1. Gogol’s Wife

Tommaso Landolfi’s story is written as a chapter of a biography on the famous Russian writer, Nikolai Gogol. In this chapter, the author explores the delicate matter of Gogol’s “wife.” It turns out that she is not a woman, but a balloon. A titilling conceit for horny teen-age boys of all ages, Landolfi develops the story into a humorous, but ultimately sad and disturbing fictionalization of Gogol’s self-destruction. The humorous satire is vibrant from beginning to end, while the sense of tragedy subtly builds beneath the surface. The ultimate effect is a potent sense of the pointlessness of Golgol’s demise.

“Gogol’s Wife” is reminiscent of Gogol stories such as “The Overcoat” and, far more, “The Nose.” The story is humorously absurd, tragic, and strangely touching. It is both a tribute to Gogol the writer and a scathing satire of Gogol the man.

2. Pastoral
3. Dialogue on the Greater Harmonies
4. The Two Old Maids
5. Wedding Night
6. The Death of the King of France
7. Giovanni and His Wife
8. Sunstroke
9. A Romantic’s Letter on Gambling ( )

I’m somewhat at a loss of what to say about Golgol’s Wife and Other Stories by Tommaso Landolfi.

In some respects, Landolfi’s stories have elements the bizarre. Landolfi’s writing is laudable, although I wonder once again what the genius behind the stories actually is. I think it is beyond me.

In some stories, Landolfi narrates incredibly unbelievable events as if they actually occurred. Other stories don’t have supernatural elements but have rather difficult personal subjects. Some stories weren’t disturbing and were short and easier to relate to.

In the end, it seems Landolfi’s stories ask questions attempting to define art, right and wrong, and acceptable relationships.

More detailed review on my blog