Luisa and the Silence [Paperback]

Claudio Piersanti's spare novel observes the life of Luisa, an aging accountant for a toy factory. She is active, liked, serene in her solitude and habits. But a series of changes challenges her and, worse, Luisa must cope with the slow deterioration of her health. But after she unwisely retires, she withdraws into seclusion, and must alone confront depression and dementia—and the ultimate silence that lies beyond.

Claudio Piersanti's spare novel observes the life of Luisa, an aging accountant for a toy factory. She is active, liked, serene in her solitude and habits. But a series of changes challenges her and, worse, Luisa must cope with the slow deterioration of her health. But after she unwisely retires, she withdraws into seclusion, and must alone confront depression and dementia—and the ultimate silence that lies beyond.

CLAUDIO PIERSANTI, born in Canzano in Abruzzi in 1954, is a popular Italian novelist and screenwriter. His works includeGli sguardi cattivi della genteandCasa di nessuno: Romanzo.

GEORGE HOCHFIELD was nominated for the PEN West Translation Prize for Giampiero Carocci's Officers Camp. He lives in Berkeley, California.

"A master of the understatement, of elegance and psychological penetration, Piersanti describes the loneliness and depth of ordinary lives, of daily routines, of a humanity rendered with an original and unforgettable style." —La rivista dei libri(Italian edition of theNew York Review of Books)

"Piersanti's art is characterized by economy and restraint. With a less talented writer, these qualities would result in aridity. This novel, on the contrary, leaves one feeling more alive that before." —Columbus Dispatch

"Tenderly and delicately told, the tale of Luisa's descent into her final illness and isolation elegantly insinuates itsl#*