Luigi Fontanella Boeken

The exploration of youth in Adolescence and Night reveals the author's quest to reclaim his formative years from forgetfulness. Through a blend of concise language and metaphysical depth, everyday moments from his past are vividly resurrected, transcending their specific historical context to resonate with universal themes. Fontanella's imaginative approach invites readers to reflect on the enduring significance of personal history and memory.

Set in New York in 1910, the story follows sixteen-year-old Pasquale D'Angelo, an Italian immigrant who aspires to become a poet despite the harsh realities of life as a stone cutter. Unlike his companions, who focus on financial stability, Pascal is driven by a profound desire to write and express himself. He immerses himself in learning English and draws inspiration from literary giants like Keats and Shelley. His journey is marked by relentless perseverance, poverty, and a deep sense of purpose, ultimately leading him to confront the challenges of the city and his own destiny.

Ich bin niemals ins Leben eingetreten. Habe niemals zu jemandem gehört. Geschichten, die ein Ende fanden, den vertikalen Endpunkt. Und doch rührt mich jede Kleinigkeit, die Jugend ist absolut und ewig. Sie ist alles, was bleibt. Non sono mai entrato nella vita. Mai appartenuto a qualcuno. Storie che giungevano al termine, al punto verticale della fine. Ma mi commuovo per un nonnulla, l’adolescenza è assoluta ed eterna. È l’unica cosa che resta.