Bread and Wine

An exiled socialist named Pietro Spina returns to fascist Italy and, with the authorities on his trail, and with the help of some old friends, masquerades as a priest named Don Paolo hiding out in the small mountain village of Pietrasecca. Here, he intends to recuperate from illness and keep a low profile, but he becomes the favourite of many of the villagers, especially his landlady, and is expected to perform the role of priest more thoroughly than he imagined. He meets and develops feelings for the a young girl named Cristina. All while remaining active in the socialist movement and maintaining connections with those in Rome who know his true identity. He uses his time to find meaning in his beliefs, both political and spiritual.

I really enjoyed this. It's nothing groundbreaking or original, just an exceptionally well-written novel that is thoroughly engrossing. The language is straight-forward with short breezy chapters, though Silone uses occasional metaphors and aphorisms (especially of a religious nature) throughout the book as well as the rich language of Catholicism. The descriptions of the Italian countryside are wonderful, both constructive for the reader and pleasantly pastoral; this applies to the people as well, not to mention the (many) donkeys that transit them.

The books themes are very heavily anti-fascist which also includes a strong condemnation of Stalin's brand of communism. Pietro struggles with the idea that too many people simply conform to the mainstream interpretation of their tribe's ideology without critical thinking -- something he is unwilling to do. If we aren't willing to criticise the party then we're no better than the fascists. Similarly, he struggles with his atheism, this now more prominent since he is masquerading as a priest and having to become a spiritual guide for many of the villagers. Fortunately, he has the help of the real priest Don Benedetto to rely on (someone who knows his true identity). And then, of course, there's the issue of sexuality which, in my opinion, is slightly confused in the conduct of Pietro, almost as if his clothing and pretence of being a celibate priest is influencing his biological state. Early in the book, for example, when he is hiding out in a barn, he encounters a frisky young woman who agrees to meet him later for sex. But when they meet, they mutually agree not to pursue any physical intercourse, as though this is the beginning of some kind of hitherto unrequired purity. His romantic feelings for Cristina, however, seem almost saintly by comparison (as do hers).

My only criticism of the book would be the the slight over romanticisation of the peasants. Pietro, like Silone, is yet another educated middle-class socialist trying to liberate the poor (while they're busy working for a living). It's all a little simplistic. That being said, Silone acknowledges this himself a couple of times, noting that "socialism is for the well fed." Otherwise, the book is hugely entertaining and lacks any of the cynicism (or nihilism) which I usually enjoy.

A very engaging novel.