2024 Programme
Event #5
Matteo Nucci
The gratitude of lovers
The beating heart of gratitude is grace. But what does this common yet elusive word mean? As always, the ancients provide an insight. The Latin word gratia, as well as the Greek word charis, refers to a state of happiness and fullness – the sense of being truly alive, expressed through a touch of unearned beauty when we thank a loved one for their existence. The story of Penelope and Odysseus perfectly embodies the grace that fills the souls of lovers. Penelope's touch on the loom, as she weaves a web of love, and Odysseus' decision to reject immortality to grow old alongside his wife are just two examples of the deep connection that culminates in their final embrace: the mutual gratitude that unites them.
Matteo Nucci was born in Rome in 1970. He has published several novels with Ponte alle Grazie, including Sono comuni le cose degli amici (2009, finalist for the Premio Strega), Il toro non sbaglia mai (2011), È giusto obbedire alla notte (2017, finalist for the Premio Strega), and the narrative essay L’abisso di Eros (2018). For Einaudi, he released a new edition of Plato's Symposium (2009) and the narrative essays Le lacrime degli eroi (2013), Achille e Odisseo. La ferocia e l’inganno (2020), and Il grido di Pan (2023). With HarperCollins, he published the novel Sono difficili le cose belle (2022) and Sognava i leoni. L’eroismo fragile di Ernest Hemingway (2024). His short stories have appeared in magazines, anthologies, and eBooks. He also collaborates with the magazines La Stampa and L’Espresso. His latest novel is Platone. Una storia d’amore (Feltrinelli, 2025).
Event #43extraFestival
Minotauro Institute, with Loredana Cirillo and Filippo Rosa
Thank you! What we have never told our children and students
