Dino Buzzati

Dino Buzzati was an Italian novelist, short story writer, painter, and journalist. He is best known for his novel 'The Tartar Steppe', which is a metaphorical tale of a young officer waiting for a war that never comes. Buzzati's work is characterized by surreal, often unsettling themes and existential questions. His writing style blends the fantastic with the mundane, and he is considered one of the most prominent figures in Italian literature of the 20th century.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Tartar Steppe

    The novel follows a young officer who spends his entire life waiting for an attack that never comes at a remote desert outpost. The protagonist's life is consumed by the monotonous routine and the fear of the unknown, reflecting on the human condition and the dread of the passage of time. The desert symbolizes the emptiness and futility of life, while the constant anticipation of a foreign invasion that never happens represents the anxiety and fear of death.

  2. 2. Il Colombre

    The book is a collection of short stories that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, creating a world where the fantastical becomes possible. The titular story revolves around a young boy who is pursued by a mythical sea creature, the Colombre, which is believed to bring doom. However, as the boy grows into a man, he learns that the creature's intentions may not be as malevolent as they seem, and the pursuit may actually be a call to embrace his destiny. The narrative is a poignant exploration of fear, destiny, and the unknown, showcasing the author's skill in weaving magical realism with human emotion.