If On A Winter's Night A Traveller
NovelAbout
If On A Winter's Night A Traveller is a novel by Italo Calvino, published in 1979. The book is a masterful exploration of postmodernism, blending metafiction with diverse narrative styles. It begins with the reader attempting to read a novel but finding the pages are out of order. This sets off a series of events where the reader, often addressed as "you," becomes entangled in a complex plot involving book fraud, reclusive authors, and international intrigue. The novel features multiple genres, from folk tales to detective stories, each broken off abruptly. Characters like Ludmilla and Ermes Marana play key roles in unraveling the mystery of these fragmented narratives. William Weaver's translation captures the novel's playful complexity, highlighting Calvino's innovative storytelling. The book's structure alternates between the reader's journey and the beginnings of ten different novels, creating a unique reading experience that challenges traditional notions of storytelling.
