This March the Italian Book Club in Mumbai reads Family Lexicon / Lessico famigliare by Natalia Ginzburg.
Family Lexicon, published in 1963, is a novel cum memoir that captures Ginzburg’s childhood and family life in Turin, Italy, during the early 20th century. The book is structured around the unique phrases, expressions, and habits of her family members, particularly her authoritarian and scientific-minded father, Giuseppe Levi, and her warm and resilient mother, Lidia. Through their interactions, arguments, and humor, Ginzburg paints a lively portrait of a household filled with intellectual debates, political discussions, and everyday struggles.
Set against the backdrop of Mussolini’s fascist regime and World War II, the novel subtly explores themes of Jewish identity, resistance, and the impact of historical events on private life. Despite its political undertones, Family Lexicon remains deeply personal, emphasizing how shared language and memories bind families together. The book blends fiction and autobiography, preserving the voices and quirks of Ginzburg’s loved ones in a touching and nostalgic way.
Natalia Ginzburg (1916–1991) was an Italian writer, journalist, and intellectual known for her sharp yet understated literary style. Born in Palermo to a Jewish-Italian father and Catholic mother, she grew up in Turin, where her family was involved in anti-fascist activism.
Ginzburg’s writing often focuses on themes of family, memory, and political oppression, reflecting her own experiences living through Mussolini’s rule and World War II. Her husband, Leone Ginzburg, was a prominent anti-fascist who was arrested and killed by the Nazis. After his death, she continued to write, gaining recognition for works like Family Lexicon, The Dry Heart, and All Our Yesterdays.
Her writing style is known for its simplicity and emotional depth, often blending fiction with autobiography. Ginzburg was also active in politics, serving as a member of the Italian Parliament. She remains one of Italy’s most influential 20th-century authors.
Wednesday March 26𝐭𝐡 | Title Waves Bookstore, Bandra
Timing: 6.30 pm
The book may be read in the Italian original or in English.
Join the Book Club with the one-year Membership Card: token fee 200 INR