Tue 11 Nov 2003
John Fante
Filed in Books |Some people write for fun, some write for money, John Fante clearly wrote for passion. His books are a first person narration of the life of Arturo Bandini, John Fante’s alter ego. The writing is raw and real, this man was a true inspiration to many writers not afraid of reveling themselves through their work such as Charles Bukowsky.
I will not pretend to analyze any of his books, I won’t critique his writing, I know it is hard to judge and understand genius. I rather express my opinion on his book, not in the order they where written but in the order I read them.
ASK THE DUST: My favorite one, was also the first one I read. It’s raw and simple, easy to follow and filled with passion. Arturo Bandini is a young writer living in Los Angeles, struggling through life, able to talk about his fears with the characters he encounters during his journey. His love for the “special girl” makes him act like a real fool, I couldn’t help hating him for it and I did. By the end I forgave him everything and loved him.
WAIT UNTIL SPRING BANDINI: Arturo Bandini is a kid of eleven, growing up in Colorado in a very poor Italian family. This is the only book where he talks about his mother in such details, a very difficult task for a writer in my opinion. I at times found myself getting bored in the first part of the book, the second one contrary to my expectations was solid and filled with real life. Misery is all over this book and I loved it.
DREAMS FROM BUNKER HILL: He was blind when he wrote it, he actually dictated it to his wife. He is not as honest in this book as he was in his prior ones his wife was listening and he was no longer struggling. I enjoyed it, a very fast read. I found inspiration in his words and used it. This was the last one of his book but is right around the same point in Arturo Bandini’s life as ASK THE DUST.
THE ROAD TO LOS ANGELES: I have nothing to say. This is a must read.
John Fante wrote more novels and short stories, I enjoyed almost everything he wrote but the one above are the only one I care to talk about. He has the ability in inspire the reader and that is what makes him a Great Writer. Pick up one of his books and see for yourself.
By Matias
matias@societyfoundation.com