sarahbelwv 's review for:

I'm Not Scared by Niccolò Ammaniti

5.0

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I picked this book up at a yard sale a couple of years ago and then, upon noticing the "Translated from Italian" bit, put it on the shelf and never thought of it again. I don't know why, but I have this inane aversion to translated things, often picturing them as old and dry and lacking any flourish. How wrong I was! I loved this book -- I loved the imagery and depth of the characters (ah, flourish!), the realistic portrayal of Michele's feelings and behaviors as a nine-year-old harnessed with an unimaginable burden. From the first page to the unexpected ending, this novel kept my attention and persuaded me to view translated literature in a more respectable light. Now to check out the movie...