Aldo Nove, born Antonio Centanin on July 12, 1967, in Viggiù, a small town in the province of Varese, Italy, is a prominent Italian writer, poet, and essayist. Over the years, Nove has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary Italian literature, known for his sharp, sometimes controversial, and always thought-provoking work. This article delves into the life and career of Aldo Nove, exploring his rise to literary fame, the themes that define his work, and his lasting impact on Italian culture.
Early Life and the Origins of Aldo Nove
Aldo Nove’s journey into the world of literature began in the modest surroundings of Viggiù, a small town known for its artisanal traditions. From a young age, Nove showed a deep interest in literature and the arts, an interest that would later shape his career. After completing his studies in moral philosophy, Nove moved towards writing, where he could blend his philosophical insights with a unique literary voice.
The pseudonym “Aldo Nove” has intriguing origins. It is derived from a phrase, Aldo dice 26 x 1, which was used in a telegram by the Italian National Liberation Committee (CLNAI) during World War II. The message indicated the time and date for the partisan uprising in Turin against Nazi occupation. The name “Aldo” from the message became part of his pseudonym, while “Nove” comes from the sum of the numbers in the phrase (2, 6, and 1), symbolizing a connection to a critical moment in Italian history. This pseudonym reflects Nove’s deep engagement with Italian cultural and political history, a theme that recurs throughout his work.
The Literary Debut and the Cannibalist Movement
Aldo Nove made his literary debut in 1996 with the publication of Woobinda e altre storie senza lieto fine (Woobinda and Other Stories Without a Happy Ending), a collection of short stories that was initially published by Castelvecchi and later reissued by Einaudi in 1998 under the title Superwoobinda. This work marked the beginning of Nove’s rise to fame and placed him at the forefront of a new literary movement in Italy.
Nove became associated with the so-called “Cannibalist” movement, a term coined by the media to describe a group of young Italian writers who emerged in the mid-1990s. These writers, including Niccolò Ammaniti and Tiziano Scarpa, were known for their raw, unfiltered narratives that often explored the darker aspects of contemporary life. Nove’s contribution to this movement was solidified with his story Il mondo dell’amore (The World of Love), included in the 1996 anthology Gioventù cannibale (Cannibal Youth).
The “Cannibalist” label, while somewhat sensationalized, captured the essence of Nove’s early work—gritty, irreverent, and unafraid to tackle taboo subjects. His writing during this period was characterized by a stark, minimalist style that reflected the disillusionment and fragmentation of modern society. Nove’s early stories often featured characters on the margins of society, grappling with alienation and existential despair.
A Shift Towards Introspection and Social Commentary
In the early 2000s, Aldo Nove’s work began to evolve, reflecting a shift from the raw, aggressive style of his early “Cannibalist” phase to a more introspective and socially conscious approach. This transition is most evident in his 2000 novel, Amore mio infinito (My Infinite Love), which marked a departure from the bleak narratives of his earlier work.
Amore mio infinito is a deeply personal and poetic exploration of love and memory. The novel is structured as a series of vignettes, each recounting a different love story, all interwoven with a sense of nostalgia and longing. This work showcased Nove’s ability to blend lyrical prose with profound emotional depth, earning him critical acclaim and expanding his readership.
As Nove’s literary voice matured, he began to address broader social issues in his work. He became increasingly interested in the precariousness of modern life, particularly the challenges faced by those in unstable employment situations. This focus culminated in the 2006 publication of Mi chiamo Roberta, ho 40 anni, guadagno 250 euro al mese (My Name is Roberta, I’m 40 Years Old, and I Earn 250 Euros a Month), a stark portrayal of the struggles of Italy’s “precariat” class. The book struck a chord with readers and critics alike, earning Nove the Stephen Dedalus Prize and further solidifying his reputation as a writer deeply attuned to the social realities of his time.
Collaborations and Interdisciplinary Projects
Throughout his career, Aldo Nove has demonstrated a keen interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, often blending literature with other art forms such as music and theater. His work with Italian musician Bugo is a notable example of this. In 2006, Bugo released a song titled Amore mio infinito, a direct tribute to Nove’s novel. The collaboration continued with the song Balliamo un altro mese (Let’s Dance Another Month), which Nove co-wrote for Bugo’s 2008 album Contatti.
Nove’s interest in music and popular culture is also evident in his 2005 book Lo scandalo della bellezza (The Scandal of Beauty), an homage to the legendary Italian singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André. In this work, Nove explores the themes of beauty and truth in De André’s music, reflecting on how these concepts resonate in contemporary society.
In addition to his literary and musical collaborations, Nove has also made contributions to theater. He co-authored the play Servizi & Servitori: la vita, al tempo del lavoro a tempo (Services & Servants: Life in the Time of Temp Work) with Alessandro Gilioli. This play, which examines the impact of precarious employment on everyday life, is another example of Nove’s commitment to exploring the social and economic issues of the modern world.
The 2010s: Autobiography and Cultural Critique
The 2010s marked a period of reflection and self-examination for Aldo Nove. In 2010, he published La vita oscena (The Obscene Life), a deeply autobiographical work that recounts his experiences from childhood to adulthood. The book is a raw and unflinching portrayal of Nove’s personal struggles, including his battles with depression and the loss of his parents. La vita oscena is notable not only for its honesty but also for its experimental narrative style, which blends prose, poetry, and stream-of-consciousness writing.
In 2012, Nove continued his exploration of Italian culture with Giancarlo Bigazzi, il geniaccio della canzone italiana (Giancarlo Bigazzi, the Genius of Italian Song), a biography of the prolific Italian songwriter and producer. This work reflects Nove’s ongoing interest in the intersection of popular culture and high art, as well as his deep respect for the figures who have shaped Italian music.
Nove’s contributions to Italian literature and culture were further recognized in 2012 when he was included in Edoardo Sanguineti’s Atlante del Novecento Italiano (Atlas of 20th Century Italy). This inclusion placed Nove among the avant-gardists of Italian literature, alongside other prominent writers such as Tiziano Scarpa and Giuseppe Caliceti.
In the same year, Nove became a cultural ambassador for the fashion brand Hogan, crafting the slogan Versi che calzano a pennello (Verses that Fit Like a Glove) for the brand’s advertising campaign. This collaboration, which combined poetry with fashion, is another example of Nove’s ability to navigate and influence multiple cultural spheres.
Later Work and Recent Projects
In recent years, Aldo Nove has continued to explore new themes and genres, while also returning to some of the motifs that have defined his career. In 2014, he published Tutta la luce del mondo (All the Light in the World), a novel that delves into the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. This work represents a significant departure from Nove’s earlier focus on contemporary issues, offering instead a meditation on spirituality and the search for meaning.
Nove’s interest in Italian cultural icons continued with the 2019 publication of a biography of Franco Battiato, a revered Sicilian musician and composer. This biography reflects Nove’s ongoing fascination with the figures who have shaped Italy’s artistic landscape.
Despite facing significant personal challenges, including a serious illness that rendered him unable to work, Nove has remained active in the literary community. In 2022, he was awarded a state pension under Italy’s Bacchelli Law, which provides financial support to artists who have made significant cultural contributions but are in financial need.
Legacy and Influence
Aldo Nove’s work has left a profound impact on contemporary Italian literature. His ability to blend genres, tackle difficult social issues, and experiment with narrative form has earned him a place among Italy’s most innovative writers. Nove’s influence extends beyond literature, as his collaborations with musicians, theater directors, and fashion brands demonstrate his ability to engage with and shape various aspects of Italian culture.
Nove’s journey from the “Cannibalist” movement of the 1990s to his more introspective and socially conscious work of the 2000s and beyond reflects a writer who is constantly evolving, both in style and in substance. His willingness to confront the challenges of modern life head-on, combined with his deep understanding of Italy’s cultural heritage, makes him a unique and essential voice in contemporary literature.
As Aldo Nove continues to write and explore new creative avenues, his work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and challenge readers, offering new insights into the complexities of modern life and the enduring power of art.
