Pinocchio: With Reflections On A Father's Love

by Franco Nembrini, Carlo Collodi

Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio: The Story of a Puppet was first published in 1840 in serial form in the children’s magazine, Giornale per i Bambini. The original story ended at Chapter XV with Pinocchio hanging from a tree, dead at the hands of assassins. The young readers of Italy would have none of it though, for Pinocchio had become their hero. They flooded the magazine with letters begging for more, and so the editor wrote to Collodi demanding that he “resurrect” the puppet. In its final form, the novel sheds its status as a simple morality tale and transfigures Pinocchio’s singular trajectory into the story of every human being—the tremendous and inescapable “adventure” we are all asked to take together. The destination is at once simple and profound: for our end is to become really real.

This timeless tale is so familiar that it is easy to miss the rich significance of Pinocchio’s story—his creation at the hands of the father Geppetto, who, as yet ignorant of the latent spark of life, names this wooden puppet Pino (pine, in Italian) -occhio (eye, in Italian), “a piece of wood with eyes.” Geppetto’s sacrificial love is undying despite Pinocchio’s pride and the puppet’s delinquent disappearance and descent into an underworld of misbehavior and humiliation. In a great reversal, the prodigal Pinocchio undertakes his own sacrificial, and saving, acts of love for the man who made him, quickening his transformation into a real boy at last.

This edition, brought to you through the collaboration of Well-Read Mom and Wiseblood Books, pairs the original story with a commentary by the Italian writer, teacher, and Dante expert Franco Nembrini. By looking broadly and deeply at Collodi’s life, both his personal obsessions and disappointments, and by bringing his poetic vision into tension with the historical and cultural circumstances that existed when he was alive, Nembrini locates the uncompromising truth rooted at the core of this adventure: we were made by and for God, the Father who loves us and seeks us, who forgives us, and waits patiently for our return to him.

Genres: Classics, Book Club, Fiction, Catholic, Christian, Childrens, Fantasy

364 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Franco Nembrini is dedicated to furthering the education of youth, and has been constantly involved in educational initiatives. He helped found a private school in Calcinate and has served in various advisory capacities on educational commissions, particularly those serving Catholic schools. He has been a member of the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life since October 2018.

Reviews

[JMJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this classic children's story but hated the reflections by Nembrini. Despite admitting that Collodi had little faith and almost certainly did not intend this story to be an allegory a la The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Nembrini dissects every word of the tale for "hidden" meaning. Moreover, he insists on quoting long passages in his analysis forcing the reader to reread the portions of the story that open each chapter. In truth, I skimmed most of it. His commentary would have been more interesting as footnotes throughout the story or as discussion prompts at the end of chapters with a corresponding reflection at the end. Also, his desperation to make every detail significant read like a college freshman's attempt at a profound thesis in a 101 literature class rather than the wisdom of a self professed Pinocchio expert.

Given that this version was obviously published for Well Read Mom, I was disappointed at the spoon-fed analysis that leaves little room for any alternate interpretation. I also resent being forced to read another book that had to be purchased from an obscure publisher rather than a classic that could be obtained from the library or second hand. I'm starting to feel like the WRM community has turned into Marcie Stockman's bank roll. I makes me feel like this book and the exhaustingly preachy A Father's Tale were foisted upon WRM to create a market for two authors who want to preach rather than provoke indepth thought from their audience.

If your looking to read this tale, stick to a traditional volume and skip Nembrini's rambling analysis.

[JoAnna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m grateful for having read this Italian classic, but it is a strange story, to put it plainly. While Nembrini’s commentary offers some interesting reflections (NB, it is not scholarly literary analysis but a spiritual interpretation of the story’s elements), I disliked the format where it was interspersed between each chapter. This seriously hampered the rhythm of the story, especially at the beginning, when there was often only 2 pages of the actual text between commentary sections.

I’m interested to read some literary and historical criticism on the social and cultural influence of Pinocchio, as a Christian interpretation of the story seems strongly conjectural at various points (Nembrini even admits this much in his commentary, like Cardinal Biffi). The commentary focuses on the themes of God’s mercy and redemption towards the end of the story, but it reads to me much more like a piece of propaganda highlighting how poverty is always the result of laziness or idleness and that hard work is the only means to “goodness.” A Catholic worldview may attribute dignity to work, but the church’s view of poverty is much more challenging than that. In this way it’s not really a true redemption story.

[Kristin Gottron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to like this volume more than I do because this story is a classic and I think Nembrini makes some interesting and poignant connections in his reflections, but I didn’t find this format very effective for multiple reasons.

This is the first time I have read Pinocchio, and being new to the work, I found it distracting to bounce between story and reflection. By the end of a reflection, I would forget what action had just occurred and would have to backtrack to remember. I ended up abandoning the reflections to finish the story and then doubled back for the reflections.

However, reading it this way made me realize that the reflections were quite repetitive. This was mostly due to Pinocchio often following the same behavioral patterns during the story, causing Nembrini to have to rehash and discuss again a point that had already been made. By the end I was mostly skimming them because I felt like I’d already gotten the point earlier. I think a more effective format would have been to place the entire story together first, followed by a comprehensive reflection on the whole story. This would have helped both to lessen the need to repeat themes and to allow the reader to enter into both story and reflection in a more fluid way.

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5

I read this book for the Well Read Mom bookclub. This telling of Pinocchio is accompanied by a commentary that enhances the reader's understanding of the story.

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps the character of Pinocchio is intended to be irritating and bothersome, but I just found him so hard to tolerate. Blunder after silly blunder, he takes himself further from truth and safety. The story itself is just too unreal and “over the top” in its fiction.

This edition includes commentary after each chapter, stretching out an already frustrating read. Nembrini is sincere, but takes the interpretation of each tiny detail way beyond its necessary conclusion. He even admits so, but defends his place to draw many many parallels to Christ/God/Christianity/Catholicism, even though Collodi had little to no faith.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

l did not think I would enjoy Pinocchio as much as I did. Nembrini's nuanced interpretation of the story was phenomenal and made it a very memorable read for me. I highlighted so many passages! Pinnochio is truly the story of humanity and our adventure to discover the Father's love imprinted on our hearts.

[Elisabeth Cyr · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Pinocchio felt very tiresome. The reflections were mostly quite insightful and aided in my pondering of humanity and our constant need for God.

[Kelsey Kersting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read Pinocchio before reading this book, and it is well worth a read. This edition is written in a way that has each chapter of the Pinocchio story, followed by a reflection from Franco Nembrini. If I could go back and read it again for the first time I’d read just the story first, and then go back through and read it with the reflections.

My opinion of this book greatly increased after our book club discussion.

We are all created by a Father who loves us and wills our good, but this is a cautionary tale of what might happen if we forget this fact. Does God give up on us even when we go astray (very, very far)? Nembrini’s reflections give much to think about with each chapter.

[Meg Jacobus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I figured this would be an enjoyable book, but man, I was floored. This book had so much depth and so much meaning to pull out of it. Incredible. Nembrini does an incredible job extracting main points as well as subtle points from the text and hammering them home. I’ll be thinking about this one for a looooong while.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was hard for me to rate a 3, but there was enough in the reflections that still made it feel worth the read, + I’m glad to now know the story of Pinocchio. Those are the only reasons it wasn’t a 2 star for me. 🫠 Also the reflections could have been one page long instead of several pages if all the spoon feeding had been left out. 🤓

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pinocchio was low-key funny and, like most works Disney chooses to adapt, way zanier and darker than the tame animation. I felt some of Nembrini's reflections were a stretch but he has a wonderful way with words and his thoughts on responsibility and freedom felt very timely to me.

[Jenny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up…having read Pinocchio before, I was fine having the reflections every chapter. I really appreciated many of the insights. A few times the reflections felt a little long winded or too much of a stretch, but in general it was a very enjoyable read and I looked forward to seeing what strange detail he would comment on next ha!

[Anna Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, inspiring, chock full of good lessons. Honestly worth reading even just for the last chapter!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know, but apparently Pinocchio is one of the most popular and widely translated fairy tale. This unusual take on the story contains the original text, and after each chapter a 3-8 page essay/reflection on that chapter.

The author of Pinocchio, Carlo Collodi, was a non religious Italian in the 1800's. That said, the church played a prominent role in the society, and likely had an influence of the story. Nembrini, the modern day author who wrote the reflections draws very very very heavy parallels of the role of the Blue Fairy, Geppetto and other villain's. So in short, the analysis is great if you like the symbolism and the religious parallel.

I love books, but I don't love over analyzing an author's intention when they wrote it. Maybe he was divinely inspired and the Blue Fairy is subconsciously a Marian figure...but I'm not buying it hook, line and sinker.

Given that, Pinocchio is a fun moralistic fairy tale about what happens to rogue little boys who make bad decisions. Parts of it are funny and humorous, and Pinocchio is a little puppet/boy you will either love or hate.

The story itself is worth a read. I enjoyed the reflections, but it's just one take on a popular story.

[Lori Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read Pinocchio with my kids last year and we all loved it! As with so many other tales, the original has much more depth to the story than the shallow Disney version, as well as an abundance of the transcendentals. While I did appreciate the spiritual reflections by Nembrini in this edition, I wouldn’t recommend it as an introduction to Pinocchio but as a follow up.

[Rebecca Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read the story of Pinocchio before. It is far different from the Disney version. The reflections are beautiful and very appropriate for the Lenten Season.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reflections written throughout this book were meaty and thoughtful and really helped add substance or pull out the substance of this story.

[Mary Colvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Nembrini’s reflections on a book I really couldn’t have cared less about.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a re-read. Beautiful descriptions of God’s love and mercy. Reflections could apply to teens as well as adults.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew there was so much wisdom behind this fable? You will never view the story of Pinocchio that same after reading Franco Nembrini's insightful and thoughtful commentary.

#wellreadmom

[Courtney B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been down on Well Read Mom after they assigned a book I truly despised. So when I saw that this was a WRM exclusive, I was worried. But I ended up loving this book. My kids loved it. It is absolutely a book I will read again.

My only critique was the frequent references to Dante got to be a bit much. I would gladly read a dual interpretation of Inferno and Pinocchio though.

[Ann Warren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh man - I think I’m an outlier but I did not enjoy this book. I will say, Pinocchio is perhaps my least favorite Disney movie, so maybe I went into the book with a chip already. I just don’t like this story. He’s awful. And it’s weird. But not in that delightfully charming way of Baum or Carroll. And the long winded essays between each chapter made it even more of a drudgery for me.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to enjoy reading Pinocchio. I saw the Disney version and thought it was disturbing, especially when the little boys began turning into donkeys. Horrifying! I know that the book is typically better than the movie version, but I had no further interest. Until, it became one of the books on the WRM book group. If you are about to read Pinocchio, I highly recommend this version, as it includes Reflections on a Father's Love by Franco Nembrini. Franco is a Pinocchio expert! He gives the low down "cricket notes" at the end of each chapter. He lovingly guides you, by the hand, through each chapter, and spells it all out.

A word for the cover and physical book. This edition is co-published by Well-Read Mom and Wiseblood Books. The book is a pleasure to hold, literally. The cover has a silky, smooth texture. The font is not large print, nor teeny tiny, but just right (Goldilocks would love it!). I didn't need readers, nor did I squint. The cover artwork is beautiful. I am partial to chartreuse, and the chartreuse lettering, flowers, and bottom strip are gorgeously satisfying. It's an impressive product.

Love the Blue Fairy! Disney does not do her justice! She is well respected and well guarded throughout the story; above the fray. The Blue Fairy is a major character, which is also surprising for such a patriarchal time period. Franco Nembrini presents the Blue Fairy as a reflection of the Virgin Mary and the Church. Which now makes sense, for her high esteem in Pinocchio, which also reflects the high esteem of the Catholic Church toward Mary, and the elevation of the status of all women, through Mary, Queen of the Universe and Mother of God. The Blue Fairy, reflecting Mary, imitates Her role as intercessor between the Father, and His wayward children.

Pinocchio, on its own, is a surprisingly quick read. This version, due to the cricket notes at the end of each chapter, is 355 pages, yet it's still a quick read. Upon hearing that Cardinal Giacomo Biffi was not, at first, a fan of Pinocchio, made me feel better.

Biffi recalled that, "my relationship with Pinocchio was volatile and difficult throughout my childhood and adolescence. While I could not ignore its charm...there was also something so annoying about the book, which is hard for me to put my finger on, even to this day." p. xvii

Pinocchio is the 3rd most translated book, overall (1. Bible 2. The Little Prince 3. Pinocchio). The Bible and The Little Prince - absolutely! But Pinocchio?! Franco Nembrini has opened my eyes to the hidden beauty and truth of this novel.

interview with Franco Nembrini

If you are going to read Pinocchio, I highly recommend this specific edition; otherwise, you will not see through to the underlying meaning of this beautiful tale.

[Susan D'Entremont · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad I read this classic, one of the most translated works in history. It was written for kids, and it is a reminder of how much darker our stories were in previous decades. I'm not saying I want to go back to that, but it certainly makes the current book banning movement seem silly.

This was originally written in installments for a kids' periodical. It stopped only a few chapters in with Pinocchio dying by getting hanged!!! Lucky for us, the kids clamored for more story, and the author brought Pinocchio back to life to continue with the much more interesting part of the story.

Nembrini's commentary is spotty. Some of it is profound, some of it is very simplistic, and some of it is just plain odd - such as the comment that men are changed by women, but women aren't changed by men. I know Nembrini uses this book to teach theology to teens at a Catholic high school in Italy. I am wondering if the translation didn't catch all of the nuances that you get in Italian. In any case, I would use this as a guide if you are a teacher and plan to use the book in a similar way, but I would not recommend getting copies for all the students in the class.

[Mikayla Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate this book up (out of necessary for WRM & out of desire)!

My only complaint about this book (specifically the story of Pinocchio itself) is how darn random it was. Each chapter felt like a wild - short - but very wild ride. The randomness and lack of a logical plot threw me off some, but Nembrini’s reflections kept me going and brought light out of the randomness.

Nembrini’s reflections on the Father’s love brought this well-printed book to life for me. This particular printing was a wonderful addition to my Lenten prayer. This book encouraged reflection of myself similar to reading the book of Hosea and Salvation History - while it’s easy to get frustrated with (or feel compassion for) Pinocchio’s shortcomings the reality of “we all fall short of the glory of God” rings true in each of our hearts.

I think this edition of Pinocchio would be a wonderful recommendation to someone in your life that “doesn’t like reading” and is seeking growth in their relationship with the Father (or just their faith in general)!!!

[Nicole Szpila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read Pinocchio before but wow, am I glad I read it in this format first! Franco Nembrini's insights and analyses are just breathtaking, and really helped illuminate Collodi's original story.

This book hit my heart on so many levels, but with such tenderness as to inspire me with courage to do better and be better - to seek the truth, the beauty, and the goodness that God the Father desires for me, despite my constant failings and backward progress.

I saw so much of myself in Pinocchio - man, was he annoying! But so are my tendencies to laziness and self-seeking. But the Father's love, His constant pursuit, His tireless waiting for our return to Him, calls us back again and again to become "true", to be who He made us to be. To know that there is Someone waiting for us through every hardship - mm, that makes every struggle and sacrifice worth it.

Per il bene!

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one for a book club. Collodi is the original author and Nembrini is an Italien high school teacher. I appreciated his research and annotations on this childdren's book relating it to Christianity and Catholicism. Nembrini left no stone unturned in his elaborate comparisons to between Pinocchio and Dante's Inferno as well as Biblical stories and other literature. Nembrini could be interesting at times and tedious at other times. Sometimes he told what was about to happen in advance of the story. He gave import to everything that could be a meaninful symbol or allusion to classical literature. Especially references to Dante. I bet he taught that, too. My book club is a bunch of really sharp, well read women. We had great discussion and analysis of the book. I shouldn't admit that this is how I went from a 3 star book to a 4 star review of this version of Pinocchio.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are Catholic you may love it for the reflections of your core beliefs.

If you are Christian you may love the reflections except those which are specifically Catholic.

If you hate religion you may choose to hate the book.

However, if you are a discerning reader you may love the book despite your religious beliefs just because it will stir in your heart all the valuable things we should teach children. We must teach our children the value of hard work, virtues and vices, the consequences of life choices (especially in choosing friends), and respect for all mankind. Religious or not, I hope all can agree there is good and evil in the world. This book supplies parents with tools to help their children choose good and lead productive happy lives.

[Katherine Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes the story of Pinocchio and adds reflections after each chapter that illuminate the meaning of life. Pinocchio’s tale becomes a means of examining the calling of each person. Nembrini’s reflections make this book. He draws on the richness of Christian thought to illuminate the fundamental choices we make to choose good or to reject it. The idea of freedom and what it constitutes and the varying degrees of living in communion with reality are timeless and compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed this edition.

[Stephanie Suhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read Pinocchio before and was only vaguely familiar with the Disney version. I really enjoyed reading Pinocchio with the Catholic commentary on the story. I liked the commentary interspersed with the chapters. It was nice way to immediately connect with certain points of the story and allowed for some personal reflections on what was discussed. This is also a nicer translation of the story in terms of word choice than the Dover version my daughter is currently reading.