The story unfolds with flashbacks, between memories of a mysterious past and an enigmatic present
Some memories fade away, others are reinforced, almost consecrating themselves in time. Corrado knows well. He is the protagonist of this novel, who decides to retrace his steps obliterated by a long absence. The title “Without Ritanna” highlights this void left by an ancient history, abruptly interrupted, to which man, weakened by old age but determined and enigmatic, remains bound by a powerful narrative thread. So, a silver butterfly shaped clasp, found by chance after a long time, can keep its evocative power, intertwined with the mystery of a stormy past. “When you’re young, you have no desire or time to keep track of memories. Indeed, you often don’t even know you have them”, affirms the protagonist in a series of flashbacks imbued with hints, secrets and superstitions of rural life, not always reassuring, integrated to the freshness of generational confrontation with the young Margherita, nephew of Ritanna. In the heart of a large farmhouse, the theme of childhood takes shape, with valuable descriptions of the countryside, its laws and its hidden corners that refer to some Pavese’s pages. The water element, full in rice fields and ponds, oscillates between neorealism and magic, to the nostalgic corners rediscovery of dusty beauty on which the author’s gaze rests with an elegant language. A note of sarcasm goes well with the Silvano Costanzo flowing and brilliant style, La Stampa journalist, writer, artist. He is also the founder of Spaziobianco, a cultural center where he organizes international exhibitions, concerts and shows. The enthusiasm never leaves the reader, taken by the pressing rhythm that gradually grants unexpected details, until the final twist.
