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THE REVIEW
Wu Ming, the army of sleepwalkers, echoes of Eco's writing in this pleasantly crafted book.
The backdrop of the French Revolution, from the king's decapitation to the start of the counter-revolution, but a continuum of characters who appear/disappear.
Beautiful quotes from Goldoni and Molière, the storyline of Goldoni's Campiello seems to be the narrative thread of the book.
The campiello (the Venetian square) here becomes Paris, with its venues, the races of the revolutionaries, and a doctor who practices that form of magnetism/hypnosis.
The struggle between the doctor and another character, the purposes they set for themselves, weave additional narrative relations within the pages.
Wu Ming is already a collective form of writing, which is particularly noticeable in the quotes. The book's wide scope allows for multiple reflections, ranging from the revolutionary/socialist concept of property to popular beliefs and interactions with science.
The characters, settings, and "costumes" are enjoyable, many neologisms used without falling into foul language or vulgarity.
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Summary by Bot
Wu Ming’s 'L'armata dei sonnambuli' masterfully intertwines the tumultuous era of the French Revolution with references to classic theatre and themes of hypnotism. The novel features a fluid cast of characters and explores revolutionary and socialist concepts with depth. The collective style of writing enriches the narrative, offering thoughtful reflections without resorting to vulgarity. Overall, a richly layered and enjoyable read for fans of historical and socially conscious fiction.
Wu Ming
Wu Ming is an Italian writing collective formed in 2000, known for collaborative historical novels and political themes.01 Reviews
