Domenico Starnone

Domenico Starnone is an Italian writer, screenwriter, and journalist. He is known for his novels and has received several literary awards. His works often explore themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The House on Via Gemito

    Set in post-war Naples, this evocative narrative delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the pursuit of artistic dreams. Through the eyes of a son reflecting on his father's life, the story unfolds the struggles of a man torn between his aspirations as a painter and the harsh realities of his existence. The tale intricately weaves themes of ambition, disappointment, and the enduring impact of familial relationships, painting a vivid picture of a man's relentless quest for recognition and the sacrifices made along the way.

    The 12200th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 2. The Old Man By The Sea

    An 82‑year‑old Neapolitan named Nicola spends his days by the sea recording life’s small details in a notebook while watching a nearby coastal town. Observing a young store clerk and remembering the women who shaped him, he confronts the limits of language, memory, and desire. Quiet and reflective, the novel explores aging, imagination, and the struggle to capture what slips beyond words.

    The 12199th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 3. Trick

    In this poignant narrative, a seasoned illustrator finds himself reluctantly tasked with babysitting his four-year-old grandson in a bustling Naples apartment. As the days unfold, the generational gap between the two becomes a canvas for exploring themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. The young boy's boundless curiosity and mischief serve as a catalyst for the grandfather's introspection, leading him to confront his own past and the illusions he has crafted over the years. Through a delicate interplay of humor and melancholy, the story captures the intricate dance of familial bonds and the enduring impact of life's fleeting moments.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  4. 4. Trust

    In this compelling narrative, the story delves into the intricate dynamics of human relationships, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the fragile nature of trust. The protagonist navigates the complexities of personal and professional life, where secrets and past decisions cast long shadows over the present. As the layers of deception unravel, the characters are forced to confront their vulnerabilities and the consequences of their actions, leading to a poignant reflection on the essence of trust and the ties that bind us.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  5. 5. Lacci

    Set against the backdrop of Naples, this poignant narrative delves into the complexities of marriage and family dynamics. It explores the emotional turmoil and lingering consequences of infidelity as a husband and wife grapple with the fallout of a past betrayal. Through a series of introspective reflections and shifting perspectives, the story unveils the intricate ties that bind them, revealing how love, resentment, and the passage of time shape their lives and the lives of their children. The novel offers a profound meditation on the enduring impact of choices and the fragile nature of human relationships.

  6. 6. Laços

    Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous marriage, this poignant narrative delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and reconciliation. Through the lens of a fractured family, the story explores the enduring ties that bind individuals together, even amidst the chaos of infidelity and emotional turmoil. As the characters navigate the intricate web of their relationships, they confront the scars of past decisions and the possibility of healing, ultimately reflecting on the resilience of familial bonds and the enduring quest for understanding and forgiveness.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  7. 7. Wyznanie

    Set in the bustling city of Naples, this compelling narrative explores the intricate dynamics of a long-term marriage through the lens of a single, pivotal day. The story unfolds as an elderly couple grapples with the weight of their shared past, revealing deeply buried secrets and unspoken truths that have shaped their lives together. As they navigate the complexities of love, regret, and forgiveness, the couple confronts the inevitable passage of time and the enduring bonds that tie them to one another, offering a poignant reflection on the nature of human relationships.