Sofia
When I Was There – a memoir
My arrival was a whirlwind of sensations. The salty breeze greeted me as I stepped onto the tarmac, and the sun kissed my skin with a warmth I hadn’t felt in months. The air hummed with anticipation, as if the city itself whispered, “Welcome home.”
The iconic landmarks stood tall, each telling a story.
Navigating the city streets was an adventure where cobblestone lanes revealed hidden pubs and art galleries. The scent of coffee and pastries wafted from bustling cafés, inviting me to linger. I marvelled at the juxtaposition of old sandstone buildings and sleek glass skyscrapers. The people were equally captivating. Their accents danced like music, and their smiles held a warmth that transcended language. I struck up conversations with strangers on ferries, in parks, and at markets. As days turned into weeks, I explored neighbourhoods beyond the tourist brochures. Every neighbourhood had its different characteristics with some reflecting a bohemian, vintage vibe, where graffiti covered walls whispered rebellion and creativity and other neighbourhoods looked pristine and perfect where terraced houses stood like colourful dominos. And then there was the notorious ‘Local Beach’ a place of pilgrimage for sun worshippers and surf enthusiasts. The golden sand stretched for miles, framed by turquoise waves. I dipped my toes into the Mediterranean water, feeling the pulse of the ocean against my skin. Saltwater and sunshine, what else would you need?
In the quiet moments, I reflected on my own journey. But it was the evenings that stole my heart. The sunsets over the harbour that painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a spell on anyone who paused to watch. The city lights flickered to life, and I strolled along the waterfront, feeling the pulse of cities heartbeat. The city had become my muse—a canvas upon which I could reimagine myself. I embraced the unknown, the serendipitous encounters, and the feeling of being both lost and found.
a city that welcomed me with open arms, challenged my perceptions, and etched its beauty into my soul. As I boarded the plane to leave, I promised to return—to trace the same streets, taste the same salt in the air, and listen to the symphony of accents once more.
Book Review: Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno by Italo Calvino
Italo Calvino’s ‘Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno’ (The Path to the Spider’s Nests) is a poignant exploration of childhood, war, and the loss of innocence, set against the backdrop of World War II in Italy. According to many this was one of the best books in post-war literature. Written in 1947, this novel introduces us to Calvino’s distinctive narrative style, blending realism with elements of fable and fantasy. I read this book earlier in the year and much enjoyed it as it includes a range of mystery and action. The book started off almost like a novel but by the end it ended up more as a story about lost youth. The story starts off with Pin who is a disturbed youngster, that has an array of knowledge about people and other subjects. He enjoys being among adults because they are knowledgeable and do things that he wants to accomplish, and he longs for their respect. At the same time though, he wants to be among the kids his own age, but he finds it difficult to relate to them. As the story moves further, Pin found himself caught by Germans and thrown into jail from where he escaped with the help of another Partisan and eventually landed up in one of the various detachments.
Personally, I think this is a great book, with a great storyline that highly engages the reader although it is fully written in Italian which limits the amount of people that can read this book. If you really wanted too, you could buy a translated English version despite the fact the story wouldn’t sound the same as it’s a whole different language and wouldn’t flow like the way it originally should.
Written as part of Italo’s experience as a partisan in The Resistance, the freedom that post-war presented to the Italian literary world, inspired Calvino too.
Calvino’s skill in incorporating themes of oppression and liberation into the story is among the book’s most impressive features. Readers are prompted to reevaluate the concepts of responsibility and commitment as Pin traverses his universe. The ‘way to the spider’s nests’ relates to the convoluted and perilous process of trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in a chaotic environment.
Author Bio
Sofia Perin is an aspiring writer who loves non-fiction, her favourite thing to do is going to the beach and having fun with friends. Growing up going to the beach all summer long, her time on the beach inspired her to explore creative writing. Intrigued by real-life stories and the human experience, she seeks to improve her writing skills by capturing her observations in engaging narratives. Currently, she is participating and collaborating with fellow writers to create an inspiring piece of creative writings formed together, believing that creativity is an ongoing journey. Through her work, Sofia aims to connect readers with the beauty of reality and share the valuable lessons learned from life and the sea.
