Piccole storie del mondo grande

A tender homage to a mother who never quite understood the writer’s literary cravings opens this collection, blending affection with a wry observation of everyday life in early‑twentieth‑century Italy. The narrator’s voice drifts between memories of sun‑lit mornings, the scent of a kitchen fire, and the quiet moral compass his mother offered, setting a warm, reflective tone that invites listeners to linger on the simple yet profound moments that shape a person’s inner world.

The first novella follows the enigmatic doctor Leuma, whose disappearance has left the honourable Astese both perplexed and nostalgic. As Astese imagines re‑uniting with his old friend, the story unfolds amid wistful recollections of youthful ambition, architectural fantasies, and the ache of time slipping away. The narrative balances gentle humour with an undercurrent of yearning, promising a gently unfolding mystery that feels as much about inner discovery as about finding a missing companion.