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ninetalevixen's review
3.0
Maybe 4 stars? I have really mixed feelings about this book.
I can certainly see why we were assigned to read this book as a precursor to academic discussions on tolerance, diversity, inclusion, etc.; and in terms of both themes and prose it's not at all like any book I've read. (This is probably going to be a pretty lengthy review since we'll be graded on participation in the aforementioned discussions, so I want to thoroughly note my initial reactions for future reference.)
So first, the prose: if you read each chapter as a transcript of the POV character's police statement/reaction to the murder, it works pretty well. There are tangents and clear bias and colloquialisms that differ with their varying cultural backgrounds, and while it's not exactly technically precise (lots of comma splices) it flows as good conversation should. There's also a lot of "I'm not a racist, but" sentiments that turn most of the characters into caricatures — fitting in a satire, but a little disappointing to a reader like myself who likes character-driven narratives. Lots of misinformation and, yes, everyday racism contribute to the conflict.
The murder mystery aspect is, in my honest opinion, totally minor; the story reads as more "slice of life" with the plot as a backdrop rather than a driving force. Only in hindsight does it strike me that we're supposed to see all the inhabitants of Piazza Vittorio as suspects; I was a little caught up in their very loud opinions of each other (particularly Amedeo) and of immigrants in general.
I'm going to try not to focus so much on the characters' personality so much as beliefs, because I have a feeling that's what's important here. So, what I found psychologically (?) fascinating is how you can only really figure out the truth of the situation by comparing multiple accounts, each of them biased in different ways but offering contrasting views that reveal different parts of the puzzle. The internalized prejudices are quite interesting considering so many of these characters are themselves immigrants; on top of that, the north/south "feud" within Italy just makes matters even more complicated. Since their cultures were such important aspects of who they were (you could even call it the defining factor), I personally couldn't relate to any of them, even Amedeo and his fairly openminded propensity for getting along with all his neighbors: a kind smile amidst all the hatred and judgment.
I can certainly see why we were assigned to read this book as a precursor to academic discussions on tolerance, diversity, inclusion, etc.; and in terms of both themes and prose it's not at all like any book I've read. (This is probably going to be a pretty lengthy review since we'll be graded on participation in the aforementioned discussions, so I want to thoroughly note my initial reactions for future reference.)
So first, the prose: if you read each chapter as a transcript of the POV character's police statement/reaction to the murder, it works pretty well. There are tangents and clear bias and colloquialisms that differ with their varying cultural backgrounds, and while it's not exactly technically precise (lots of comma splices) it flows as good conversation should. There's also a lot of "I'm not a racist, but" sentiments that turn most of the characters into caricatures — fitting in a satire, but a little disappointing to a reader like myself who likes character-driven narratives. Lots of misinformation and, yes, everyday racism contribute to the conflict.
The murder mystery aspect is, in my honest opinion, totally minor; the story reads as more "slice of life" with the plot as a backdrop rather than a driving force. Only in hindsight does it strike me that we're supposed to see all the inhabitants of Piazza Vittorio as suspects; I was a little caught up in their very loud opinions of each other (particularly Amedeo) and of immigrants in general.
Spoiler
Plus, it's ultimately resolved very quickly; there wasn't much to indicate that she was the culprit but the motive, compared against all that dogs-are-superior-to-immigrants fanaticism, is certainly established.I'm going to try not to focus so much on the characters' personality so much as beliefs, because I have a feeling that's what's important here. So, what I found psychologically (?) fascinating is how you can only really figure out the truth of the situation by comparing multiple accounts, each of them biased in different ways but offering contrasting views that reveal different parts of the puzzle. The internalized prejudices are quite interesting considering so many of these characters are themselves immigrants; on top of that, the north/south "feud" within Italy just makes matters even more complicated. Since their cultures were such important aspects of who they were (you could even call it the defining factor), I personally couldn't relate to any of them, even Amedeo and his fairly openminded propensity for getting along with all his neighbors: a kind smile amidst all the hatred and judgment.
supersabs's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
calabrag's review
This was the Cornell University new student/community reading selection for this year. I picked one up because there were piles and piles of them at the public library, and I thought I might want to attend one of the discussion events. I still might; this was an interesting read, but its resolution was much less complex and ambiguous than I was expecting.
dobeesquared's review
3.0
In the end, I thought this was a pretty one-dimensional view of Italian culture and the issue of immigration in general. And while I agree with the book's premise that getting at one truth is impossible, there are more subtle ways of conveying this.
helen88's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
vel629vet's review
5.0
I read this for Italian Lit and Culture (my last class to get my Italian minor!). It was the best book we had to read all semester. Lakhous wrote with such passion and sadness from Amedeo's POV, and all the other characters made me both laugh and cringe. I think Clash of Civilizations should cause us to think of America as well, because racism isn't limited to Piazza Vittorio in Rome, and sometimes it isn't so cut and dry. I'm very impressed with the depth of this book while told from so many characters.
notsansastark's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I read it in Italian. Beautiful stories about immigration, culture, understanding who you are, being in a community.
kirstieellen's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This was a really amusing book and very tricky as we slowly try and work out who killed Lorenzo. It's cleverly laid out so you never quite know who did it and I thought it was really funny and a bit of an OH SNAP moment when we discover who dunnit at the end. The book is set in the heart of Rome where a man called a The Gladiator is found dead in the elevator of his apartment complex. Each chapter is the story of a different inhabitant of the complex that explains who they are and might give you a hint as to whether they're innocent or not. Following each chapter is a special insight (like a mini chapter, they're called an "Ululato" - which is basically a howl) into the character Amedeo who has been accused as the assassin.
This was also the first book that I've finished in Italian! I'm super excited that I got through the whole thing and managed to understand it all. There's nothing quite like a mystery book when on top of a murder mystery plot you're sleuthing away to work out what the words mean!
If you enjoy murder mysteries and can either read Italian or can find an English translation then I recommend this one because it's a really entertaining read!
Happy reading!
This was a really amusing book and very tricky as we slowly try and work out who killed Lorenzo. It's cleverly laid out so you never quite know who did it and I thought it was really funny and a bit of an OH SNAP moment when we discover who dunnit at the end. The book is set in the heart of Rome where a man called a The Gladiator is found dead in the elevator of his apartment complex. Each chapter is the story of a different inhabitant of the complex that explains who they are and might give you a hint as to whether they're innocent or not. Following each chapter is a special insight (like a mini chapter, they're called an "Ululato" - which is basically a howl) into the character Amedeo who has been accused as the assassin.
This was also the first book that I've finished in Italian! I'm super excited that I got through the whole thing and managed to understand it all. There's nothing quite like a mystery book when on top of a murder mystery plot you're sleuthing away to work out what the words mean!
If you enjoy murder mysteries and can either read Italian or can find an English translation then I recommend this one because it's a really entertaining read!
Happy reading!
dreesreads's review
4.0
The plot of this novella revolves around a murder--"the Gladiator" is found murdered in his apartment building elevator. Amedeo, another resident of the building, has been accused. In alternating chapters Lakhous presents narration from different residents, a store owner on the square, the hotel concierge, and the accused himself. A cast of unreliable narrators!
As each person narrates we learn all about the residents, their activities--and the elevator. Through Amedeo's musings we learn more details about stories the others tell. The various immigrants--from Iran, the Netherlands, Bangladesh--are all looked down on by the Italians who largely don't know where they are from (the northerners and southerners also look down on each other). Names are mispronounced and friendly words misunderstood. The satire and humor is strong here. It is both funny yet completely believable and sad. All of these people mean well (maybe not the Gladiator), but through cultural and language barriers they misunderstand so much. The only thing they agree on is that Amedeo was a wonderful man and cannot be guilty.
As each person narrates we learn all about the residents, their activities--and the elevator. Through Amedeo's musings we learn more details about stories the others tell. The various immigrants--from Iran, the Netherlands, Bangladesh--are all looked down on by the Italians who largely don't know where they are from (the northerners and southerners also look down on each other). Names are mispronounced and friendly words misunderstood. The satire and humor is strong here. It is both funny yet completely believable and sad. All of these people mean well (maybe not the Gladiator), but through cultural and language barriers they misunderstand so much. The only thing they agree on is that Amedeo was a wonderful man and cannot be guilty.
katschm's review
4.0
“Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” is an Italian novel by Amara Lakous, translated by Ann Goldstein. The story takes place in Piazza Vittorio in Rome, Italy an apartment building. When a resident of the apartment building is killed, all of his neighbors are questioned about their lives and relationship with the victim, as well as one of neighbors, Amedeo, who hasn’t been seen since the murder. The book is separated into 11 sections, each containing two parts: the story from a new perspective, and a “wail” which is all told from one point of view.
“Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” is so much more than a murder mystery. Each of the residents of the building have different backgrounds and different perspectives on each other as well as Amedeo. As you move through the novel, the holes in the stories of their lives, the murder, and Amedeo’s life are filled with snippets of information that were slowly given by different characters. The novel also focuses on how different topics such as racial identity, immigration, racism, religion, and perspective change how the story is seen though different peoples’ eyes. Characters are presented in stark contrast with each other, highlighting their vicious and atrocious qualities such as racism while also pity for their experiences and their life stories. This is mirrored with Amedeo’s qualities and what role he played in each of their lives.
While short and filled with comedic moments, the novel is much more than a simple murder mystery, being a satire on the most important social and political issue that face the world, not just Italy, today. This book was very different to any that I have read in the past yet I am very glad that I was intrigued by its vague yet compelling description.
I recommend everyone picks up “Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” to get the multi-perspective insight on important topics facing the world today. Since some themes in the novel may be a bit heavier, I recommend this for high schoolers who are interested about learning about the social conflicts of the world in a lighter, more humorous way than non-fiction novels or articles.
“Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” is so much more than a murder mystery. Each of the residents of the building have different backgrounds and different perspectives on each other as well as Amedeo. As you move through the novel, the holes in the stories of their lives, the murder, and Amedeo’s life are filled with snippets of information that were slowly given by different characters. The novel also focuses on how different topics such as racial identity, immigration, racism, religion, and perspective change how the story is seen though different peoples’ eyes. Characters are presented in stark contrast with each other, highlighting their vicious and atrocious qualities such as racism while also pity for their experiences and their life stories. This is mirrored with Amedeo’s qualities and what role he played in each of their lives.
While short and filled with comedic moments, the novel is much more than a simple murder mystery, being a satire on the most important social and political issue that face the world, not just Italy, today. This book was very different to any that I have read in the past yet I am very glad that I was intrigued by its vague yet compelling description.
I recommend everyone picks up “Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” to get the multi-perspective insight on important topics facing the world today. Since some themes in the novel may be a bit heavier, I recommend this for high schoolers who are interested about learning about the social conflicts of the world in a lighter, more humorous way than non-fiction novels or articles.