The Hummingbird
2019 novel by Sandro Veronesi
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The Hummingbird (Italian: Il colibrì) is a 2019 novel by Sandro Veronesi. The novel is presented in fragments with a nonlinear narrative structure and follows the tumultuous life of ophthalmologist Marco Carrera.[1] It won the prestigious Strega Prize (2020).
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First edition cover | |
| Author | Sandro Veronesi |
|---|---|
| Original title | Il colibrì |
| Translator | Elena Pala |
| Language | Italian |
| Publisher | La nave di Teseo |
Publication date | 24 October 2019 |
| Publication place | Italy |
Published in English | 2021 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 366 |
| Awards | Strega Prize (2020) |
| ISBN | 9788834600474 |
| OCLC | 1128033851 |
| 853/.914 | |
| LC Class | PQ4882.E7675 C65 2019 |
Reception
In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called the novel "cleverly structured like a jigsaw puzzle", writing, "A senseless tragedy, splashes of levity, and unexpected poignancy bring this to a moving conclusion. Veronesi's dark modern chronicle shimmers with intelligence and flashes of pathos."[1]
Kirkus Reviews called it an "intriguing but ultimately disappointing experiment in fictional biography" and criticised Veronesi's depictions of women.[2]
In 2020, the novel won the prestigious Strega Prize.[3] Veronesi previously won the Strega in 2006 for his novel Caos calmo[4]
Film adaptation
The novel has been adapted into a film of the same name by director Francesca Archibugi. The film stars Pierfrancesco Favino as Marco, Bérénice Bejo as Luisa, Kasia Smutniak as Marina and Benedetta Porcaroli as Adele.[5]
