Calvino's Correspondence Reveals Pavese's Influence on His Relationship with Chichita
A recently published collection of Italo Calvino's letters to Chichita, edited by Giovanna Calvino and released by Mondadori in 2023, reveals how Cesare Pavese's work played a significant role in the early stages of Calvino's romantic relationship. Shortly after meeting, Calvino gifted Chichita several of Pavese's books. In an undated letter likely from 1962, Chichita responded in Spanish, thanking Calvino for 'Il mestiere di vivere' and expressing how Pavese's world had captivated her. The correspondence coincides with a period when Calvino was deeply immersed in studying Pavese's manuscripts, as noted in his September 1962 letters. This connection highlights Pavese's literary influence on both Calvino's personal life and his scholarly work during that time.
Key facts
- Italo Calvino gifted Cesare Pavese's works to Chichita early in their relationship
- Chichita's response letter, likely from 1962, expressed captivation with Pavese's literary world
- The correspondence is published in 'Lettere a Chichita, 1962-1963' edited by Giovanna Calvino
- Mondadori published the collection in 2023
- Calvino was intensely studying Pavese's manuscripts during September 1962
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Mondadori