Honestly the way this is written makes me wonder if one should shelve it with 1984 and Brave New World... or with Lovecraft and Robert Chambers. Though honestly books like this are scarier than cosmic horror can ever hope to be, because this is far more real and possible. Terrifyingly so, in fact, since it already seems to be happening.
I look forward to reading this book when it comes out for sure! Might even prompt my own essay about it haha.
In that case, the internet is a library of libraries. Any platform that has a comments section is a form of social media. Some platforms are more problematic than others. Different platforms need different solutions.
I didn't know about this book, now I'm eager to read it. It's such a privilege it's written in my mother tongue. I'm very curious about the translation too.
Oh I'm envious! That would be lovely to read it in the original Italian. I thought as I read it that some parts of the translation felt a little stiff but it's hard to find too much fault when it's the only available English translation.
Fortunately, I have not dreamt of the dried up lake bed. But I've never been particularly into social media, like Twitter or Instagram. The addictive quality, the dopamine hit, of getting likes or followers has never really appealed to me, although I can definitely understand it's appeal.
I guess my understanding of the core concept of The 20 Days of Turin, as you describe it, is the idea that: Our most personal and secret thoughts should remain just that, personal and secret, and to share those innermost feelings and desires with others is to empty the lake from which they originate. There's a reason we need a personal and private life, because to put our inner selves on display to the world is to devalue that sacred self.
As though there is innate power in the decision to not speak, even if one is offered the opportunity to do so; to keep silent as an act of prudence, self control, and self preservation. As Joni Mitchell writes in her song Both Sides Now: "And if you care, don't let them know Don't give yourself away."
The 20 Days of Turin certainly sounds spooky. It's themes remind me of the film Dark City, and also a little bit of Ursula Le Guin's, The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas: The idea of a dark secret sleeping beneath society.
With regards the prophetic nature of the story, it sure is uncanny and revelatory. I guess because the story recognizes that eternal truth of the human condition: We should maintain our inner self and predicts the dangers of not doing so.
When you mentioned that the book is prophetic, I was reminded of Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash that literally describes the Google Earth (1st version released in 2001) software in a book written in 1992. Perhaps not quite as profound as De Maria's prediction, but curious nonetheless!
Honestly the way this is written makes me wonder if one should shelve it with 1984 and Brave New World... or with Lovecraft and Robert Chambers. Though honestly books like this are scarier than cosmic horror can ever hope to be, because this is far more real and possible. Terrifyingly so, in fact, since it already seems to be happening.
I look forward to reading this book when it comes out for sure! Might even prompt my own essay about it haha.
I agree. I hope you enjoy it! It's a unique book.
I'm looking forward to getting this book!!
It's very interesting, I hope you enjoy it!
In that case, the internet is a library of libraries. Any platform that has a comments section is a form of social media. Some platforms are more problematic than others. Different platforms need different solutions.
I didn't know about this book, now I'm eager to read it. It's such a privilege it's written in my mother tongue. I'm very curious about the translation too.
Oh I'm envious! That would be lovely to read it in the original Italian. I thought as I read it that some parts of the translation felt a little stiff but it's hard to find too much fault when it's the only available English translation.
I want to read this now.
It's a little eerie how well he captures it. Plus, it's also a pretty good story on top of that.
Some crazy parallels to the digital perils of today. On my reading list. 👍
Otto the desk skull is in the picture! It must be good!! Gonna have a read and tell ya what I think!
Fortunately, I have not dreamt of the dried up lake bed. But I've never been particularly into social media, like Twitter or Instagram. The addictive quality, the dopamine hit, of getting likes or followers has never really appealed to me, although I can definitely understand it's appeal.
I guess my understanding of the core concept of The 20 Days of Turin, as you describe it, is the idea that: Our most personal and secret thoughts should remain just that, personal and secret, and to share those innermost feelings and desires with others is to empty the lake from which they originate. There's a reason we need a personal and private life, because to put our inner selves on display to the world is to devalue that sacred self.
As though there is innate power in the decision to not speak, even if one is offered the opportunity to do so; to keep silent as an act of prudence, self control, and self preservation. As Joni Mitchell writes in her song Both Sides Now: "And if you care, don't let them know Don't give yourself away."
The 20 Days of Turin certainly sounds spooky. It's themes remind me of the film Dark City, and also a little bit of Ursula Le Guin's, The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas: The idea of a dark secret sleeping beneath society.
With regards the prophetic nature of the story, it sure is uncanny and revelatory. I guess because the story recognizes that eternal truth of the human condition: We should maintain our inner self and predicts the dangers of not doing so.
When you mentioned that the book is prophetic, I was reminded of Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash that literally describes the Google Earth (1st version released in 2001) software in a book written in 1992. Perhaps not quite as profound as De Maria's prediction, but curious nonetheless!
Thank you!