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When We Were Bandini

Humor and Satire in John Fante's American Dream

When We Were Bandini cover

When We Were Bandini

Humor and Satire in John Fante's American Dream

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Description

John Fante's work has consistently delved into profound themes, including the elusive American Dream, the delicate psychology of immigrants, and the intricate dynamics of Italian American families. This study reveals the ingenious manner in which Fante employs humor and satire as powerful rhetorical devices to breathe life into his Italian, Italian American, and American characters. Drawing inspiration from literary giants such as Luigi Pirandello and René Girard, the author embarks on a fascinating journey into Fante's rich literary landscape.
When We Were Bandini also offers an engaging comparison between Fante's works and those of other authors like Cervantes, Hamsun, Bukowski, and even his own son, Dan Fante. This comparative analysis sheds light on the possible reasons behind Fante's unique status: he is a cult writer in Europe, relatively underappreciated in his home country, the United States.
Challenging the conventional notions of Fante as a strictly autobiographical and confessional writer, the author urges readers to look beyond the surface and unravel the layers of his literary genius.

Table of Contents

1 Preliminary Notes on John Fante’s Writing2 The Life and Works of John Fante and Arturo Bandini3 To Be or Not to Be Italian/American4 Don Quixote in Colorado5 The Father, the Son, the Mother—and the Humorous6 Father/Son Relationships in Knut Hamsun, John Fante, Charles Bukowski, Sandro Veronesi, and Marco Vichi7 A Latin Mass and a Punch in the Face

Product details

Published 25 Jun 2024
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 144
ISBN 9781683934066
Imprint Fairleigh Dickinson University Press
Series The Fairleigh Dickinson University Press Series in Italian Studies
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

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