Visiting Instructor of Romance Languages and Literatures Simona Ceci noted that reading is “probably her biggest passion.” Although she comes from Parma, Italy and prefers to read Italian novels, she is well-versed in English and American literature, as well. Ceci is in the middle of reading “La Concienza di Zeno” or “Zeno’s Conscience.”

Hannah Berkman: What books are you currently reading?

Simona Ceci: Many books. Some for work, some for pleasure. The one I am really enjoying at this moment is “La Coscienza di Zeno” by the Italian novelist Italo Svevo. It’s translated into English as “Zeno’s Conscience.”

HB: Who is the author?

SC: The author is the Italian novelist Italo Svevo, whose real name is Aron Ettore Schmitz. He was born in the Italian city of Trieste in 1861 and died in 1928.

HB: Is this an author that you’ve read before?

SC: I have read Svevo many times before, partly because Svevo is mandatory reading for all Italian students in high school.

HB: What’s the book about?

SC: The book is a fictional memoir. Zeno Cosini, the main character, is asked by his psychiatrist to keep a diary. Zeno loves analysis, but hates his analyst. He’s very neurotic and he is great at rationalizing the events that happen in his life. He is a liar—he lies to both himself and others. This book is supposed to be his memoir. It’s brilliant.

HB: How did you choose this book?

SC: I read this book many years ago, as a mandatory reading during my last year of high school. I remember loving it. Recently, I was at dinner with a friend and we started talking about this book and we laughed while recalling a funny part. On my way home, I decided to read it again.

HB: How do you usually select your books?

SC: I usually try to have at least one book that I read for pleasure. I usually read contemporary Italian novels. I have many “book avid” friends, and I often listen to their suggestions. I also have to read many books for work.

HB: Would you recommend this book to students? Which type of students would enjoy this?

SC: I would definitely recommend it to students. This is definitely a book everyone should read. It’s a classic—not only of Italian, but of world literature. Very recently, I had an interesting discussion with a student in my beginner Italian class that had heard of Svevo and was looking forward to reading this book. I would recommend it very strongly.

HB: What would Wesleyan students get out of this book?

SC: Knowledge of foreign literature and a chance to read a truly great book.

HB: What are some other books you have read recently that you would recommend?

SC: Recently I read, and would recommend, “Bliss” by Ronit Matolon, “Hot, Flat and Crowded” by Thomas Friedman, “Night” by Elie Wiesel and “The Civility Solution” by P.M. Forni.

HB: If you had written this book, what would you have done differently?

SC: This is a masterpiece; I would leave everything as it is.

HB: Would this book be a good movie?

SC: It would be a great movie. In Italy, “Radiotelevisione Italiana,” Italy’s national broadcaster, produced a mini-series for television based on the book. I haven’t seen it, but I didn’t really hear good things about it. Still, it is a brilliant story and, if done right, it would make a brilliant movie.

HB: Is this a genre you usually read?

SC: I read almost anything. I love reading. It is probably my biggest passion.

HB: What format are you reading this book in? Would you ever consider reading a book on one of those new electronic screens?

SC: I like reading books on paper. Many friends of mine are trying to convince me to try and read a book on the electronic screens. Maybe soon I will try it, but for now I like to read books in their paper edition.

HB: What’s your favorite book and why?

SC: My favorite book is another Italian novel “The Late Mattia Pascal (Il fu Mattia Pascal)” by Luigi Pirandello.

HB: If you’re reading a book you don’t like halfway through, do you stop reading it?

SC: No, I am never a quitter. I almost stopped halfway through “War and Peace” and “Walden” but I did finish them and I am happy that I did.