How do you review Pinocchio? It's a classic. You know the Disney movie about the puppet who wants to become a real boy, but have you read the original Italian story? Well, you should. For one thing, it's a quick read. For another, it's magical.
Carlo Collodi wrote it between 1881 and 1883 (it first appeared as a serial) and it went on to become a cultural icon Italy and around the world when Disney made its animated version. The NYRB Classics edition I read includes a great essay by Umberto Eco giving some idea of the story's importance in Italian culture; at a 2008 exhibition in Milan, there were 242 editions in Italian alone, never mind the numerous translations, tchotckes, dolls, and on and on and on.
The book itself as rendered by translator Geoffrey Brock is a wonder. Told in a simple and straightforward style, it's the story you know but not exactly. Made from a block of wood, Pinocchio is alive before he becomes a puppet. He's mischievous, disobedient and naive; he believes people he shouldn't and he disregards people he should respect. He wants to be a real boy but can't quite bring himself to do what it takes, until he finally figures out what it means to love someone.
I read Collodi's Pinocchio as a child but it's been years and years since I picked it up. It's just as delightful now as it was then. Pick it up for yourself or to share. I would recommend the NYRB edition both for Eco's introduction and for a very illuminating essay at the end by writer Rebecca West which sheds some light on some of the deeper literary, psychological and fantastical elements of the story, making it both fascinating and very entertaining.
Rating: BUY
FTC Disclosure: I did not receive this book for review.
8 comments:
For some reason, I never thought of Pinocchio being based on a book. This sounds good.
Though I've never actually been a huge fan of the Pinocchio story, it does seem like a rather wonderful type of book. I'm not sure which edition I might read (being cheap, I find myself somewhat inclined towards a free eBook edition...), but I will certainly keep this one in mind!
I have never read the book, but have seen the Disney movie version many, many times. I would be curious to see how they deviate. Excellent choice and nice post today!
I too read this as a child. It sounds like you read a great edition - I love reading essays at the end of a book. They give so much more depth to your reading experience.
I've never read this -- but I ought to. Love the cover design!
I had never read the Carlos Collodi original until last year when I read it aloud to my class. They loved it, as did I, and something that still makes me smile is how they even preferred it to the Disney classic. So there, Walt, wonderful as you are you can't top books! :)
p.s. I am such a piglet I went and ordered the Carlo Collodi ink in a lovely shade of brown for my fountain pen after reading Pinocchio.
p.s.s. Don't you love how it brings to life such important issues? I asked the kids, "Do you think he deserved to be turned into a real boy?" and some were equivocated. They need to realize we all fall short of the glory we're meant to be. We're all wooden, in so many ways.
I never though of reading Pinnochio but I'm wondering why the heck not? You got me excited about it!
I don't think I even know that this was a book, that makes me sad. It sounds absolutely lovely :)
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