A dull little book about which I struggle to find anything to say, perhaps because I am a woman and this book depicts a stunted, masculine coming-of-age. Unfair to call it ‘stunted’—better to say that it depicts the stunted, confused period before a coming-of-age. Some passages concerning the mother were deeply unpleasant from my perspective; although, I’m sure that they ring with reality to certain male readers. I don’t like to see myself making summary statements that hinge upon a gender binary, but this is the only way I find myself forming thoughts about the book. ( )

Romanzo breve da molti definito "perfetto". La scoperta adolescenziale di una sessualità che è sporca, colposa e anche raccontata come pervertita (vedi la maniera razzista in cui è tratteggiata la figura del bagnino omosessuale e del suo preferito fra i giovani, guarda caso, il ragazzo nero). Entrambi i testi allegati di Gadda e Saba definiscono Moravia moralista, aggettivo che trovo gli si addica. Ho letto qualcosa di Moravia da ragazzo e, nel mio ricordo, non era nata simpatia. Posso confermare questa sensazione ora. ( )

853.914 MOR

Agostino is a short coming-of-age tale with majestic descriptions of a Tuscan seaside town. The tale of a young, privileged teen trying to fit in with the rough boys and engage in their uncouth adventures is nothing new. Coddled Agostino's frustrations are familiar and heartwarming.

Since the book is told from his perspective, it has a contained scope and effective focus. It is not concerned with politics or philosophy, but the reader can draw many connections between the interior sensations of the main character and the outward acts of immaturity and confusion.

Moravia is an important author in Italy, from what I've gathered, but often neglected in English-speaking countries. A small portion of his works have made their way into English, and I would love to see him given the same attention as Umberto Eco. He wrote dozens of novels, stories, plays, and essays. In some ways, his style reminds me of W. Somerset Maugham's - a refined, unhurried, wise, and observant style, concerned with subtle characters interactions and elegant settings.

Apparently, Moravia was nominated for the Nobel Prize 13 times, and comparing him to certain winners (I'm thinking of Orhan Pamuk and Pirandello) I'm wishing he'd won.

Moravia really uses his character's childlike innocence and naivety to comedic and dramatic effect. It makes it really easy to put yourself in this boy's shoes, and to experience the wonder and bittersweet sorrow that is growing up. From an adult's perspective there is constant dramatic irony in the fact that you know his idols and fascinations and agony, will all fade away when the world finally opens up its wonders to him. But there is also a loss we all experience, I think, when the universe loses some of its mystery, and human nature in particular is revealed to us in all of its wickedness and intricacy.

This is a loving portrait of youth and a simple, but discerning fable with universal appeal.

It was a bestseller in its day, and it remains an easy, evocative read 70 years later. ( )

La storia della stupita, dolorosa scoperta del sesso da parte di un adolesscente