Domenico Rea

The Profile

Domenico Rea (1921–1994) was an Italian novelist and short‑story writer associated with Neapolitan literary circles. His first novel Una vampata di rossore appeared in 1959; he won the Strega Prize in 1993 for Ninfa plebea.

Born in Naples and raised in Nocera Inferiore (per the review). Began publishing in 1939 with short stories; first novel published 1959. Won the Strega Prize in 1993 for Ninfa plebea. Known for a dry, direct style and use of flashbacks.

The single DeBaser review examines Domenico Rea's first novel Una vampata di rossore (A Flush of Red, 1959), situating it in his Neapolitan milieu and noting his direct, dry style and use of flashbacks. The reviewer treats the novel as a family tragedy that presages Rea's later recognition. Rea (1921–1994) later won the Strega Prize in 1993 for Ninfa plebea.