WorldInColour

With some anticipation, I started reading this sophomore novel by Italian Paolo Giordano, who stormed the literary scene several years ago with his magnificent debut novel [b:The Solitude of Prime Numbers|6613956|The Solitude of Prime Numbers|Paolo Giordano|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1347563588s/6613956.jpg|3873004]. I'm glad to say that his new novel, although not as brilliant as his first, had me interested all the way through.

What I admire most in Paolo Giordano is the way he tells his story. His words are like a web, a beautiful, melancholic yet vivid collection of metaphor, description and dialogue. It's hard to put your finger on it, but this young Italian just really hits the spot for me. The book tells the story of a group of Italian soldiers in Afghanistan, each of which has his or her own problems and desires. My favourites were the young Ietri, a virgin soldier who is filled with desire, and André, the squad leader.

As far as I'm concerned, Giordano has more than confirmed his place in the European literary scenery. This second book is a fine story that features some very well-crafted characters, but I can't help but wonder what Giordano is going to write next. It's my firm believe that one day, this man will write an absolute masterpiece. Benissimo.