What do you think?
Rate this book
Never the Wind
A bittersweet gothic fantasy of family, friendship, memory, and the uncanny told from the perspective of a blind teenager, set in the same world as The Book of Hidden Things, perfect for readers of Neil Gaiman, Donna Tartt and Haruki Murakami.
Praise God, never the wind
1996 - Luca Saracino is thirteen and has been completely blind for eight months when his parents move to a Southern Italian farmhouse they dream of turning into a hotel. With his brother dropping out of university and the family reeling from Luca’s diagnosis, they are chasing dreams of rebirth and reinvention.
As Luca tells his story without sight - experiencing the world solely through hearing, smell, taste and touch - he meets the dauntless Ada Guadalupi, who takes him out to explore the rocky fields and empty beaches. But Luca and Ada find they can’t escape the grudges that have lasted between their families for generations, or the gossiping of the town. And Luca is preyed upon by the feral Wanderer, who walks the vineyards of his home.
As Luca's family starts to crack at the seams, Luca and Ada have to navigate new lands and old rivalries to uncover the truths spoken as whispers on the wind.
Praise God, never the wind
1996 - Luca Saracino is thirteen and has been completely blind for eight months when his parents move to a Southern Italian farmhouse they dream of turning into a hotel. With his brother dropping out of university and the family reeling from Luca’s diagnosis, they are chasing dreams of rebirth and reinvention.
As Luca tells his story without sight - experiencing the world solely through hearing, smell, taste and touch - he meets the dauntless Ada Guadalupi, who takes him out to explore the rocky fields and empty beaches. But Luca and Ada find they can’t escape the grudges that have lasted between their families for generations, or the gossiping of the town. And Luca is preyed upon by the feral Wanderer, who walks the vineyards of his home.
As Luca's family starts to crack at the seams, Luca and Ada have to navigate new lands and old rivalries to uncover the truths spoken as whispers on the wind.
319 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
38 people are currently reading
2058 people want to read
About the author
Francesco Dimitri
35 books264 followersFrancesco Dimitri is an Italian author living in London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
own-tbr
August 17, 2022Went into Waterstones today and knew exactly what book I wanted.
And it wasn’t there.
So I did something I haven’t done for a really long time…
I browsed.
I looked for a book that jumped out at me. Rather than looking for books I recognised.
And I’m hoping I’ve found a hidden gem in this one 😊
And it wasn’t there.
So I did something I haven’t done for a really long time…
I browsed.
I looked for a book that jumped out at me. Rather than looking for books I recognised.
And I’m hoping I’ve found a hidden gem in this one 😊
Read
June 14, 2022I love this book.
I've had a hard time reading fiction over the last couple of years, very little has managed to grab and hold my attention, I've read non-fiction, I've re-read old favourites, but it's a rare book that's managed to drag me in and hold on to me.
This is one such book. I started it worried that it would be grim - given the nature of the narrator (a recently blind 13 year old boy), or maybe trite, or 'inspirational'. It was none of those things. It is a fantastically well told story of life.
There are elements of fantasy, there are family secrets, there is pure evocation of Southern Italy (I've not visited the south of the country, but I feel sure that, after reading this elements of it at least would feel familiar)
Did I mention I love this book?
I also thoroughly enjoyed https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... by the same author. He has a voice and a style that resonates wonderfully with me.
More of this kind of thing please!
I've had a hard time reading fiction over the last couple of years, very little has managed to grab and hold my attention, I've read non-fiction, I've re-read old favourites, but it's a rare book that's managed to drag me in and hold on to me.
This is one such book. I started it worried that it would be grim - given the nature of the narrator (a recently blind 13 year old boy), or maybe trite, or 'inspirational'. It was none of those things. It is a fantastically well told story of life.
There are elements of fantasy, there are family secrets, there is pure evocation of Southern Italy (I've not visited the south of the country, but I feel sure that, after reading this elements of it at least would feel familiar)
Did I mention I love this book?
I also thoroughly enjoyed https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... by the same author. He has a voice and a style that resonates wonderfully with me.
More of this kind of thing please!
July 30, 2023
I was really hoping to love this book.
>>>whispers<<< but I just didn’t.😩
To be fair- I have a love/hate relationship with contemporary settings. But, I thought summertime in Italy, yes please! TBH, I think writers like Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Elena Ferrante have set the bar too damn high for me in this category-ish. 🤷🏽♀️
+
The more I read I realize sometimes 1st person narratives can be hit or miss. And this is a pretty easy, short and conversational piece. But I found myself scanning the pages vs losing myself in them.
I’m trying not to feel guilty about this harsh rating… but I do. 😬
>>>whispers<<< but I just didn’t.😩
To be fair- I have a love/hate relationship with contemporary settings. But, I thought summertime in Italy, yes please! TBH, I think writers like Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Elena Ferrante have set the bar too damn high for me in this category-ish. 🤷🏽♀️
+
The more I read I realize sometimes 1st person narratives can be hit or miss. And this is a pretty easy, short and conversational piece. But I found myself scanning the pages vs losing myself in them.
I’m trying not to feel guilty about this harsh rating… but I do. 😬
July 28, 2022
A classy bit of romantic memory lit fit set in the bucolic Puglian countryside of the mid nineties. Yep, that's when memory novels are set now. And its a beguiling and pretty quick read about a teenager Luca who has recent gone blind and a summer where he falls in love, and has a number of strange (potentially supernatural / potentially hallucinatory) encounters whilst uncovering decades of lost family history. And of course being a memoir there are enough hints to the future to remove all but the most minuscule sense of jeopardy. Actually that's not fair - we know Luca survives but there are hints that other characters may not which are potentially misleading - so perhaps there is more of a bait and switch on the narrative ambiguity. Nevertheless the book is all about being embedded in this boys head, as remembered by the adult, and so we get those first flushes of love, Italian corruption, sibling rivalry and tales of an older Italy too.
Its an interesting bit of work, this is not the only work of fiction I have encountered this week that have made me wonder what the building blocks and shorthand are of various narrative settings. The family move to a run down farmhouse, a setting which is familiar from all sorts of honey dripped Italian countryside films. Luca can't really describe them to us because he is blind, but our cultural memory (and his actually memory) fills in the blanks. As do hints of satanic panic and unloved children with lovely parents. It is fundamentally the kind of lit fic where what seems like laziness, turns out to potentially be the point, the framing device might rob us of suspense but its mere setting and set up lead it inexorably towards a climax which - whilst not telegraphed - feels appropriate to depiction in popular culture of its setting. All of which I am hugely suspicious of!
Its an interesting bit of work, this is not the only work of fiction I have encountered this week that have made me wonder what the building blocks and shorthand are of various narrative settings. The family move to a run down farmhouse, a setting which is familiar from all sorts of honey dripped Italian countryside films. Luca can't really describe them to us because he is blind, but our cultural memory (and his actually memory) fills in the blanks. As do hints of satanic panic and unloved children with lovely parents. It is fundamentally the kind of lit fic where what seems like laziness, turns out to potentially be the point, the framing device might rob us of suspense but its mere setting and set up lead it inexorably towards a climax which - whilst not telegraphed - feels appropriate to depiction in popular culture of its setting. All of which I am hugely suspicious of!
June 9, 2022
A little tale, impeccably written.
Reminiscent of Murakami or Brautigan.
Descriptions that rattle a sleepy soul awake.
The Gentle beauty of the everyday.
The sudden slip into something deeper.
Darker.
I read Fantasy, pretty much exclusively, that's my bag.
This little gem scrapes into that category, just, and I only happened to read it because I was given an ARC for consideration for my bookshop that only deals with Speculative Fiction.
It sounded interesting enough and didn't look like it would eat too much of my time if I didn't love it.
But I did, and now I am forced to reevaluate.
Mr Dimitri may have just cemented himself a place among the very few non-fantasy authors I'll keep an eye out for and pick-up, when I need something special to savor.
Reminiscent of Murakami or Brautigan.
Descriptions that rattle a sleepy soul awake.
The Gentle beauty of the everyday.
The sudden slip into something deeper.
Darker.
I read Fantasy, pretty much exclusively, that's my bag.
This little gem scrapes into that category, just, and I only happened to read it because I was given an ARC for consideration for my bookshop that only deals with Speculative Fiction.
It sounded interesting enough and didn't look like it would eat too much of my time if I didn't love it.
But I did, and now I am forced to reevaluate.
Mr Dimitri may have just cemented himself a place among the very few non-fantasy authors I'll keep an eye out for and pick-up, when I need something special to savor.
January 30, 2023
When I finish a book, I like to let it percolate in my brain for a while—especially if it is a powerful, hard-hitting book such as this one. Unfortunately, sometimes this means that weeks go by before I end up doing the review; as such, this will be more compressed than I would have liked.
I don’t remember where I first heard of this novel; perhaps in a new release list, as the author is certainly new to me. The premise, a young boy learning to navigate his world in a new world of blindness, and the setting, southern Italy in the late 90s, both drew me to it inescapably. The author has a way with words, which is whimsical and poetic, but not too purple nor overly descriptive. It hits the balance in a way that worked perfectly for me. The characters are a key component of the novel’s heart, and though the plot may at times seem nebulous and secondary, it nevertheless has a surprisingly durable backbone. Moreover, the setting and atmosphere created in the novel are secondary to none—this novel is like walking in southern Italy in 1996 yourself, seeing all of the sights and eating the delicious food. While reading, it was an escape of utmost quality.
Our two main characters, Luca Saracino and Ada Guadalupi, are both restless children in search of adventure and exploration during their lazy summer days. Luca’s situation is complicated by the fact that he is exploring his family’s new home while also acclimating to his newfound lack of sight and a cross-country family move. Dimitri acknowledges blind contributors and collaborators at the end of the book, and Luca’s experiences consequently come off as genuine. I appreciated the effort and time he put into treating the character with respect and care. Luca and Ada are surrounded by a rich cast of secondary characters, such as their parents and other adults from the town, as well as Luca’s older brother, a disgruntled teenager on the cusp of adulthood. I got a well-defined sense of the family structure, and the petty squabbles, town gossip, and familial emotions of concern felt quite real and relatable. At times, Luca and Ada’s speech did seem scripted, somewhat beyond the level of the average twelve- or thirteen-year-old, but perhaps I was just exceptionally ignorant at that age. Luca and Ada both earned my sympathies by the end of the novel; what they go through is not a mere adventure, but also an exercise in compassion and understanding.
The plot seems a bit lackluster at first, I know—the book has been attributed as magical realism and gothic fantasy. Labels can be confusing, and I am hardly the expert on either of those categorizations, but if either of those is up your alley, then this seems like quite the exemplar. It has a slow start because of the slice-of-life feeling at the beginning, but keep reading—the pacing of the last third or so is phenomenal and ramps up quite nicely. I found myself unwilling both to tear away from the novel and to reach its conclusion. Without elaborating, the last part of the book turned this into ‘probably 4 stars’ to ‘definitely 5 stars’ for me. It was utterly captivating and moving. There is a mystery at the center of the novel—an unseen and ancient force that threatens Luca and his new friend, dredging up an old family feud—and the reader is swept along for the ride, uncertainty and all. But this is no standard mystery, so do not expect standard, cookie-cutter answers.
Best of all, this is a thematically rich novel, touching upon various conditions of human existence: forgiveness, memory, what unites as all as a species, the unknowable quality and force of nature, the meaning we make for ourselves, the nature of storytelling, family ties, and of course, that eternal idea—love. Yes, it sounds like a laundry list of common themes and tropes, but this is no superficial novel. Dimitri skillfully weaves together a lot of complex notions into the book, and sure, each is incorporated to different degrees, but whatever the recipe, its mixture hit the spot for my brain. I also forgave the novel for a couple of would-be book sins for me—first-person narrative and trite insertion of aphorisms and pithy sayings. Since the novel is framed as a recollection and memoir of sorts, the adult narrator reminiscing about his childhood summer, it makes sense and becomes palatable. I quite enjoyed this frame, and it made the first-person much more bearable. I had a library copy, and so I carefully noted each page that had a quote or line I savored.
I could wax on about how this book was a surprising gut punch to my heartstrings, or how it managed to grip me even during some personally difficult times. It is a book that challenges expectations and makes one question the nature of one’s reality. I feel like I’ve gained an insight into Francesco Dimitri’s values and philosophical outlook, and he has quickly become an author whom I am looking forward to reading further. (Spoiler alert: I am actually reading another book of his already—thanks library!) I also wondered about the fact that he wrote this novel in his second language, English, despite the setting of the book so clearly reflecting scenes from his own upbringing and his own mother tongue. I wish I could have a conversation about the art of translating wisps of thoughts and memories and feelings, especially those from childhood, but where would one even start? I technically finished this after the year had ended, but wow, what a high note on which to end/begin the year!
Favorite quotes:
※ ‘… I was told in great detail how I was going blind, never why. Of course, I know now there was no why. Some things happen because they do, and whatever meaning we want to find in them, we have to make it ourselves.’
※ ‘Ada hadn’t come into being on my moving South, for my benefit only. But we do that, we believe that we sit at the centre of the tale, that we are its indisputable hero, and we are so dazzled by our own brilliance that we rarely stop to consider the lives of those around us, no matter how close they are or we wish them to be.’
※ ‘In hindsight, anxiety was the price I paid for my family’s favorite sin, denial. I was more troubled than I cared to admit.’
※ ‘All I can say for myself is that we all have this thing in common, we humans, that the bigger the change, the longer we take to notice it. We react swiftly to small ripples – a promotion, a new lover – but when a tsunami comes that will upturn our life whether we like it or not, we turn our head the other way, and close our ears, as if deep change were a bore who will go away when ignored.’
※ ‘In the course of our lives, as individuals, we are hit by defeat and illness and heartbreak, and what we do is count our wounds, heal what we can, grieve what we’ve lost, and get back on our feet. The unthinkable happens; we take its measures; we adapt; we move on.’
※ ‘I came to understand that to the sighted, sight never ceases to be the only sense that truly matters.’
※ ‘When you are different, so many well-meaning people will zone in on your one difference and make of it the whole of you.’
※ ‘All stories are human to the wind, all stories equally small and endless.’
※ ‘Some people lack the humility to admit they’re wrong, and some lack the brains.’
I don’t remember where I first heard of this novel; perhaps in a new release list, as the author is certainly new to me. The premise, a young boy learning to navigate his world in a new world of blindness, and the setting, southern Italy in the late 90s, both drew me to it inescapably. The author has a way with words, which is whimsical and poetic, but not too purple nor overly descriptive. It hits the balance in a way that worked perfectly for me. The characters are a key component of the novel’s heart, and though the plot may at times seem nebulous and secondary, it nevertheless has a surprisingly durable backbone. Moreover, the setting and atmosphere created in the novel are secondary to none—this novel is like walking in southern Italy in 1996 yourself, seeing all of the sights and eating the delicious food. While reading, it was an escape of utmost quality.
Our two main characters, Luca Saracino and Ada Guadalupi, are both restless children in search of adventure and exploration during their lazy summer days. Luca’s situation is complicated by the fact that he is exploring his family’s new home while also acclimating to his newfound lack of sight and a cross-country family move. Dimitri acknowledges blind contributors and collaborators at the end of the book, and Luca’s experiences consequently come off as genuine. I appreciated the effort and time he put into treating the character with respect and care. Luca and Ada are surrounded by a rich cast of secondary characters, such as their parents and other adults from the town, as well as Luca’s older brother, a disgruntled teenager on the cusp of adulthood. I got a well-defined sense of the family structure, and the petty squabbles, town gossip, and familial emotions of concern felt quite real and relatable. At times, Luca and Ada’s speech did seem scripted, somewhat beyond the level of the average twelve- or thirteen-year-old, but perhaps I was just exceptionally ignorant at that age. Luca and Ada both earned my sympathies by the end of the novel; what they go through is not a mere adventure, but also an exercise in compassion and understanding.
The plot seems a bit lackluster at first, I know—the book has been attributed as magical realism and gothic fantasy. Labels can be confusing, and I am hardly the expert on either of those categorizations, but if either of those is up your alley, then this seems like quite the exemplar. It has a slow start because of the slice-of-life feeling at the beginning, but keep reading—the pacing of the last third or so is phenomenal and ramps up quite nicely. I found myself unwilling both to tear away from the novel and to reach its conclusion. Without elaborating, the last part of the book turned this into ‘probably 4 stars’ to ‘definitely 5 stars’ for me. It was utterly captivating and moving. There is a mystery at the center of the novel—an unseen and ancient force that threatens Luca and his new friend, dredging up an old family feud—and the reader is swept along for the ride, uncertainty and all. But this is no standard mystery, so do not expect standard, cookie-cutter answers.
Best of all, this is a thematically rich novel, touching upon various conditions of human existence: forgiveness, memory, what unites as all as a species, the unknowable quality and force of nature, the meaning we make for ourselves, the nature of storytelling, family ties, and of course, that eternal idea—love. Yes, it sounds like a laundry list of common themes and tropes, but this is no superficial novel. Dimitri skillfully weaves together a lot of complex notions into the book, and sure, each is incorporated to different degrees, but whatever the recipe, its mixture hit the spot for my brain. I also forgave the novel for a couple of would-be book sins for me—first-person narrative and trite insertion of aphorisms and pithy sayings. Since the novel is framed as a recollection and memoir of sorts, the adult narrator reminiscing about his childhood summer, it makes sense and becomes palatable. I quite enjoyed this frame, and it made the first-person much more bearable. I had a library copy, and so I carefully noted each page that had a quote or line I savored.
I could wax on about how this book was a surprising gut punch to my heartstrings, or how it managed to grip me even during some personally difficult times. It is a book that challenges expectations and makes one question the nature of one’s reality. I feel like I’ve gained an insight into Francesco Dimitri’s values and philosophical outlook, and he has quickly become an author whom I am looking forward to reading further. (Spoiler alert: I am actually reading another book of his already—thanks library!) I also wondered about the fact that he wrote this novel in his second language, English, despite the setting of the book so clearly reflecting scenes from his own upbringing and his own mother tongue. I wish I could have a conversation about the art of translating wisps of thoughts and memories and feelings, especially those from childhood, but where would one even start? I technically finished this after the year had ended, but wow, what a high note on which to end/begin the year!
Favorite quotes:
※ ‘… I was told in great detail how I was going blind, never why. Of course, I know now there was no why. Some things happen because they do, and whatever meaning we want to find in them, we have to make it ourselves.’
※ ‘Ada hadn’t come into being on my moving South, for my benefit only. But we do that, we believe that we sit at the centre of the tale, that we are its indisputable hero, and we are so dazzled by our own brilliance that we rarely stop to consider the lives of those around us, no matter how close they are or we wish them to be.’
※ ‘In hindsight, anxiety was the price I paid for my family’s favorite sin, denial. I was more troubled than I cared to admit.’
※ ‘All I can say for myself is that we all have this thing in common, we humans, that the bigger the change, the longer we take to notice it. We react swiftly to small ripples – a promotion, a new lover – but when a tsunami comes that will upturn our life whether we like it or not, we turn our head the other way, and close our ears, as if deep change were a bore who will go away when ignored.’
※ ‘In the course of our lives, as individuals, we are hit by defeat and illness and heartbreak, and what we do is count our wounds, heal what we can, grieve what we’ve lost, and get back on our feet. The unthinkable happens; we take its measures; we adapt; we move on.’
※ ‘I came to understand that to the sighted, sight never ceases to be the only sense that truly matters.’
※ ‘When you are different, so many well-meaning people will zone in on your one difference and make of it the whole of you.’
※ ‘All stories are human to the wind, all stories equally small and endless.’
※ ‘Some people lack the humility to admit they’re wrong, and some lack the brains.’
November 22, 2022
What did I just read?! This was not what I was expecting. I don't even know what I was expecting (maybe something more fantasy and adventurous), but it definitely wasn't this (paranormal and psychological?).
On one hand I felt like the whole book was a sort of buildup and I kept waiting to see where it would lead, what the plot would be. But most of the book is just Luca and Ava around the grange, going to the beach, talking, with the occasional creepy interludes and hints.
On the other hand, I really loved that I didn't know what to think or what to believe half the time. It was quite suspenseful at times, I felt like anything could happen.
It was a great p.o.v. - that of a thirteen year-old blind boy. How he navigated his environment was so fascinating. We take so much for granted when we have all our senses.
Overall, a unique book. If I had to compare it to anything else I've read it would be You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce (although I'd say that one was more disturbing).
3.5 stars.
On one hand I felt like the whole book was a sort of buildup and I kept waiting to see where it would lead, what the plot would be. But most of the book is just Luca and Ava around the grange, going to the beach, talking, with the occasional creepy interludes and hints.
On the other hand, I really loved that I didn't know what to think or what to believe half the time. It was quite suspenseful at times, I felt like anything could happen.
It was a great p.o.v. - that of a thirteen year-old blind boy. How he navigated his environment was so fascinating. We take so much for granted when we have all our senses.
Overall, a unique book. If I had to compare it to anything else I've read it would be You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce (although I'd say that one was more disturbing).
3.5 stars.
January 3, 2023
4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2022/12/31/...
Words cannot describe how excited I was when I found out about Never the Wind! It feels like I’d been waiting forever for another English novel by Francesco Dimitri after the magical, captivating read that was The Book of Hidden Things, and to my delight, this was as marvelous and breathtaking as expected.
The story takes readers to the quiet southern Italian countryside where thirteen-year-old Luca Saracino’s parents have just purchased a rundown farmhouse with the vision of turning it into a hotel. It has also been eight months since Luca has completely lost his sight, and learning his way around his new home is presenting yet another challenge to settling in. Puglia being his family’s ancestral home though, his parents are determined to make their venture a success especially after the double blow of Luca’s blindness and the fact that his older brother had just been kicked out of university for skipping his exams.
Then, Luca meets his neighbor Ada Guadalupi, a vivacious girl who takes him exploring the world he can’t see, encouraging him to break out of his shell and be bold. As their friendship grows, Luca begins learning more about his family’s history in Puglia as well as his grandfather’s bitter grudge against the Guadalupis, a feud that has had lingering effects to this day, drawing rumors and unwanted attention into Luca’s relationship with Ada.
One day, Luca experiences something strange—something impossible—leading others to believe he had himself some kind of stress-induced episode. Luca, however, is convinced what happened to him was real, and only Ada believes him because she has seen and felt those uncanny forces as well. But Ada also has her own problems, even if Luca hates to think anything less of his friend. After all, the Guadalupis are no stranger to tragedy, and Ada herself is a troubled girl, as the adults around him never seem to tire of reminding him.
Never the Wind has been described as “magical realism” and “gothic” which isn’t a combination I’ve seen too often, and certainly this is my first time reading a book like this. The story takes place in the 90’s, told in flashback by an older Luca looking back on this wild summer of changes and adventure, both wondrous and terrible. The effect was very nostalgic in a grown-up Studio Ghibli movie kind of way, and what’s still amazing to me is that Dimitri accomplishes all this by telling the entire story without the use of Luca’s sight. The region of Puglia feels no less alive because of it though, and the writing’s flow did not feel awkward or forced in any way because of Luca’s inability to see. Instead, the prose is filled with description of our protagonist’s other senses, as well as his mental visions and memories of when he was younger.
At its heart, Never the Wind is also a coming-of-age story, and it seems the author has a predilection for writing about adolescence and growing up. But obviously, Luca’s story feels very different from the typical offerings of the genre, since he also has his loss of sight to contend with on top of everything that comes with being a thirteen-year-old in a new place, like trying to fit in and falling in love. The story never really feels YA though, likely due to the story being told in flashback. And yet, although the voice belongs to an adult Luca, I had no trouble sympathizing with his teenage self. Such is the talent of Francesco Dimitri and his immaculate prose.
My only stumbling block was perhaps the fantastical elements of the plot, but I suspect this has more to do with me than with the book. I have always struggled with the more abstract characteristics of magical realism, and this was no exception, especially with regards to the vaguer and more confusing parts of the story. Other readers might not have that problem, and in any case, the story also had so much going for it beyond the magical aspects including small town politics, family conflicts, and long-buried secrets.
It’s so well-written that even non-fantasy readers will find lots to love in Never the Wind, I think. I probably enjoyed it as much as The Book of Hidden Things whose world this one also shares, a cool detail I found out when Art’s disappearance was unexpectedly referenced by Luca, though there is no required reading order and each book stands completely alone. I would recommend either book if you would like to experience Francesco Dimitri’s work for yourself, especially if you’re a fan of magic realism or coming-of-age stories.
Words cannot describe how excited I was when I found out about Never the Wind! It feels like I’d been waiting forever for another English novel by Francesco Dimitri after the magical, captivating read that was The Book of Hidden Things, and to my delight, this was as marvelous and breathtaking as expected.
The story takes readers to the quiet southern Italian countryside where thirteen-year-old Luca Saracino’s parents have just purchased a rundown farmhouse with the vision of turning it into a hotel. It has also been eight months since Luca has completely lost his sight, and learning his way around his new home is presenting yet another challenge to settling in. Puglia being his family’s ancestral home though, his parents are determined to make their venture a success especially after the double blow of Luca’s blindness and the fact that his older brother had just been kicked out of university for skipping his exams.
Then, Luca meets his neighbor Ada Guadalupi, a vivacious girl who takes him exploring the world he can’t see, encouraging him to break out of his shell and be bold. As their friendship grows, Luca begins learning more about his family’s history in Puglia as well as his grandfather’s bitter grudge against the Guadalupis, a feud that has had lingering effects to this day, drawing rumors and unwanted attention into Luca’s relationship with Ada.
One day, Luca experiences something strange—something impossible—leading others to believe he had himself some kind of stress-induced episode. Luca, however, is convinced what happened to him was real, and only Ada believes him because she has seen and felt those uncanny forces as well. But Ada also has her own problems, even if Luca hates to think anything less of his friend. After all, the Guadalupis are no stranger to tragedy, and Ada herself is a troubled girl, as the adults around him never seem to tire of reminding him.
Never the Wind has been described as “magical realism” and “gothic” which isn’t a combination I’ve seen too often, and certainly this is my first time reading a book like this. The story takes place in the 90’s, told in flashback by an older Luca looking back on this wild summer of changes and adventure, both wondrous and terrible. The effect was very nostalgic in a grown-up Studio Ghibli movie kind of way, and what’s still amazing to me is that Dimitri accomplishes all this by telling the entire story without the use of Luca’s sight. The region of Puglia feels no less alive because of it though, and the writing’s flow did not feel awkward or forced in any way because of Luca’s inability to see. Instead, the prose is filled with description of our protagonist’s other senses, as well as his mental visions and memories of when he was younger.
At its heart, Never the Wind is also a coming-of-age story, and it seems the author has a predilection for writing about adolescence and growing up. But obviously, Luca’s story feels very different from the typical offerings of the genre, since he also has his loss of sight to contend with on top of everything that comes with being a thirteen-year-old in a new place, like trying to fit in and falling in love. The story never really feels YA though, likely due to the story being told in flashback. And yet, although the voice belongs to an adult Luca, I had no trouble sympathizing with his teenage self. Such is the talent of Francesco Dimitri and his immaculate prose.
My only stumbling block was perhaps the fantastical elements of the plot, but I suspect this has more to do with me than with the book. I have always struggled with the more abstract characteristics of magical realism, and this was no exception, especially with regards to the vaguer and more confusing parts of the story. Other readers might not have that problem, and in any case, the story also had so much going for it beyond the magical aspects including small town politics, family conflicts, and long-buried secrets.
It’s so well-written that even non-fantasy readers will find lots to love in Never the Wind, I think. I probably enjoyed it as much as The Book of Hidden Things whose world this one also shares, a cool detail I found out when Art’s disappearance was unexpectedly referenced by Luca, though there is no required reading order and each book stands completely alone. I would recommend either book if you would like to experience Francesco Dimitri’s work for yourself, especially if you’re a fan of magic realism or coming-of-age stories.
April 26, 2023
Never the Wind was a bit of a different read for me, but one I'm glad to have read! Parts of this book were fantastic. The characters, the setting, the story, and the writing all hooked me, however at times I found the pacing to take away from the building tension. I can't say that teenage boys are my favourite protagonists however I found myself rooting for Luca throughout this story.
The ending was not as I expected, and I'm still not sure if that was for the best or not. Overall an enjoyable read that sucked me in!
The ending was not as I expected, and I'm still not sure if that was for the best or not. Overall an enjoyable read that sucked me in!
April 1, 2024
Hade man kunnat ge 4,9 stjärnor hade jag gjort det. Vilken bok! Och vilket slut! Var en stund där jag blev så frustrerad med vissa karaktärer att jag hade tårar i ögonen. I slutet hade jag däremot tårar i ögonen för det var så fruktansvärt vackert. Kommer nog bli fem stjärnor trots allt. Gäller att välja vilken bok jag ska läsa nu med omsorg. Vad jag än väljer så kommer den blekna i skuggan av denna.
August 13, 2022
3.75
I enjoyed it, I read it quickly and Luca's story captivated me.
I enjoyed it, I read it quickly and Luca's story captivated me.
March 16, 2023
3,5⭐️: Het is een mooi, maar ook wel spannend boek. In het begin wist ik niet echt wat ik ervan vond, het is ook niet echt een boek dat ik normaal zou lezen. Maar ik moet zeggen, het einde was erg verrassend (maar ook verwarrend).
April 19, 2022
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a ride. Let me first start by saying that this book wasn't perfect. There were some things about the narrative voice that I genuinely hated. I wish the author hadn't wasted time in the story describing a 13-year-old's self-gratification. I didn't need to know, I didn't need to read it, and it didn't add anything to the story. Frankly, it was a little disturbing that it and related body parts kept being brought up. I also could have done without the meta way the story was told, from an older viewpoint looking back - it lead to a lot of redundant reminders that bad things were going to happen soon. At one point, the narrator reminded us three times on one page. It grew kind of old, and it didn't help make the story more ominous, if anything it sucked the tension out of the story.
Those two things aside, the story was fascinating. The events of the book were eerie, especially when told through the viewpoint of a blind boy that couldn't see the danger around him. There were things around him that he could hear and smell and touch, but he could not see - and those things, and the people in the story, used that to their advantage. People lied frequently, and the boy was at their mercy.
I loved the hauntingly dark undertones of the story revolving around things unseen and indescribable - and yes, I am being purposefully vague here. The plot and the characters were well-written, and I enjoyed the friendship between Ada and Luca. Their summer was extraordinary, and I'm glad I got to share in it.
I will provide a bit of a warning, that the book does involve abuse, some strangely sexual moments (not related to the abuse), murder, and dark religious undertones - so if that isn't something you are comfortable reading about this probably won't be the book for you… but if you like dark, creepy stories about ancient evils, unnamed gods, and mysterious creatures, I would recommend you give this book a try.
This book was a ride. Let me first start by saying that this book wasn't perfect. There were some things about the narrative voice that I genuinely hated. I wish the author hadn't wasted time in the story describing a 13-year-old's self-gratification. I didn't need to know, I didn't need to read it, and it didn't add anything to the story. Frankly, it was a little disturbing that it and related body parts kept being brought up. I also could have done without the meta way the story was told, from an older viewpoint looking back - it lead to a lot of redundant reminders that bad things were going to happen soon. At one point, the narrator reminded us three times on one page. It grew kind of old, and it didn't help make the story more ominous, if anything it sucked the tension out of the story.
Those two things aside, the story was fascinating. The events of the book were eerie, especially when told through the viewpoint of a blind boy that couldn't see the danger around him. There were things around him that he could hear and smell and touch, but he could not see - and those things, and the people in the story, used that to their advantage. People lied frequently, and the boy was at their mercy.
I loved the hauntingly dark undertones of the story revolving around things unseen and indescribable - and yes, I am being purposefully vague here. The plot and the characters were well-written, and I enjoyed the friendship between Ada and Luca. Their summer was extraordinary, and I'm glad I got to share in it.
I will provide a bit of a warning, that the book does involve abuse, some strangely sexual moments (not related to the abuse), murder, and dark religious undertones - so if that isn't something you are comfortable reading about this probably won't be the book for you… but if you like dark, creepy stories about ancient evils, unnamed gods, and mysterious creatures, I would recommend you give this book a try.
November 24, 2024
The plot was good, though it didn’t blow me away. But what I can’t stop thinking about are the descriptions of the world through the blind narrator’s perspective. So interesting and well done as a reading experience - and it layered so well with the narrator’s own fear as he tried to navigate his world
May 24, 2022
This book is absolutely fantastic, my first by Francesco Dimitri but I am so glad to have been introduced to this spectacular author and his talent. I cant much about the story as I don’t believe in spoilers and it’s hard without ruining your enjoyment, but it’s addictive, so very gripping and one of those books where you don’t realise where the time has gone as you read and you think you’ve only been reading for a short time, I love it when a book immerses you this much. It’s a story that will be with you long after you close the final page, I recommended this for anyone who loves fantasy and just great literature , this is going to win so many awards.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
September 27, 2022
This book is crazy! The writing is excellent. I have never before read a book narrated by a blind character, and the amount of skill Dimitri exhibits here is really remarkable. The eeriness and mystery of the setting and plot is intensified almost alarmingly both by Luca's blindness and by the focus on his other senses. The setting was beautifully wrought, especially considering how it is all accomplished without visual description. But! In my opinion, the plot goes off the deep end in the last quarter of the book, and while I like weird, and I love religious over and undertones, I really didn't like where this one headed. Without spoiling anyone's read, I guess I'd say that I like stories of good vs. evil, and to me this felt more like evil vs. evil.
January 22, 2023
A small, breathtaking, and beautifully written book. Never the Wind was completely unexpected both in its plot and in the humanity of Dimitri's characters. The prose is really where this book soars. Dimitri is a masterful writer and was able to create a totally immersive setting, even with a recently-blind protagonist. The setting was rich, the dialogue was incredibly believable, and his characters felt real, an even more impressive feat given how hard it is to write children/young adults.
The only con, and it's a small one given otherwise impeccable execution, is that I felt the ending was a little hamfisted; that it was a not-so-subtle means to poke at religion for religion's sake.
The only con, and it's a small one given otherwise impeccable execution, is that I felt the ending was a little hamfisted; that it was a not-so-subtle means to poke at religion for religion's sake.
July 5, 2022
Wow !! Just WOW ! I almost have no words. Absolutely spellbinding, creepy, intense and sad. A tale beautifully written in a prose that reads like butter. I was drawn in from the first paragraph. Told in the first person . Luca is 13 and has recently lost his sight and becomes close friends with neighbor Ada. Sounds tame enough, right? Well hold on for your life because what these two go through is intense. Definitely for fans of the Netflix series “Stranger Things”. This one will stay with me for a long time. Trust me, just read it !!
July 14, 2022
They say there are some books you share, and some you keep. For me, this will be one of the latter. A literary intimacy seasoned with dreams and real-life nightmares, this story crept inside my skin and stayed there.
Should you feel called to read it, do. It is magnificent.
For my part, I'm going to tuck this one in the sleeves of a favorite sweater to revisit when the wind is right.
5 stars.
Should you feel called to read it, do. It is magnificent.
For my part, I'm going to tuck this one in the sleeves of a favorite sweater to revisit when the wind is right.
5 stars.
August 20, 2022
At thirteen Luca loses his sight and moves into his Grandfather's home, which confusingly for him, is being renovated. And when he explores his surroundings into the vineyard, he meets the girl next door. Their adventures turn from friendship to horror in a truly unique way.
Well-written and intriguing; I'm still left questioning what was real and what wasn't in Luca's world.
Well-written and intriguing; I'm still left questioning what was real and what wasn't in Luca's world.
June 8, 2023
A mysterious book that felt wholly supernatural to begin with. As the story progresses it brings to light how humans play a strong hand in most things. Even things that fall outside of the known world.
October 20, 2024
First of all I am a fan of Neil Gaimen which may tell some of you the type of book this is - The Ocean at the end of the lane is the last book I read of his.
The story is about a 13-year-old blind boy who recently became blind and his experience - how he feels, what he does to overcome fear and the book gives you an excellent view of what this might be like.
It is also the story of his family in southern Italy and their move from the city to a smaller country town. So you know what that’s like , people gossiping in a small town ,telling stories that aren’t true & liking or disliking people. However, he finds a friend.
They can totally relate to each other, although there are hidden and somewhat disturbing lies about and from her family.
As the story goes on, I’m wondering where this is going to lead. I’m still thinking about it and wondering, who the wanderer is?
The story is about a 13-year-old blind boy who recently became blind and his experience - how he feels, what he does to overcome fear and the book gives you an excellent view of what this might be like.
It is also the story of his family in southern Italy and their move from the city to a smaller country town. So you know what that’s like , people gossiping in a small town ,telling stories that aren’t true & liking or disliking people. However, he finds a friend.
They can totally relate to each other, although there are hidden and somewhat disturbing lies about and from her family.
As the story goes on, I’m wondering where this is going to lead. I’m still thinking about it and wondering, who the wanderer is?
August 16, 2022
Brilliant! Favorite book this year so far. It is a mix of The Village, Winn Dixie, and Bridge to Terabithia - suspense/secrets, youth, & friendship - sounds odd but it works.
January 22, 2023
One of the best books I've read, Francesco the homie brought it home, and that plot was hella THICC
March 13, 2024
Unexpected twist and turns
May 19, 2025
Great read start to finish. Effortless. The author manages to relay the experience of going/being blind in a way that just feels enveloping. Fantasy, confusion, twists, just ordinary life all roll together beautifully. There’s something completely un-forced about the narrative. This was a compelling and well paced tale with unexpected depth.
July 8, 2023
‘Never The Wind’ is not what I was expecting, but it was a great read. We are introduced to the Saracino family. A family in the middle of upheaval. Unfortunately, young Luca is part of the cause. Over the past year Lucas’ eye sight has deteriorated to complete blindness. After the death of his grandfather, the family decides to move to the deep South of Italy from Turin. They are moving into their family estate, which is a bad state of disrepair, with the hope of making it into a center of tourism in the area of Portodimare.
Lucas struggles at first with his blindness, but slowly begins to make his way and establish his memory of places and getting around. He meets the neighbors daughter Ada and they become very good friends. Lucas begins to sense that things are different here. There is a strange presence. It seems threatening. He and Ada are determined to find out what it is. Along the way, family secrets are uncovered and a hidden evil.
Francesco Dimitri weaves a wonderful story. The family secrets that define relationships, family, a first love, and coping with a new way to deal with life. A life without sight. This story took me by surprise and it was a pleasant one. Enjoy!
Lucas struggles at first with his blindness, but slowly begins to make his way and establish his memory of places and getting around. He meets the neighbors daughter Ada and they become very good friends. Lucas begins to sense that things are different here. There is a strange presence. It seems threatening. He and Ada are determined to find out what it is. Along the way, family secrets are uncovered and a hidden evil.
Francesco Dimitri weaves a wonderful story. The family secrets that define relationships, family, a first love, and coping with a new way to deal with life. A life without sight. This story took me by surprise and it was a pleasant one. Enjoy!
April 28, 2024
It is rare that a book has me literally shaking in anticipation but this did it for me.
i would say the majority of the book is build up. It presents mysteries and questions that leave you guessing. I never expected what was going to happen. The Last 50 or so pages were absolute perfection. It was beautiful, suspenseful and unexpected at every turn.
10/10, i would recommend to anyone.
i would say the majority of the book is build up. It presents mysteries and questions that leave you guessing. I never expected what was going to happen. The Last 50 or so pages were absolute perfection. It was beautiful, suspenseful and unexpected at every turn.
10/10, i would recommend to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews