Tonight in Hudson, Ohio, USA, a reading group will explore Margaret Mazzantini’s book about tainted love.
The funny thing about about Don’t Move, Non Ti Muovere, is that Italian women that I know have described it as “romantic” and my American women friends have never really forgiven me for suggesting it to them, so I am anxiously awaiting our book discussion group’s evaluation. (I’ve heard rumblings: Nobody seems to have much sympathy for Timoteo).
Is this a difference in Italian and English semantics or its culture? I mean, do the words “romantic” and “romantico” mean very different things or does being romantic/ romantico mean two different things to two different nationalities?
Non Ti Muovere (Don’t Move) was first a very dark, disturbing book written by Margaret Mazzantini and then it became a very dark, disturbing movie directed by and starring her husband Sergio Castellitto who plays Timoteo, a prominent surgeon/debaucher. His co-star is Penelope Cruz in one of the most unflattering roles ever in the history of the movies – Italia, the prostitute. It is obvious to me after seeing Non Ti Muovere that this actress cares more about acting than being a movie star and I mean this in a very good way.
For me it’s not about the sex but the really messed up relationship between Timoteo and Italia; why do either of them do what they do? Is any part of this love? One thing for sure, Timoteo is a selfish prick, but is there anything redeeming in him?
Since it’s my book suggestion, here are some of the questions I’ll pose to the group:
- Can the attraction between Timoteo and Italia be explained?
- What is Timoteo’s biggest fault? Is it arrogance, self-pity, a lack of self-control, or is he just a creepy rapist?
- Does he have any redeeming qualities?
- Why does he tell his story to his daughter? Is he asking for absolution or is he making excuses?
- Timoteo ultimately ruins Italia’s life, but is her life better for having known him in any way? It’s not like it was so great for her before she met him. If it hadn’t been Timoteo, would it have been somebody else?
- Why do so many Italian women find this a romantic story?
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margaret Mazzantini was born in Dublin, Italian father and Irish Mother
She married Sergio Castellito (Timoteo) in 1987, they have 4 kids, all with the middle name Felice (Happy)
Margaret and Sergio wrote the screenplay for the movie version together.
He directed it.
She won the Premio Strega in 2002 (for this book), Italy’s biggest literary award.
Her sister is Giselda Volodi from Pane e Tulipani!
I Love Italian Everything 