Giorgio Manganelli: The Forgotten Novelist and His Legacy

Giorgio Manganelli, an Italian writer known for his caustic and ironic style, remains largely forgotten despite his significant contributions to literature. His collection of articles from 1972-1989, published by Adelphi as 'Mammifero italiano', critiques Italy's corruption, clientelism, and lack of civic culture. Manganelli's literature aimed to distill truth into a credible 'falsehood', allowing readers to recognize themselves or others. His style is compared to the New Objectivity in painting and the magical realism of Alfredo Serri. Manganelli's novel 'Hilarotragoedia' explores the paradoxical art of dying and the theater of life, blending comedy and tragedy with linguistic invention reminiscent of Hieronymus Bosch. His language combines elements of Manzoni and D'Annunzio, reflecting his involvement with Gruppo 63. Despite living in Milan, he avoided its vulgarities, seeking literature that reached the heart of issues. The Centro Studi Giorgio Manganelli, founded by his daughter Lietta in 2010, struggles to continue due to lack of public support. Manganelli's daughter recalls his relationship with writing, his friendships with artists like Gastone Novelli, Nanni Balestrini, Giosetta Fioroni, and Baruchello, and his involvement in the Resistance during World War II. He wrote for Corriere della Sera, fighting against approximation, ignorance, and lack of courage in Italian society. His legacy includes his writing, imagination, and ability to see beyond the ordinary.