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Invisible Cities

176 pages, 1978

fiction

fiction

1382 books
Takeaways
Description
It is not certain that Kublai Khan believes everything Marco Polo says about the cities visited on his expeditions, but the emperor of Tartary listens with greater attention and curiosity than he shows to any other messenger or explorer. This is how Italo Calvino begins his compilation of fragmentary urban images. As Marco describes Armilla, which has nothing but water pipes rising vertically into empty space where the houses should be and spreading out horizontally where the floors should be, the spiderweb city of Octavia, and other marvelous burgs—creating them all out of his imagination, perhaps, or perhaps recreating fine details of his native Venice over and over again, or perhaps simply recounting some of the myriad possible forms a city might take—Kublai Khan may wonder whether Marco Polo is making it all up or if he's just adding layers to Venice.
Exploring the Concept of Reality

Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino encourages us to question our perception of reality. The book suggests that our understanding of the world is shaped by our personal experiences and perspectives. It's a great read if you're interested in exploring how your own perceptions shape your reality.

The Power of Imagination

Calvino's book is a testament to the power of imagination. He creates a multitude of cities, each with its own unique characteristics and stories. It's a reminder that our imagination is a powerful tool that can transport us to different worlds and experiences.

Understanding the Complexity of Cities

Invisible Cities is not just about imaginary cities. It's also about understanding the complexity and diversity of real cities. Each city in the book represents different aspects of urban life, from culture and history to architecture and social dynamics. So, if you're interested in urban studies, you might want to check this book out.

The Art of Storytelling

One of the key takeaways from Invisible Cities is the art of storytelling. Calvino masterfully weaves together a series of narratives, creating a tapestry of stories that captivate the reader. If you're looking to improve your storytelling skills, this book can serve as a great inspiration.

Exploring the Human Condition

Lastly, Invisible Cities is a deep dive into the human condition. Through the stories of different cities, Calvino explores themes of love, loss, memory, time, and death. It's a book that encourages us to reflect on our own lives and experiences.

Quotes 4

Invisible Cities is a dream book, not to be subjected to any strict scrutiny, which would only spoil its charm. It is beautiful and creative, a book to cherish.

Umberto EcoUmberto Eco - Semiotician, Novelist

Invisible Cities is a book that changes the way you see the world. It's a work of art that expands your understanding of what is possible.

Zadie SmithZadie Smith - Novelist, Essayist

Invisible Cities is a masterpiece, a book that has influenced my own work and thinking. It's a book that everyone should read.

Haruki MurakamiHaruki Murakami - Novelist, Translator

Invisible Cities is a book that defies categorization. It's a work of genius, a book that will make you see the world in a new light.

Salman RushdieSalman Rushdie - Novelist, Essayist
Umberto EcoZadie SmithHaruki MurakamiSalman Rushdie

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