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. A Ghost at Noon

   Contempt

   

   A Ghost at Noon is a tale of a troubled marriage set against the backdrop of Rome and Capri. The story follows a screenplay writer who is struggling with his failing marriage and the production of his new film. As his wife becomes infatuated with their young guide in Capri, the writer becomes increasingly paranoid and jealous, ultimately leading to the collapse of their relationship. The narrative parallels the story of Homer's Odyssey, which the protagonist is adapting for the screen, adding another layer of complexity to the story.

   The 1041st Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Time of Indifference

   

   This novel explores the dynamics of an upper-middle-class Italian family facing financial ruin. The story focuses on the emotional indifference and moral decay among family members, as they engage in affairs and manipulative behavior to secure their social status. As the family's fortunes dwindle, their lack of empathy and moral integrity becomes increasingly evident, offering a critique of bourgeois values and the corrosive effects of apathy and materialism.

   The 1216th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Boredom

   

   In this introspective exploration of existential ennui, the protagonist, a disillusioned painter, grapples with a pervasive sense of boredom that permeates his affluent yet unfulfilling life. As he embarks on a tumultuous affair with a young model, he becomes entangled in a web of desire and disillusionment, seeking meaning in the fleeting moments of passion. The narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships, the search for identity, and the struggle to find purpose in a world that often feels devoid of significance.

   The 1310th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Disobedience

   

   "Disobedience" is a novel about a young man, Luca, who refuses to serve in the Italian army during World War II. The narrative explores his experiences as he hides from the authorities, the moral dilemmas he faces, his sexual awakening, and his relationship with his mother. His refusal to obey the military draft serves as a symbol of his rebellion against societal norms and expectations, as well as his search for personal identity and freedom.

   The 2551st Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Conformist

   

   The novel explores the life and psyche of a government official during the 1930s Fascist Italy, who is driven by a desire to belong and be considered "normal" at any cost. Tormented by his own perceived abnormality and a traumatic past, he becomes obsessed with conforming to the societal norms dictated by the fascist regime. In an attempt to prove his allegiance and suppress his own feelings of inadequacy, he agrees to carry out a political assassination. The narrative delves deep into themes of identity, the nature of conformity, and the moral compromises made by individuals under oppressive political systems.

   The 7555th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. 1934

   

   The novel is a psychological exploration of an Italian writer's life during the rise of Fascism in 1934. Struggling with creative block and a sense of political suffocation, the protagonist embarks on a journey to a seaside resort in search of inspiration and an escape from the oppressive political climate. There, he becomes entangled in a complex relationship with a young, enigmatic woman who is a member of the Fascist party. Through their interactions, the novel delves into themes of power, sexuality, and the role of the intellectual in a totalitarian society, ultimately painting a portrait of an individual's inner turmoil and moral conflict in the face of a repressive regime.

   The 10721st Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. I Racconti

   

   This collection of short stories delves into the complexities of human relationships and the often hidden motivations that drive people's actions. Through a series of vivid and varied narratives, the author explores themes such as love, betrayal, desire, and existential angst, painting a rich tapestry of the human condition. Each story is a finely crafted vignette that captures the essence of its characters' inner lives, revealing the subtle interplay between their emotions and the societal norms they navigate. The prose is both incisive and evocative, offering readers a profound reflection on the intricacies of human nature.

   The 12171st Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. La Romana

   A Novel of Italy

   

   Set in post-war Italy, this compelling narrative follows the life of Adriana, a young and beautiful woman from a humble background who becomes a model and later a prostitute. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles and moral dilemmas she faces as she navigates a world filled with desire, betrayal, and survival. Her journey is a poignant exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the quest for love and fulfillment amidst the harsh realities of life.

9. 9. Conjugal Love

   

   Set against the backdrop of a serene Italian countryside, the narrative delves into the complexities of marital relationships through the lens of a writer and his wife. As the protagonist grapples with writer's block, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea that abstaining from physical intimacy might fuel his creative process. This decision, however, sets off a chain of emotional and psychological events that test the boundaries of love, fidelity, and personal ambition. The story intricately explores themes of desire, jealousy, and the often-unspoken tensions that simmer beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic marriage.

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10. 10. La Ciociara

    

    Set against the backdrop of World War II in Italy, this poignant narrative follows the harrowing journey of a mother and her teenage daughter as they flee from the bomb-ravaged city of Rome to the rural region of Ciociaria. As they navigate the chaos and brutality of war, they encounter both the kindness and cruelty of strangers, experiencing moments of profound humanity and devastating loss. The story delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the enduring bond between mother and daughter, painting a vivid picture of the impact of war on ordinary lives.

11. 11. De Reis Naar Rome

    

12. 12. Io E Lui

    

    A middle-aged man finds his libido unexpectedly personified as a separate, willful presence that talks back and pursues its own desires, forcing him into absurd and revealing situations; through their quarrels, outings and domestic embarrassments the narrator confronts the gulf between intellect and bodily impulse, exposing anxieties about masculinity, desire and social respectability in a tone that mixes satire, eroticism and dark comedy.