The Baron in the Trees
Book - 2017
A landmark new translation of a Calvino classic, a whimsical, spirited novel that imagines a life lived entirely on its own terms
Cosimo di Rondó, a young Italian nobleman of the eighteenth century, rebels against his parents by climbing into the trees and remaining there for the rest of his life. He adapts efficiently to an existence in the forest canopy--he hunts, sows crops, plays games with earth-bound friends, fights forest fires, solves engineering problems, and even manages to have love affairs. From his perch in the trees, Cosimo sees the Age of Enlightenment pass by and a new century dawn.
The Baron in the Trees exemplifies Calvino's peerless ability to weave tales that sparkle with enchantment. This new English rendering by acclaimed translator Ann Goldstein breathes new life into one of Calvino's most beloved works.
Cosimo di Rondó, a young Italian nobleman of the eighteenth century, rebels against his parents by climbing into the trees and remaining there for the rest of his life. He adapts efficiently to an existence in the forest canopy--he hunts, sows crops, plays games with earth-bound friends, fights forest fires, solves engineering problems, and even manages to have love affairs. From his perch in the trees, Cosimo sees the Age of Enlightenment pass by and a new century dawn.
The Baron in the Trees exemplifies Calvino's peerless ability to weave tales that sparkle with enchantment. This new English rendering by acclaimed translator Ann Goldstein breathes new life into one of Calvino's most beloved works.
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Publisher:
Boston : Mariner Books 2017.
Edition:
First Mariner Books edition.
Copyright Date:
©2017
ISBN:
9780544959118
0544959116
0544959116
Branch Call Number:
FANTASY CALVINO
Characteristics:
306 pages ; 21 cm
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Opinion
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From Library Staff
From Library Staff
This gave me major Counte of Monte Cristo Vibes, which is definitely a good start-- a stroll through history while following the hero's transformation in the face of extreme choices, in this case tree life. But with this imaginative premise and clearly no lack of writerly prowess, Calvino doesn't... Read More »
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Add a CommentThis gave me major Counte of Monte Cristo Vibes, which is definitely a good start-- a stroll through history while following the hero's transformation in the face of extreme choices, in this case tree life. But with this imaginative premise and clearly no lack of writerly prowess, Calvino doesn't quite engage enough of a plot for a truly satisfying read. Like the protagonist, Cosimo, the narrative hovers just out of reach for its duration. It's still interesting and well written, but I had hoped for more substance. It's also not really Fantasy-- fantastical for sure, but there's no magic here, in case that's a dealbreaker for you.
A wild and hilarious story of a twelve year old aristocratic boy in the late 1700's ran into the trees because he didn't want to eat snails set out for him, and won't come down! Of course, it ends up being about much more than that. Utterly ludic and highly enjoyable!
Great read but the second half goes pretty slow... not that there isn't a lot happening, just that the flow and interest drops off.