When We Were Bandini: Humor and Satire in John Fante's American Dream

John Fante's work explores profound themes, employs humor and satire, and offers a comparison with other authors. His unique status as a cult writer in Europe and underappreciated in the United States is explored, challenging conventional notions of his autobiographical and confessional writing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2024
Publisher: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press

John Fante's work has consistently explored profound themes, including the elusive American Dream, the delicate psychology of immigrants, and the intricate dynamics of Italian American families. This study reveals the ingenious manner in which Fante employs humor and satire as powerful rhetorical devices to breathe life into his Italian, Italian American, and American characters. Drawing inspiration from literary giants such as Luigi Pirandello and René Girard, the author embarks on a fascinating journey into Fante's rich literary landscape. "When We Were Bandini" also offers an engaging comparison between Fante's works and those of other authors like Cervantes, Hamsun, Bukowski, and even his own son, Dan Fante. This comparative analysis sheds light on the possible reasons behind Fante's unique status: he is a cult writer in Europe, relatively underappreciated in his home country, the United States. Challenging the conventional notions of Fante as a strictly autobiographical and confessional writer, the author urges readers to look beyond the surface and unravel the layers of his literary genius.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 184 x 237 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781683934059