Tuesday, March 24, 2009

March 24 - "Solidarity"

A Week of Italo Calvino
“Solidarity”
by Italo Calvino
Numbers in the Dark

* * * * (Great) Fable

A man moves seamlessly between robbers and cops during a break-in, equally co-conspirator and colleague.

The idea of being comfortable on opposite sides has a certain appeal, to be every man’s friend and no man’s enemy. The story plays out like one of those screwball comedies from the 1930’s in which an ordinary everyman finds himself stuck in an impossible – but hilarious to the viewer/reader – situation. The short, precise sentences help to convey the urgency of the situation along with the ease in which the man comfortably and effortlessly blends with each group. There is no question where this man belongs; he is simply part of the team.

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