Staring Back at Me

Tony Bianchi is a Welsh-speaking freelance writer who grew up in an Italian-English family on Tyneside. His autobiography, "The Ludic Autobiography of Tony Bianchi," is a series of bizarre vignettes that challenge the boundaries between truth and fiction. It introduces extraordinary characters and the author as an anti-hero, constantly reinventing himself and challenging our assumptions about identity, time, and memory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2018
Publisher: Cinnamon Press

Tony Bianchi, a Welsh-speaking freelance writer in Cardiff, has led an intriguing life journey. Growing up in an Italian-English family on Tyneside, he has crafted a captivating autobiography that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of bizarre vignettes. While each section stands as a standalone short story, when read together, they form a playful and unreliable narrative that constantly challenges the boundaries between truth and fiction. Bianchi's direct and confiding tone, coupled with the overwhelming weight of circumstantial geographical and historical detail, and the inclusion of photographs and documents that seem to guarantee authenticity, lure the reader into believing his account. However, he skillfully pulls the rug from under our feet, leaving us unsure of what is real and what is fabricated.

Throughout his journey, Bianchi introduces a diverse range of extraordinary characters. From the devout, indulgence-collecting grandfather who plays the organ to the plumber and Cumbrian nationalist Caedmon, or the piano-playing pharmacist with carpal tunnel syndrome, these characters add depth and complexity to the narrative. Whether they are the central figures or serving as supporting characters, Bianchi's authorial presence is constant, leading us through a series of potentially disastrous situations.

As an anti-hero, Bianchi is a captivating figure. He self-deprecates humorously, constantly reinventing himself, and challenging our assumptions about identity, time, and memory. His storytelling style is engaging and thought-provoking, leaving readers questioning the nature of truth and the complexities of human experience.

In conclusion, Tony Bianchi's life story is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of an author to transport readers to different worlds and perspectives. Through his vivid vignettes and extraordinary characters, Bianchi has created a ludic and unreliable autobiography that challenges our assumptions and leaves us pondering the nature of truth and identity. His writing is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of self-discovery.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788640107