Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Monkey's Wrench by Primo Levi

This author is undoubtedly known to most readers but I'd never heard of him and with one book I am hooked. The book contains several stories about the main character Faussone telling his friend very funny tales about his job/life as a rigger. But of course it is much more than that. He reflects on his relationship with his father, his two aunts, women/lovers and co-workers in a very humorous way with some philosophy and psychology thrown in. Faussone's father encouraged his son to follow him in the family business (making copper bowls) but Faussone wanted to do something more monumental and in the process learned that loving your work is the equivalent of happiness on earth. I liked the book for another reason, in each story he described the process of how the project was accomplished, i.e. how a suspension bridge is built. I recommend this book; it is a fabulous read.

Leatherby Libraries Call Number: PZ4.L66 M7
2nd Floor Humanities Library
Review submitted by: Linda Corcoran, Anderson Center for Economic Research
Rating: Recommended

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