— Ginna Lopez
I consider the novel “Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” by Amara Lakhous a “Great Work of literature.” I felt a connection with some of the characters, specially the immigrants that were able to express themselves without fear of being censored. The text has a big value for me and for many people who emigrate from their countries looking for new opportunities. The text itself is very authentic, it shows a reality about immigration which it is an international issue that must be addressed to find a solution.
What I liked the most is that the author collects several storytelling from some foreigners and some Italian citizens. They all live in a building located in Piazza Vittorio in the city of Rome. Each of the residents tells their own opinions and feelings about their experiences. Some had left their countries because of angst, deprivation, lack of opportunities. For instance, these narrations let the audience to be informed and understand what transpires in the novel.
I believe the novel contains modern ideas; it adapts to the present-time. For example, the book talks about Bangladesh women are prohibited to go to school in their country but Amadeo one of the main characters suggests his fiancé Stefania, an Italian lady, to volunteer and teach them Italian language in Italy. It shows a constructive way, how Stefania empower these women to learn a new language so they would be able to communicate and express themselves and they would gain confidence to be more independent. I believe positive experiences would be most likely to bring favorable changes in anyone’s life.
