Primo

I first encountered Primo Levi about ten years ago whilst rummaging through the books in a particularly well-stocked second hand book shop. I was browsing the biography section and, being half a chemist by background, a slim volume called ‘The Periodic Table’ naturally leapt out at me. I read the blurb on the back, thought that I might as well give it a punt for a pound and stuffed it in my bag (after paying for it of course – I can honestly say that I’ve never knowingly stolen anything). The book was a delight, full of pathos tinged with joy, written with humility, humanity and no small skill. I’ve since tracked down a few more of his books and have not been disappointed: Signor Levi was a wonderfully eloquent man with a keen eye for the workings of the human heart. He also had an inspiring way of speaking about horrific experiences with honesty, subtlety and grace. It seems oxymoronic to say, but, ‘If This is a Man’, his biographical account of his experiences at Auschwitz, is a delight to read and ‘The Truce’, the companion tale of his long journey back home to Italy after the camp’s liberation, is no less compelling.

Sadly, Primo died before his time at the age of 67 but his legacy lives on in his heartfelt and heart wrenching accounts of the human condition. If you can manage to get your hands on some of his writing I urge you to give it a try. I’m certain that you, like me, won’t be disappointed.