
Come Dio comanda
by Niccolò Ammaniti
Approximately 495 pages
This novel presents a raw and unflinching look at life in a troubled environment.
Difficulty
Accessible
Pace
Medium
Mood
darkly humorous, gritty
Book club
High
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- dark humor
- you are interested in complex family dynamics
Consider another book if
- you prefer light-hearted stories
- you dislike graphic content
What it is about
"Come Dio comanda" follows the lives of a troubled family in a small Italian town. The story centers on a father, a former soldier, who struggles with his violent past. His son, a teenager, grapples with feelings of alienation and confusion.
The family's dynamics are strained by poverty and desperation. A crime committed in their community sets off a chain of events that affects them deeply. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for identity are prevalent throughout the narrative.
The setting reflects the harsh realities of life in contemporary Italy. As tensions rise, characters confront their moral dilemmas. The novel explores the impact of choices on personal and familial relationships.
Ultimately, it presents a stark portrayal of human nature and societal decay.
Award recognition
2007 winner
Premio Strega
Italy
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