This May the Italian Book Club in Mumbai reads The Moon and the Bonfires / La Luna e i Falò by Cesare Pavese
The Moon and the Bonfires, published in 1950, is a deeply introspective novel that explores themes of identity, memory and the irrevocable passage of time. Set in post-World War II, the narrative follows Anguilla, an Italian immigrant who returns to his rural hometown in the Piedmont region of Italy after many years in America. Once a foundling raised in poverty, he comes back not only to reconnect with his past but also to confront the transformations wrought by war and modernity.
As he revisits familiar landscapes and re-establishes contact with his old friend Nuto, Anguilla reflects on the contrast between his youthful dreams and the present-day realities. Through these meditations, Pavese weaves a poignant commentary on displacement, the search for belonging, and the illusions of progress.
The title symbolizes the contrast between the natural, eternal elements of life (the moon) and the transient, human-made aspects (the bonfires), reflecting the protagonist’s internal struggle and journey.
Ultimately, the novel is a melancholic yet lyrical exploration of how one’s origins continue to shape the self, even in the face of distance time and reinvention.
Cesare Pavese (1908-1950) was an Italian novelist, poet, and translator, known for his existential themes and introspective style. Pavese’s work was deeply influenced by his own experiences and the socio-political climate of Italy. His writing often delves into themes of solitude, identity, and the search for meaning. “The Moon and the Bonfires” is considered one of his masterpieces, capturing the essence of his literary style and philosophical insights.
Wednesday 21st May | Title Waves Bookstore, Bandra | 6.30 pm
The book may be read in the Italian original or in English