Choosing Tasmania: climate change and the uncertainty of the world’s future

Paolo Giordano is an acclaimed Italian writer, whose works explore complex themes such as human relationships, identity, and the intricacies of modern life. His literary journey began with the novel La solitudine dei numeri primi (The Solitude of Prime Numbers), which won the prestigious Premio Strega in 2008. Other works include Il corpo umano (The Human Body, 2012), an examination of soldiers returning from Afghanistan, Il nero e l’argento (Like Family, 2014), which delves into the complexities of a couple’s relationship, and Nel contagio (How Contagion Works, 2020), where Giordano reflects on societal challenges during the COVID pandemic.

With his latest novel, Tasmania (2022), Paolo Giordano makes a stunning return to fiction. Set in late 2015, we meet Paolo, a writer grappling with the disintegration of his envisioned future. His wife, Lorenza, has decided to stop trying for a baby after years of effort, while he clings to his dream of fatherhood. As their marriage strains, he immerses himself in work, traveling to Paris to cover the UN Climate Change Conference following recent terrorist attacks. He is also focused on writing a book about the atomic bomb and its survivors, which takes him on journeys across Europe and to Japan. During his travels, he meets a diverse array of characters, each seeking their own "Tasmania" - a safe haven amidst global crises such as climate change, pandemics, and political turmoil.

Tasmania offers a semi-autobiographical narrative that captures the fear, anxiety, wonder, and beauty of our uncertain times. The novel invites readers to reflect on how we can forge and sustain meaningful relationships even when connections feel increasingly elusive.

This event is organised in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of Sydney and Melbourne

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Riccardo Amorati at riccardo.amorati@unimelb.edu.au

The School of Languages and Linguistics strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for enquiries about accessibility, please contact soll-info@unimelb.edu.au