Michael Lampasona

This book is written in a very interesting way. Throughout the story, the author is narrating the reader and dictating what the reader is doing and thinking. I like how this half of the story complements the other half, even if they are not related, it is refreshing to hear two different stories and styles in one book. Another thing I noticed about Calvino is that certain parts of the story seem greatly exaggerated. When he's talking about the reader wanting to learn something more, he goes into these long winded speeches about desires and everything else. This is especially noticeable during the conversation with the professor.

As far as the plot goes, the reader goes to meet Ludmilla at Professor Uzzi-Tuzii's office to discuss the novels they are reading, and to gain some insight on the lost culture of the Cimmerians. In the other half of the story, the main character meets Miss Zwida and attains a grapnel for her to draw.

Discussion Questions:
1. Why does Calvino exagerrate so many simple points?
2. Are Miss Zwida and Ludmilla connected in any way?