The Scent of the Days - by Elisabetta Fioritti
Review
by Maria Teresa De Donato
The Scent of the Days:
a more suitable title could not have been found for this book. Whether you
consider it a fictional memoir or a fictional novel is of little importance. In
its deepest essence, this is, and remains, a Hymn to Love and Life.
The Scent of the Days brings
us back to a time, a world made of simple things where people worked hard,
contenting themselves with the little they had. It was a world where children
played carefree barefoot, of village festivals with accordion music and good
wine; an era in which people used to appreciate even the little available and
were happy.
Love for the family, loved
ones, relatives who lived at home, and those who came periodically to visit,
and that for friends, even and ancient ones, is the primary element of this
work. Sweet and nostalgic memories of people who have accompanied our journey
for a single moment, for a short time, or a whole life flow through the mind,
enriching the days and the meaning of our experience.
The profound spiritual Life - that in the case of
'Barbara', the protagonist coincides with the Christian-Catholic religion -
emerges and plays a fundamental role. Indeed, it protects and consoles during
the moments of trial that, inexorably and inevitably, Life presents. God the
Creator is perceived so far away and at the same time paradoxically close,
ready to welcome us into his arms. He encourages us and strengthens our faith,
listens to our prayers, requests, the cry of pain, and our tears. He is always
present and punctually, in his way, responds.
This novel has highly introspective traits that lead to
reflection on relationships of all kinds, starting right from the sentimental
ones. On the one hand, there is the idealization of the other. On the other,
the reality manifests itself over time, bringing the reciprocal differences to
light, and above all, in character. The latter is a clear example of this.
Diversity is fascinating, but you have to be ready and willing or at least
learn to accept it, manage it and negotiate. When Love has solid foundations
and includes esteem, respect, empathy, understanding, and awareness, it acts as
a glue and allows you to overcome trials and difficult moments. The desire to
be together and continue the journey by holding hands triumphs inexorably,
strengthening the relationship and making it grow and mature.
A great sense of empathy, of availability towards others, whoever they are, especially young people, evident throughout this novel, emerges in this literary work... Our generation of baby boomers has not been able "to rebuild a solid world" to understand that "the soul of children it is as romantic as ours was, only in a different way." "Their way of dressing is a form of contestation, the search for their personality, [and] betrays their search for affirmation and truth, which they cannot find in a world of fiction ... " (Fioritti, 2016, p. 282). This problem, or perhaps simply this generational factor, can be better understood and accepted when viewed from a perspective based on unconditional Love and empathy rather than judgment and, even worse, an attitude of rejection and condemnation.
The self-analysis and careful observation of human
behaviors and dynamics make us aware of the importance and, at the same time,
the fragility of being a parent. In fact, “this is the most difficult task
of parents: watching helplessly” (Fioritti, 2016, p. 185), letting their
children make their choices, have their disappointments, and emerge from the
ashes. Only in this way will they acquire experience, maturity, awareness, and
strengthen their character. No one taught us to be children, and no one has
trained us to be a parent. Hence, each of us will learn the role that he will
have to play, just as he will also learn, through various relocations, to adapt
to new places, new Life, and behavioral models hitherto unknown. That will
allow him to integrate into the social fabric, although he might have left part
of his heart where he was born and has its roots.
So, therefore, between
mothers' and grandmothers' succulent recipes, the warmth of the family
gathered, especially during the holidays, the table set, the game of tombola
with beans, a glass of red face 'that makes good blood', our existence goes on.
The memories of laughter and chats between family members, relatives, and
friends allow you to continue this incredible, fascinating, and stimulating
journey full of surprises and, at times, even challenges.
Life is a mystery, but it is just as intriguing,
compelling, and the invitation of the protagonist Barbara is undoubtedly to
live it to the fullest, enjoying even the simplest things, but which are
ultimately the only ones that give it a real and profound meaning.
People should read this book on the growth and
acquisition of awareness through the various phases of human existence in one
breath. Many will recognize themselves in its pages. On the other hand, many
others will be fascinated by the simplicity of its direct and immediate
language, which opposes the depth of the issues addressed.
This is a literary work written with the heart and reading
I recommend to people of all ages.
