Verdigris

 Verdigris

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       August 2, 2024

 

Author  Michele Mari. Translated from Italian by Brian Robert Moore.

Distributor:      New South Books
ISBN:                 9781913505905
Publisher:         And Other Stories.
Release Date:   May 2024  

Website:    https://newsouthbooks.com.au/books/verdigris 

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To say Verdigris is an unusual story would not be an exaggeration. It is set in 1969 on an estate in Nasa near Lake Maggiore. The central character is thirteen-year-old boy Michelino and the estate belongs to his grandparents. The boy is rather isolated and spends much time reading from his grandfather’s library; mostly books of horror and mystery. However, he has an underlying longing for a relationship or connection.

Michelino speaks to Felice, the groundskeeper of the estate. He is an older man who has always been around and been a friendly face for the boy.  It becomes apparent that Felice is becoming forgetful, and the young boy decides to help him retain his memory.

Using mnemonics to help the groundsman, Michelino is fascinated by the mysterious stories about long buried secrets, partisans, Nazis, and slugs. Slugs feature prominently in this story and on the front cover is a description of a slug being bisected by a spade.

Bit by bit Michelino begins to help Felice remember his past. Before his grandfather owned the estate it was owned by a Russian family. Felice was a young boy at the time and working in the grounds. So much happened during his early years and the gardener slowly responds to suggestions and questions. With the aid of registers and files Michelino can put some pieces of the puzzle together.

This is a book to read slowly. When the slugs feel overwhelming there is a purpose and reason for their existence. Completing the story feels satisfying.

Verdigris is translated from Italian by Brian Robert Moore.

Teen, Teen Fiction