48 pages • 1 hour read
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Ferrara, Italy • 1930s-1940s
1962
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis follows the unnamed narrator's recollections of his childhood in Ferrara's Jewish community and his relationship with the Finzi-Contini family, focusing particularly on his unrequited love for Micòl. As WWII and antisemitism escalate, the narrator and his friends face increasing isolation, culminating in the tragic fate of the Finzi-Continis.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
15,300 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis by Giorgio Bassani is praised for its poignant portrayal of Italian-Jewish life before WWII, enriched by lyrical prose and profound themes of loss and nostalgia. However, some critique its slow pacing and occasional lack of character depth. Overall, readers appreciate its historical insight and emotional resonance.
Who Should Read The Garden of the Finzi-Continis?
Readers who cherish The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald or Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh will savor The Garden of the Finzi-Continis by Giorgio Bassani. These readers appreciate nuanced explorations of love, loss, and societal change amid historical backdrops, infused with lyrical prose and poignant nostalgia.
15,300 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Micòl Finzi-Contini
Micòl Finzi-Contini
A charming and intelligent young woman with ash-blond hair who exhibits a strong sense of self-awareness and a desire to invite people into the secluded family garden.
Alberto Finzi-Contini
Alberto Finzi-Contini
A character who shares a bond of self-deprecation with his sister Micòl, and showcases a talent for invention, entertaining friends in the family home with a quiet confidence.
Giampiero Malnate
Giampiero Malnate
A chemist and socialist who becomes a confidant to the narrator, serving as a contrasting figure in perspective and lifestyle during politically uncertain times.
Professor Ermanno Finzi-Contini
Professor Ermanno Finzi-Contini
The father of Micòl and Alberto, who embodies a balance of intellectual curiosity and emotional fragility while engaging with the narrator over literature in the family’s garden.
288
Novel • Fiction
Ferrara, Italy • 1930s-1940s
1962
Adult
18+ years
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