Our book group choice for April 2021 is Family Lexicon by Natalia Ginzburg. The father, Giuseppe Levi, is a Jewish scientist, consumed by his work and a mania for hiking. Impatient and intractable, he is constantly at odds with his impressionable and wistful wife Lidia – yet he cannot be without her.
Family Lexicon is a novel by Natalia Ginzburg that tells the story of an Italian family in the early 20th century. The novel is set in Turin, Italy, and follows the lives of the Levi family, a large and close-knit group of people. The father, Giuseppe Levi, is a scientist, and the mother, Lidia, is a housewife. They have five children, all of whom are very different from each other.
The novel is told from the perspective of the narrator, who is one of the Levi children. The narrator is not named, but she is clearly based on Ginzburg herself. The narrator’s voice is insightful and often humorous, and she provides a unique perspective on the family dynamics.
The novel is structured around a series of family sayings, or “lexicons.” These sayings are often used by the Levis to communicate with each other, and they provide a glimpse into the family’s history and culture. The sayings are also used to explore the themes of identity, memory, and language.
One of the most important themes in Family Lexicon is the idea of identity. The Levis are a mixed-race family, with Jewish and Catholic members. This fact has a profound impact on their lives, and it is something that they are constantly negotiating. The sayings that the Levis use often reflect their mixed identity, and they provide a way for the family to come to terms with their different backgrounds.
Another important theme in Family Lexicon is the idea of memory. The Levis have a rich history, and they are constantly talking about the past. The sayings that they use often refer to past events, and they provide a way for the family to preserve their memories. The sayings also serve as a reminder that the past is always present, and that it can never be fully forgotten.
Finally, Family Lexicon is a novel about language. The sayings that the Levis use are a form of language, and they provide a way for the family to communicate with each other. The sayings are also a way for the family to express their emotions, and they provide a way for them to make sense of the world around them.
Discussion Questions for Family Lexicon
- The book cover describes Family Lexicon as an autobiographical novel – which led us to think it was a fictionalised account before reading it. Do you think this accurately sums up the book? How would you describe it?
- Family Lexicon is not narrative driven – it’s more a series of warmly told, linear recollections of her family’s life. What did you think of that approach?
- Ginzburg chooses not to talk about the big plotlines of the time in any detail for the first 200 pages. Only brief references are made to the restrictions for Jews, for instance. Do you think Ginzburg did it on purpose? If so, why?
- What do you think about the parents as characters and about their relationship? Did it change as you read further?
- What did you make of the absence of the narrator from the story?
- What did you learn about Italy or Italian life in this period by reading this book? Did you have a favourite story or character?
- Taking into account that Family Lexicon is in translation, what did you make of the way Ginzburg uses language?
- There are some wonderful home-grown expressions in Family Lexicon. Does your family also make up words or have any pet phrases that only make sense to them and if so can you share any?
- Would you recommend Family Lexicon or read anything else by this author?
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