Last Comes the Raven by Italo Calvino

Vintage Classics. Paperback. NEW. Within the array of early short stories presented in "Last Comes the Raven," Italo Calvino masterfully captures the enchanting beauty of the Italian countryside and seaside, while simultaneously delving into the unsettling and thought-provoking aspects of life. Imbued with vividness and intensity, Calvino's war-torn Italy seems almost hyper-real, inviting readers to explore the depths of the human condition. The collection features a diverse range of narratives, each brimming with their unique allure. In one story, a trio of avaricious burglars embarks on a daring heist, targeting a pastry shop. This tale is steeped in elements of suspense and greed, encouraging readers to question the lengths people are willing to go for material gain. In another story, a young boy presents a girl with gifts procured from the garden: toads and insects. While seemingly unconventional, this gesture carries an underlying symbolism, inviting readers to contemplate the complexity of relationships and the unconventional ways in which individuals express their affection. Calvino also explores the dynamics of class and power in his stories. Particularly captivating is the narrative where a wealthy family decides to invite a rustic goatherd to join them for lunch. However, rather than sincerely embracing his presence, they mock him, revealing the absurdity that can often underlie the interactions between different social strata. Throughout his stories, Calvino adeptly reveals the hidden meanings that permeate everyday life, elevating seemingly mundane occurrences to profound levels of significance. By doing so, he not only sheds light on the human condition but also highlights the ludicrousness of war, a recurring theme in the collection. Through his narratives, Calvino urges readers to question the systems and ideologies that lead to conflict and emphasizes the folly and destructiveness of warfare. While some of the stories found in "Last Comes the Raven" have been previously published in the collection titled "Adam, One Afternoon," this expanded edition includes several newly translated pieces by Ann Goldstein, further enriching Calvino's literary legacy. Goldstein's translations bring a fresh perspective and ensure that Calvino's stories resonant with a wider audience, allowing more readers to experience the genius of his storytelling. The significance of this collection lies not only in the beauty of its prose and the intricacy of its narratives but also in the underlying exploration of the human psyche. Calvino peels back the layers of societal facades, revealing the complexities and contradictions that exist within each individual. In his stories, he exposes the delicate balance between beauty and unnerving realities, ultimately encouraging readers to ponder the nature of existence itself. As "Last Comes the Raven" finds its place among Calvino's literary oeuvre, it presents readers with an opportunity to witness the evolution of the man behind the magician. Through this collection, the author showcases his remarkable ability to weave compelling tales, infused with both the enchantment of the Italian landscape and the profound introspection that lies at the core of all human experiences.