Ask the Author: Luigi Pascal Rondanini
Answered Questions (3)
Luigi Pascal Rondanini
Hello Claire,
Based on the question you posed about Antonio's relationship with Naples, I appreciate you sparking an insightful debate amongst your reading group. The Neapolitan woman perceives Antonio as harbouring resentment towards the city due to his biting criticism. However, I argue that glimpses of affection for his complicated hometown also emerge through his enduring connection to its culture, politics, and spaces, despite frustrations. This complexity aligns with realistic psychology - our birthplaces influence identities while also inflicting hurt, tangling love with hate.
Well-crafted ambiguity leaves room to empathise with either stance on Antonio’s sentiments. The author avoids definitive judgment, allowing readers to interpret this nuanced character actively. The disagreement produced is a testament to an impactful narrative technique that embraces the tensions within human emotions regarding charged topics like homelands. I applaud this approach for portraying Antonio’s relationship with Naples as conflicted yet genuine rather than simplistic. The dialogue generated does credit to my storytelling and characterisation. However, if I were a Neapolitan reader, I have to say that I would be more inclined towards my "paisana's" views. I hope this answers your question. Thank you for that. Regards, LP
Based on the question you posed about Antonio's relationship with Naples, I appreciate you sparking an insightful debate amongst your reading group. The Neapolitan woman perceives Antonio as harbouring resentment towards the city due to his biting criticism. However, I argue that glimpses of affection for his complicated hometown also emerge through his enduring connection to its culture, politics, and spaces, despite frustrations. This complexity aligns with realistic psychology - our birthplaces influence identities while also inflicting hurt, tangling love with hate.
Well-crafted ambiguity leaves room to empathise with either stance on Antonio’s sentiments. The author avoids definitive judgment, allowing readers to interpret this nuanced character actively. The disagreement produced is a testament to an impactful narrative technique that embraces the tensions within human emotions regarding charged topics like homelands. I applaud this approach for portraying Antonio’s relationship with Naples as conflicted yet genuine rather than simplistic. The dialogue generated does credit to my storytelling and characterisation. However, if I were a Neapolitan reader, I have to say that I would be more inclined towards my "paisana's" views. I hope this answers your question. Thank you for that. Regards, LP
Luigi Pascal Rondanini
I slowly opened the creaky attic door, the hair on my arms standing at attention, only to find my grandpa grinning wildly while trying on my floral sundresses. 👵🤣
Luigi Pascal Rondanini
Keeping the same style I used in two of my books...
(strokes imaginary mustache thoughtfully)
Why, the curious case of the midnight fridge raider, of course!
(glances around shifting eyes)
You see, every night when the clock strikes twelve, I hear a noise coming from the kitchen. But when I sneak down to investigate, nothing seems amiss, except for the fact that my meticulously organized leftovers have been slightly rearranged.
(grips lapels dramatically)
Could there be a tiny midnight goblin snacking on my delicious home cooking? Or perhaps a poltergeist with a penchant for gnocchi? I must get to the bottom of this spooky mystery... if I have the courage!
(looks at camera ominously)
What mysteries unfold in the dark of your own kitchens, dear readers? creepy organ music swells The truth is out there...
(lightning crash)
(strokes imaginary mustache thoughtfully)
Why, the curious case of the midnight fridge raider, of course!
(glances around shifting eyes)
You see, every night when the clock strikes twelve, I hear a noise coming from the kitchen. But when I sneak down to investigate, nothing seems amiss, except for the fact that my meticulously organized leftovers have been slightly rearranged.
(grips lapels dramatically)
Could there be a tiny midnight goblin snacking on my delicious home cooking? Or perhaps a poltergeist with a penchant for gnocchi? I must get to the bottom of this spooky mystery... if I have the courage!
(looks at camera ominously)
What mysteries unfold in the dark of your own kitchens, dear readers? creepy organ music swells The truth is out there...
(lightning crash)
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