Pavese's Turin: A Literary Journey Through the City
In a personal essay for Doppiozero, Enrico Palandri reflects on the role of Turin in Cesare Pavese's literary imagination, particularly in 'La bella estate'. Palandri notes that while Turin is not the protagonist of Pavese's novels, it serves as a frequent backdrop, often seen as a periphery to Santo Stefano Belbo and the Langhe landscape. The essay traces a personal itinerary through the city, beginning at Porta Nuova station and the nearby Albergo Roma, where Pavese died on August 17, 1950. Palandri recalls being lodged there by friends from the Teatro Settimo during a series of author encounters, and Roberto Tarasco's remark that it was Pavese's hotel. The piece blends literary analysis with memoir, offering a unique perspective on the city's significance in Pavese's work and its impact on a contemporary writer.
Key facts
- Cesare Pavese's novels are set in Turin, but the city is not the main protagonist.
- Turin is seen as a periphery to Santo Stefano Belbo and the Langhe landscape in Pavese's imagination.
- Pavese's 'La bella estate' features Turin as a frequent setting.
- Pavese died at the Albergo Roma in Turin on August 17, 1950.
- Enrico Palandri stayed at the Albergo Roma during a series of author encounters for the Teatro Settimo.
- Roberto Tarasco pointed out to Palandri that the hotel was Pavese's.
- The essay is published on Doppiozero on August 12, 2026.
- The essay is part of a series titled 'Un libro e un luogo'.
Entities
Artists
- Enrico Palandri
- Cesare Pavese
- Roberto Tarasco
Institutions
- Teatro Settimo
- Doppiozero
Locations
- Turin
- Italy
- Porta Nuova
- Albergo Roma
- Santo Stefano Belbo
- Langhe