the 1960′s. Although his elementary school is segregated by gender and he rarely gets to see the girls in his class, that doesn’t bother him and his classmates. They are at the stage where girls are still an annoyance and not an attraction. All that changes, however, when he sees Alessandra. Fast forwarding a number of years, Roberto meets up with her by chance over a trip to a fellow friend’s lake house. Although they talk, Roberto is forcefully distracted by Yulia, a girl who is on the trip and wants Roberto for herself. Finally, months later, Roberto is able to summon up the courage to talk to Alessandra and talk to her about the lake house trip. He corrects some of the preconceived notions that Alessandra had about him, and reassures her that he didn’t do anything with Yulia, and that he has instead always wanted her. Alessandra is relieved, and the two begin a slow courtship. The days they spend together are the happiest of Roberto’s life, and he feels as if he is in heaven, until one event brings it all crashing down. Ever since the lake party, Roberto had begun smoking cigarettes, and in order to save some money, he had begun selling them with an older woman in his neighborhood illegally. The financial police eventually catch on to the scheme and arrest Roberto. Although he is able to escape jail by providing information about the older woman’s organization in which he played a part, Roberto is punished by his father and sent to a boarding school. This exile then begins a series of events that will change Roberto’s life forever. What will become of his relationship with his parents? Will he ever see Alessandra again?
Although this work began at a slow pace, I really didn’t mind. I’m always a fan of books that explore a slice of “normal” life, such as Little Children for example, because even though the story might be relatively banal at first, life always has a way of making things interesting later on. I believe that works like this make the watershed moments that much more powerful, as we become invested in these seemingly simple stories enough to be really impacted by the powerful parts. An Italian Obsession did exactly that, as I was pulled in to Roberto’s seemingly simple yet interesting life, following him as he grew up and had relationships, experiences with drugs, and fights with his father. It was no surprise then, that I was completely caught off guard when the real stuff started happening. (Spoiler alert: I’ll reveal some important parts now). When he tampered with his father’s car, leading to the death of his family in an auto accident, I almost couldn’t believe it. It was so markedly different from what had happened in the story up to this point. The only real complaint I had about this, however, was that it seemed extremely out of character for Roberto. I know that his experience away from Alessandra was what had changed him, but I found that to change him into a killer was a slight stretch. Even so, I eventually realized that Roberto’s mind must have become warped because of how his father prevented him from seeing Alessandra, who at that point had become his whole life. Even so, there’s no doubt that this story was phenomenal and made me impatient to see what would happen next. Mr. Luzzatto is an expert in character development, and his vocabulary is outstanding! This book stands out as one of the best (structure and content wise) that I’ve read in a while. I’m definitely a newly minted fan of Mr. Luzzatto, and can’t wait to see what else he has published. If you like coming-of-age tales, or even just enjoy a superbly written story that will pull you in, give this a try!
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://lifeand100books.com/2013/01/06...
An Italian Obsession begins with the simple life of Roberto Lucci, a young boy growing up in Milan, Italy in the 1960′s. Although his elementary school is segregated by gender and he rarely gets to see the girls in his class, that doesn’t bother him and his classmates. They are at the stage where girls are still an annoyance and not an attraction. All that changes, however, when he sees Alessandra. Fast forwarding a number of years, Roberto meets up with her by chance over a trip to a fellow friend’s lake house. Although they talk, Roberto is forcefully distracted by Yulia, a girl who is on the trip and wants Roberto for herself. Finally, months later, Roberto is able to summon up the courage to talk to Alessandra and talk to her about the lake house trip. He corrects some of the preconceived notions that Alessandra had about him, and reassures her that he didn’t do anything with Yulia, and that he has instead always wanted her. Alessandra is relieved, and the two begin a slow courtship. The days they spend together are the happiest of Roberto’s life, and he feels as if he is in heaven, until one event brings it all crashing down. Ever since the lake party, Roberto had begun smoking cigarettes, and in order to save some money, he had begun selling them with an older woman in his neighborhood illegally. The financial police eventually catch on to the scheme and arrest Roberto. Although he is able to escape jail by providing information about the older woman’s organization in which he played a part, Roberto is punished by his father and sent to a boarding school. This exile then begins a series of events that will change Roberto’s life forever. What will become of his relationship with his parents? Will he ever see Alessandra again?
Although this work began at a slow pace, I really didn’t mind. I’m always a fan of books that explore a slice of “normal” life, such as Little Children for example, because even though the story might be relatively banal at first, life always has a way of making things interesting later on. I believe that works like this make the watershed moments that much more powerful, as we become invested in these seemingly simple stories enough to be really impacted by the powerful parts. An Italian Obsession did exactly that, as I was pulled in to Roberto’s seemingly simple yet interesting life, following him as he grew up and had relationships, experiences with drugs, and fights with his father. It was no surprise then, that I was completely caught off guard when the real stuff started happening. (Spoiler alert: I’ll reveal some important parts now). When he tampered with his father’s car, leading to the death of his family in an auto accident, I almost couldn’t believe it. It was so markedly different from what had happened in the story up to this point. The only real complaint I had about this, however, was that it seemed extremely out of character for Roberto. I know that his experience away from Alessandra was what had changed him, but I found that to change him into a killer was a slight stretch. Even so, I eventually realized that Roberto’s mind must have become warped because of how his father prevented him from seeing Alessandra, who at that point had become his whole life. Even so, there’s no doubt that this story was phenomenal and made me impatient to see what would happen next. Mr. Luzzatto is an expert in character development, and his vocabulary is outstanding! This book stands out as one of the best (structure and content wise) that I’ve read in a while. I’m definitely a newly minted fan of Mr. Luzzatto, and can’t wait to see what else he has published. If you like coming-of-age tales, or even just enjoy a superbly written story that will pull you in, give this a try!
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://lifeand100books.com/2013/01/06...
May 27, 2014
Kfir has truly written a remarkable love story here, yet he has also thrown a few other various angles at us to keep us enthralled until the very last page. I say this because the main character will one moment have you cheering for him, and another moment you are just in total disbelief at something he does. While he isn't exactly the most likable of characters once you really get to know him, you are kind of able to feel for him, because of the things you learn about him and his childhood as you read the book. I think the readers definitely walk away with the feeling that they have perhaps relearned an important lesson....that being that your past will always catch up with you, one way or another.
Roberto, a young Italian man comes of age throughout this story; unfortunately being that it takes place in the 70's, we know that it was an era filled with ample crime, sex and drugs.
In grade school, Roberto meets who he is soon to realize will become the love of his life, and I do mean that literally. It seems as if everything Roberto does throughout this whole book is because of his love for this seemingly unobtainable girl, Cassandra, and I do mean....with his actions, sometimes clearly he is not thinking of anyone else BUT Cassandra.
So they meet in grade school and are separated and then they again meet up in later years and become pretty seriously involved, once at a weekend party, but because of certain things that happen that weekend, they are once again separated....only to meet up again once more later in the story. I know this sounds sort of confusing, but they are reunited a total of three times throughout the story.
But first, Roberto will find himself in trouble with the law and sent away to boarding school by his Father. While at boarding school, his parents and brother come for a visit, only to be killed in an accident on their way home. This accident leaves Roberto with the only family he has left...his Uncle, and begins working in his Uncle's shop with him.
This story will take you through many twists and turns and reveal big surprises, but because I don't like to be a spoiler, I don't want to say much more. I will say that this is a book that once you have picked up, you most likely won't be putting back down until you've finished every last page.
I really enjoyed this book, and while it was the first I've read from this author, I'm very certain that it won't be the last.
★ I gave this book 4 stars, all in all....a great read. ★
Roberto, a young Italian man comes of age throughout this story; unfortunately being that it takes place in the 70's, we know that it was an era filled with ample crime, sex and drugs.
In grade school, Roberto meets who he is soon to realize will become the love of his life, and I do mean that literally. It seems as if everything Roberto does throughout this whole book is because of his love for this seemingly unobtainable girl, Cassandra, and I do mean....with his actions, sometimes clearly he is not thinking of anyone else BUT Cassandra.
So they meet in grade school and are separated and then they again meet up in later years and become pretty seriously involved, once at a weekend party, but because of certain things that happen that weekend, they are once again separated....only to meet up again once more later in the story. I know this sounds sort of confusing, but they are reunited a total of three times throughout the story.
But first, Roberto will find himself in trouble with the law and sent away to boarding school by his Father. While at boarding school, his parents and brother come for a visit, only to be killed in an accident on their way home. This accident leaves Roberto with the only family he has left...his Uncle, and begins working in his Uncle's shop with him.
This story will take you through many twists and turns and reveal big surprises, but because I don't like to be a spoiler, I don't want to say much more. I will say that this is a book that once you have picked up, you most likely won't be putting back down until you've finished every last page.
I really enjoyed this book, and while it was the first I've read from this author, I'm very certain that it won't be the last.
★ I gave this book 4 stars, all in all....a great read. ★
May 21, 2014
I have read quite a few books by Kfir Luzzatto and never once have I been disappointed. This novel happens to be set in the 1970′s in Italy. I happen to be one that loves time dated readings. Historical fiction or non-fiction, I am really not picky. I just like historical time pieces in general that take me somewhere that I could never go before. As I was reading I would imagine everything that the author was describing to me and just take myself there. It was really a unique experience and kind of a challenged my mind to take me somewhere that I have never been just based on the author’s writing and description. By the way, the descriptions were amazing, so it was easy.
This book is centered around a man named Roberto that is growing up and struggling to find his real self. This is a very political time and there are lots of sex, drugs and crime around. It seems to be everyone’s obsession of the time. Roberto is a young character and I felt for him having to be exposed to all of this at such an age. His parents weren’t really there like they needed to be in order to shelter him from things. This book had great emotional moments were you felt for Roberto, but then there were times that you just wanted to grab him by the ear and tell him that what he was doing was not the right choice. All of the characters in this book are written in a way that you find some sort of attachment to them whether it be good or bad. Everything going on was easily understandable and well put together by the author as to not be overbearing with description.
The book was not all about turmoil and obsessing over things that shouldn’t be. There was also love. Roberto and Alessandra fall in love and you are thinking that everything is going to be just peachy because the rest of the book has so much going on, but no. Roberto is facing being accused of a crime and their love will be put to the test when he is sent away. You will be pulling for them the whole time that you read everything that their love is put through. You will be wanting to turn the pages constantly with this one to see where it will take you. I need more Kfir Luzzatto! He never fails to make me think, wonder and feel. On to the next!
Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book in exchange for my open and honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book is centered around a man named Roberto that is growing up and struggling to find his real self. This is a very political time and there are lots of sex, drugs and crime around. It seems to be everyone’s obsession of the time. Roberto is a young character and I felt for him having to be exposed to all of this at such an age. His parents weren’t really there like they needed to be in order to shelter him from things. This book had great emotional moments were you felt for Roberto, but then there were times that you just wanted to grab him by the ear and tell him that what he was doing was not the right choice. All of the characters in this book are written in a way that you find some sort of attachment to them whether it be good or bad. Everything going on was easily understandable and well put together by the author as to not be overbearing with description.
The book was not all about turmoil and obsessing over things that shouldn’t be. There was also love. Roberto and Alessandra fall in love and you are thinking that everything is going to be just peachy because the rest of the book has so much going on, but no. Roberto is facing being accused of a crime and their love will be put to the test when he is sent away. You will be pulling for them the whole time that you read everything that their love is put through. You will be wanting to turn the pages constantly with this one to see where it will take you. I need more Kfir Luzzatto! He never fails to make me think, wonder and feel. On to the next!
Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book in exchange for my open and honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2014
Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
I never really thought I would enjoy a book that was based and written as if it was in the 1970's, however reading this book, really changed my mind on that. I enjoyed that this book was written as if in the 1970's. It took me to a place that was new to me and imagining everything in my mind from that time was a unique experience. This book takes place in Italy which was another unique experience for me being Italian and having family members that are from Italy.
This book tells the story of Roberto, a man growing up and struggling to find himself during a time of politicial upheaval where drugs and crime and sex are everyone's obsession. We get to follow him through his ups and downs. There were times through this book when Roberto was still young that I just wanted to grab and nurture him because of his parents and the way they treated him and ignored him. Then there were times I just wanted to smack Roberto for his thoughts and actions. The characters are very well written and you very easily attach yourselves to them and feel for them and what they are going through. The description in this book was amazing. It was to the point without being over written and you could imagine everything easily.
The love in this book was very nice also. Roberto and Alessandra fall in love, however when Roberto is accused of crime, their love is then put to the test as he has to go away due to his crime. His love for Alessandra never faulted even though there were times when it looked like they never were going to get back together. This book had me rooting for their love and for them the entire book.
This book was a nice thrill that had you on your seat turning the pages to see what was gonna happen or be said next. It's a book that even as you read the last page left you wanting more. This was my first book written by this author and I was not disappointed. I will also be checking out more books from this author. This book receives a 5/5 from me!
I never really thought I would enjoy a book that was based and written as if it was in the 1970's, however reading this book, really changed my mind on that. I enjoyed that this book was written as if in the 1970's. It took me to a place that was new to me and imagining everything in my mind from that time was a unique experience. This book takes place in Italy which was another unique experience for me being Italian and having family members that are from Italy.
This book tells the story of Roberto, a man growing up and struggling to find himself during a time of politicial upheaval where drugs and crime and sex are everyone's obsession. We get to follow him through his ups and downs. There were times through this book when Roberto was still young that I just wanted to grab and nurture him because of his parents and the way they treated him and ignored him. Then there were times I just wanted to smack Roberto for his thoughts and actions. The characters are very well written and you very easily attach yourselves to them and feel for them and what they are going through. The description in this book was amazing. It was to the point without being over written and you could imagine everything easily.
The love in this book was very nice also. Roberto and Alessandra fall in love, however when Roberto is accused of crime, their love is then put to the test as he has to go away due to his crime. His love for Alessandra never faulted even though there were times when it looked like they never were going to get back together. This book had me rooting for their love and for them the entire book.
This book was a nice thrill that had you on your seat turning the pages to see what was gonna happen or be said next. It's a book that even as you read the last page left you wanting more. This was my first book written by this author and I was not disappointed. I will also be checking out more books from this author. This book receives a 5/5 from me!
May 19, 2014
Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
I never really thought I would enjoy a book that was based and written as if it was in the 1970's, however reading this book, really changed my mind on that. I enjoyed that this book was written as if in the 1970's. It took me to a place that was new to me and imagining everything in my mind from that time was a unique experience. This book takes place in Italy which was another unique experience for me being Italian and having family members that are from Italy.
This book tells the story of Roberto, a man growing up and struggling to find himself during a time of politicial upheaval where drugs and crime and sex are everyone's obsession. We get to follow him through his ups and downs. There were times through this book when Roberto was still young that I just wanted to grab and nurture him because of his parents and the way they treated him and ignored him. Then there were times I just wanted to smack Roberto for his thoughts and actions. The characters are very well written and you very easily attach yourselves to them and feel for them and what they are going through. The description in this book was amazing. It was to the point without being over written and you could imagine everything easily.
The love in this book was very nice also. Roberto and Alessandra fall in love, however when Roberto is accused of crime, their love is then put to the test as he has to go away due to his crime. His love for Alessandra never faulted even though there were times when it looked like they never were going to get back together. This book had me rooting for their love and for them the entire book.
This book was a nice thrill that had you on your seat turning the pages to see what was gonna happen or be said next. It's a book that even as you read the last page left you wanting more. This was my first book written by this author and I was not disappointed. I will also be checking out more books from this author. This book receives a 5/5 from me!
I never really thought I would enjoy a book that was based and written as if it was in the 1970's, however reading this book, really changed my mind on that. I enjoyed that this book was written as if in the 1970's. It took me to a place that was new to me and imagining everything in my mind from that time was a unique experience. This book takes place in Italy which was another unique experience for me being Italian and having family members that are from Italy.
This book tells the story of Roberto, a man growing up and struggling to find himself during a time of politicial upheaval where drugs and crime and sex are everyone's obsession. We get to follow him through his ups and downs. There were times through this book when Roberto was still young that I just wanted to grab and nurture him because of his parents and the way they treated him and ignored him. Then there were times I just wanted to smack Roberto for his thoughts and actions. The characters are very well written and you very easily attach yourselves to them and feel for them and what they are going through. The description in this book was amazing. It was to the point without being over written and you could imagine everything easily.
The love in this book was very nice also. Roberto and Alessandra fall in love, however when Roberto is accused of crime, their love is then put to the test as he has to go away due to his crime. His love for Alessandra never faulted even though there were times when it looked like they never were going to get back together. This book had me rooting for their love and for them the entire book.
This book was a nice thrill that had you on your seat turning the pages to see what was gonna happen or be said next. It's a book that even as you read the last page left you wanting more. This was my first book written by this author and I was not disappointed. I will also be checking out more books from this author. This book receives a 5/5 from me!
February 21, 2013
Everything starts with the cover. Yes, I know that we must not judge a book by its cover, but hey, let’s admit it. A good cover can make us want to purchase and read a book. Anyhow, I couldn’t understand the cover art for this book and it only goes to show that the story is as disturbing as its cover.
It is a coming-of-age novel and was set in postwar Europe. I love history and it is fascinating to read the descriptions of the author during that time. There’s social realism that transported me back in the 1970’s and gave me glimpses on how life was like way back then. Young people have a devil-may-care attitude and also face the same problems youth of the current generation also does – sex, drugs, and same sex set-up.
Roberto Lucci is the hero of the story, but I sometimes believe he is also the antagonist. He is described as someone in a level of adulthood and his struggles and complexities. From the beginning, I was wrapped in the story of his life – more specifically his love interest and the way he wanted his feelings to be reciprocated. The novel mostly revolved around that.
Now why do I also think that Roberto is the antagonist of the story? Later on, he would find himself in a situation he could not easily escape and it would take a lot from him to cover it up. It became one of the main plots of the story and I found myself hating him for his unwise decisions and poor moral values after.
It is a dark story compared to others I have read recently. Don’t get me wrong; it isn’t bad. In fact, I find it real and very human. I commend the author for giving a story with such depth and reflection of human frailties. It is a compelling read filled with angst, teenage love, and political drama.
I recommend this book to everyone especially to young people like me. It may start a bit boring and slow, but it picks up as the story progresses.
It is a coming-of-age novel and was set in postwar Europe. I love history and it is fascinating to read the descriptions of the author during that time. There’s social realism that transported me back in the 1970’s and gave me glimpses on how life was like way back then. Young people have a devil-may-care attitude and also face the same problems youth of the current generation also does – sex, drugs, and same sex set-up.
Roberto Lucci is the hero of the story, but I sometimes believe he is also the antagonist. He is described as someone in a level of adulthood and his struggles and complexities. From the beginning, I was wrapped in the story of his life – more specifically his love interest and the way he wanted his feelings to be reciprocated. The novel mostly revolved around that.
Now why do I also think that Roberto is the antagonist of the story? Later on, he would find himself in a situation he could not easily escape and it would take a lot from him to cover it up. It became one of the main plots of the story and I found myself hating him for his unwise decisions and poor moral values after.
It is a dark story compared to others I have read recently. Don’t get me wrong; it isn’t bad. In fact, I find it real and very human. I commend the author for giving a story with such depth and reflection of human frailties. It is a compelling read filled with angst, teenage love, and political drama.
I recommend this book to everyone especially to young people like me. It may start a bit boring and slow, but it picks up as the story progresses.
September 3, 2012
3.5. This is a story of how life will always catch up with you. If you think that you can get away with something, you're probably not going to be able to. Things that you think you can run away from will get you one way or another. An Italian Obsession focuses on Roberto, who has always seemed to be focused on whether or not he really fits in. He is also obsessed with keeping what happened in the past to the past.
Roberto wasn't exactly a likeable character. The secrets in the book just seem sort of horrible for him to think that he can get away with keeping them secret. I mean these are huge, game changing, life changing secrets. The first one happens when Roberto is a little younger so I suppose that I can understand why Roberto deals with it in the way that he does. The second secret is even worse because Roberto realizes that he could be found out and does something terrible to stop it. I know that I am being incredibly vague but I really don't want to ruin the secrets as they really make the entire story. Just trust me on this!
Even though Roberto's guilt eventually catches up with him, it almost seemed too little, too late. I wanted something to happen to him to shake him from acting so self-centered and like nothing that he does has a real impact on anyone. He's just not a likeable guy for this very reason.
The writing in this book is good. It took me a little bit to figure out when the story was occurring but the detail in the book definitely picks up a little bit as the story goes on.
Bottom line: This is a good story but the punishment comes too late.
Roberto wasn't exactly a likeable character. The secrets in the book just seem sort of horrible for him to think that he can get away with keeping them secret. I mean these are huge, game changing, life changing secrets. The first one happens when Roberto is a little younger so I suppose that I can understand why Roberto deals with it in the way that he does. The second secret is even worse because Roberto realizes that he could be found out and does something terrible to stop it. I know that I am being incredibly vague but I really don't want to ruin the secrets as they really make the entire story. Just trust me on this!
Even though Roberto's guilt eventually catches up with him, it almost seemed too little, too late. I wanted something to happen to him to shake him from acting so self-centered and like nothing that he does has a real impact on anyone. He's just not a likeable guy for this very reason.
The writing in this book is good. It took me a little bit to figure out when the story was occurring but the detail in the book definitely picks up a little bit as the story goes on.
Bottom line: This is a good story but the punishment comes too late.
October 29, 2012
First and foremost "An Italian Obsession" is a love story of the unattainable. Taking a young boy from his first vision of a pretty girl to his last, longing looks at his life's passion, it's the story of one person's obsessive focus on another throughout his tumultuous life.
Kfir Luzzatto is the master of the understated in this novel while he builds his story and engages his audience almost seamlessly. His characters; his primary male character in particular, are developed to a level of adulthood and complexity that makes the book a study in coming of age. Never missing a step from the beginning of the book, we become wrapped up in the protagonist's attempts to solidify his heart's desire, to find his love reciprocated, and to fulfill his life in the form of one beautiful girl. Nearly everything else, including what may have constituted a murder, takes second stage with him.
Luzzatto sets this story in the time frame of post-war Europe, which adds dimension and realism. I found the times and the trends fascinating to read about in the context. Interesting to read about the "devil may care" attitudes of the young adults...different from American kids, but the same in many ways, too.
This is a passionate love story with dimension and depth. Characters who live and breathe, a story that has meaning and humanity. A writer who understands the complexities of the human spirit...
A very good read! It's obvious this novel is from a writer who has a wide range of experience to draw from.
Kfir Luzzatto is the master of the understated in this novel while he builds his story and engages his audience almost seamlessly. His characters; his primary male character in particular, are developed to a level of adulthood and complexity that makes the book a study in coming of age. Never missing a step from the beginning of the book, we become wrapped up in the protagonist's attempts to solidify his heart's desire, to find his love reciprocated, and to fulfill his life in the form of one beautiful girl. Nearly everything else, including what may have constituted a murder, takes second stage with him.
Luzzatto sets this story in the time frame of post-war Europe, which adds dimension and realism. I found the times and the trends fascinating to read about in the context. Interesting to read about the "devil may care" attitudes of the young adults...different from American kids, but the same in many ways, too.
This is a passionate love story with dimension and depth. Characters who live and breathe, a story that has meaning and humanity. A writer who understands the complexities of the human spirit...
A very good read! It's obvious this novel is from a writer who has a wide range of experience to draw from.
May 21, 2014
This is a different kind of novel from Kfir Luzzatto. Having read many others by him, I enjoyed this one even more than the others and this shows the versality in his writing style. This is a love story. Roberto fell in love with Alessandra the moment he laid eyes on her briefly in their 5th grade choir class. There was just something about her -until then he had no real interest in girls. But this girl was different. She was all he could think about. As fate would have it, their paths crossed again at a mutual friends weekend get together (not as successfully as Roberto would have liked), only to lose touch with her when the weekend was over. Finally, they go out a short time later and a deep unforgettable romance blossomed between the two. Then, a foolish mistake tears them apart for years. Roberto never loses sight of his one true love but continues to make poor decision after poor decision. But true love surely must win in the end, right? This is one off those novels that sucks you right into the story. I was drawn in from the very first page and didn't put it down until i finished all 244 pages. So beautifully written, so smooth, almost as if it was written as a true memoir and not a work of fiction. I am not a fan of love stories, but this was so much more than an average love story. Beautiful, tragic, and sad at the same time. This book is definitely a great read. I highly recommend giving this one a try. 5 out of 5 stars
***DISCLAIMER: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST opinion. I do not profit from this in any way.
***DISCLAIMER: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST opinion. I do not profit from this in any way.
December 7, 2012
Kfir Luzzatto writes a coming of age story about Roberto Lucci that mirrors the challenges the youths of today face: drugs, sex and female sex. Life has been good to Roberto Lucci, but the bad crowd sees him ending up in a reform private school, which he loathes.
When Roberto is given an opportunity to change is life, he takes it, with dire consequences. The story turns dark when Roberto commits a serious crime, which plays a role as the main plot of the book. His way to deal with the crime, his cover ups and excuses make you wonder if he is the hero, or the villain of the story. As the protagonist, it is hard not to side with him, but you would think twice before doing it, or not at all.
Better still, this book is short and concise, Luzzatto does not really waste words, but still manages to describe the comes and goings effectively. It makes the story quick, easy to understand yet compelling enough to hold your attention for a while.
From: http://bgtell.blogspot.com.au/
When Roberto is given an opportunity to change is life, he takes it, with dire consequences. The story turns dark when Roberto commits a serious crime, which plays a role as the main plot of the book. His way to deal with the crime, his cover ups and excuses make you wonder if he is the hero, or the villain of the story. As the protagonist, it is hard not to side with him, but you would think twice before doing it, or not at all.
Better still, this book is short and concise, Luzzatto does not really waste words, but still manages to describe the comes and goings effectively. It makes the story quick, easy to understand yet compelling enough to hold your attention for a while.
From: http://bgtell.blogspot.com.au/
December 21, 2012
I liked this book. It is set in a rougher time and place, where parents did the tough things. I love how we get to see Roberto develop. I kind of wanted to see those hidden years between things, like the end and what happens before it (no spoilers here).
Roberto is part monster and human, but all around self-conflicted. Which makes reading his story interesting to say the least. Whether you'd agree with his choice or not, you are forced by some unseen hand to read of and explore what new avenue the poor kid will choose to walk down.
Being a parent, but also remembering my youth, I can relate with both sides of the line. The "well, it seemed like a good idea at the time," and the "what the hell were you thinking?"
I recommend this book for that like to read things that may be fiction but are a little realer.
Roberto is part monster and human, but all around self-conflicted. Which makes reading his story interesting to say the least. Whether you'd agree with his choice or not, you are forced by some unseen hand to read of and explore what new avenue the poor kid will choose to walk down.
Being a parent, but also remembering my youth, I can relate with both sides of the line. The "well, it seemed like a good idea at the time," and the "what the hell were you thinking?"
I recommend this book for that like to read things that may be fiction but are a little realer.
May 3, 2014
This was a great book that pretty much held me captive from page 1.
The story takes place in the 1970s Italy.
This book is about Roberto and his life. At times I felt bad for Roberto, then there were times I was shocked/disgusted by his actions.
I feel that an event in Roberto's life as a teenager has shaped his life forever. We learn about a event in the book. I think that has left a lot of damage to his mind/emotions.
Alessandra is someone that Roberto has always had feelings for starting in elementary school into adulthood. In his eyes, she is perfect. Is it healthy to put somone on a pedastool in this way?
This book stays with you and makes you question how you would react to different situations that are portrayed.
I love the writing style of the author. It's very easy to read and get sucked into the story very easily. I give this book a 5 out of 5.
The story takes place in the 1970s Italy.
This book is about Roberto and his life. At times I felt bad for Roberto, then there were times I was shocked/disgusted by his actions.
I feel that an event in Roberto's life as a teenager has shaped his life forever. We learn about a event in the book. I think that has left a lot of damage to his mind/emotions.
Alessandra is someone that Roberto has always had feelings for starting in elementary school into adulthood. In his eyes, she is perfect. Is it healthy to put somone on a pedastool in this way?
This book stays with you and makes you question how you would react to different situations that are portrayed.
I love the writing style of the author. It's very easy to read and get sucked into the story very easily. I give this book a 5 out of 5.
March 4, 2013
"An Italian Obsession" by Kfir Luzzatto was not at all what I expected and earned an overall 3/5 star rating. The content seemed a little mature for a young adult genre, and more along the lines of new adult. As one quote from the epilogue so eloquently sums up, it is a cautionary tale to today's youth of what not to do.
"You are undoubtedly asking yourself what purpose it may serve to
bare my secrets before one and all, both as the recipient and
the administrator of bad luck and misery... Maybe, and so I
hope, learning from my mistakes and those of others will help
generations come do the right thing." - Epilogue
The writing was well done and featured interesting and believable characters. All together, it is a good book with surprises at every turn of the plot.
"You are undoubtedly asking yourself what purpose it may serve to
bare my secrets before one and all, both as the recipient and
the administrator of bad luck and misery... Maybe, and so I
hope, learning from my mistakes and those of others will help
generations come do the right thing." - Epilogue
The writing was well done and featured interesting and believable characters. All together, it is a good book with surprises at every turn of the plot.
March 11, 2013
This is the first book I've ever read by Mr. Luzzatto and I'm liking what I'm reading. A great coming of age novel filled with young love. With great depth and some darkness within the plot, "An Italian Obsession" has plenty of meaning within it's pages. A must read for all.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
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