Tag: Massimo Fantini

Interview with Author Massimo Fantini 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

My name is Massimo Fantini, and I am an Italian author and free thinker, writing from my home in the hills just outside Bologna. In quiet moments, when I am neither writing nor working, I enjoy classical music, particularly orchestral works and Italian opera.

I graduated from a university in Bologna with a degree in civil engineering. However, the studies of my youth do not represent my life’s passion—that is, delving into the realities which unite all of humanity:

suffering, frustrations, conflicts, and the human reactions to these. These are the events that take every human as an innocent in the crib and twist and turn them into 8.1 billion unique (but intimately connected) forms.

In short, I am obsessed with exploring the intimate recesses of the human condition.

In 2018, entirely dissatisfied with my job, I sought a new form of expression. Thus, I began to write.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I consider myself to be a keen observer, and my stories are inspired by the observation of reality.

After observation, comes analysis. Why did that person react that way? Why did they say those things?

Why don't they react to conditioning by developing their own critical sense?

Art is wonderful because it is a representation of what we otherwise cannot express. I seek not to provide myself and my readers with a mere distraction (what so often passes for “entertainment”). Not a hole in which to stick our heads for a few hours, only to emerge weakened and even less able to face our reality.

Rather, I offer up a representation of our shared condition.

The human condition.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Echoing the sentiment of Heraclitus, no two people may look at the same problem the same way, because it is different to each. From the old and cynical Leonard in Concerning Fanaticism to young Tommaso (a character inspired by my own youth) in Concerning Intellectual Suicide, I tried to shed light on a path that is a constant part of our lives, but also constantly shifting.

Through my writing, I encourage readers to find their own perspective on life. Rather than embracing the comfortable mold that society provides, like a goldfish “free” to swim around in its little bowl, I hope my readers can use my books as a stepping stone toward their own unique way of thinking. And then, I wish them the freedom to pursue it.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The philosophical nature of my works lends itself to both the essay and fiction genres. However, I believe that the fiction genre is more easily accessible to the general public. The emotional strength of characters who live a story, who suffer, and who try to escape the grip of the human condition makes philosophical reasoning deeper and more effective.

Over time, I experimented with many kinds of writing, wondering how best to give my ideas form.

Finally, I found my voice through stories, giving life to characters who explore, triumph, and fail for us to watch.

5) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I must admit that writing is exhausting. I thought that once I completed my trilogy, I would have no more ideas to express. Instead, I have a Word document with dozens of ideas to develop, ideas suggested by the simple observation of the people around me. I’m currently working on my fourth manuscript. The story draws inspiration from the previous "Intellectual

Suicide" and brings to light aspects of human nature that I have not focused on in previous works.

I can’t wait to complete it!

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About the Author

Greetings, readers.

I am Massimo Fantini, an Italian author and free thinker, writing from my home in the hills just outside Bologna. In quiet moments, when I am not writing, I enjoy classical music, particularly orchestral works for violin and the Italian opera.

I graduated from a university in Bologna with a degree in civil engineering. However, the studies of my youth do not represent my life’s obsession—that is, delving into those realities which unite all members of the human race: suffering, frustrations, conflicts, and the human reactions to these. They are the events and forces that take every human as an innocent in the crib and twist and turn them into 8.1 billion unique (but intimately connected) forms.

In short, I am obsessed with exploring the intimate recesses of the human condition.

In 2018, entirely dissatisfied with my job, I sought a new form of expression. Thus, I began to write. Incessantly.

I experimented with many kinds of writing. How best to give my ideas form? Then, I found my voice through stories, giving life to characters who explore, triumph, and fail for us to watch.

In each installment of my Human Condition Trilogy, these same all-encompassing issues are approached from different directions, under different circumstances, and by different characters.

Echoing the sentiment of Heraclitus, no two people may look at the same problem, because it is different to each. From the old cynical Leonard in Concerning Fanaticism to young Tommaso (a character inspired by my own youth) in Concerning Intellectual Suicide, I tried to cast a light on a path that is a constant part of our lives, but also constantly shifting.

Through my writing, I encourage readers to find their own perspective on life. Rather than embracing the comfortable mold which society provides, like a goldfish “free” to swim around in its little bowl, I hope my readers can use my books as a steppingstone toward their own unique way of thinking. And then, I wish them the freedom to pursue it.

Art is wonderful because it is a representation of what we otherwise cannot express. I seek not to provide myself and my readers with a mere distraction (what so often passes for “entertainment”). Not a hole in which to stick our heads for a few hours, only to emerge weakened and even less able to face our reality. Rather, I offer up a representation of our shared condition.

The Human Condition.

Concerning Decay of the Human Race (Human Condition Trilogy) by Massimo Fantini Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An island isolated from the world shows the perils of social evolution (or the lack thereof) in author Massimo Fantini’s “Concerning Decay of The Human Race), the third book in the Human Condition Trilogy. 

The Synopsis

The small village of the Island of the Iguanas experiences the succession of different communities – sometimes forced to live together, sometimes taking over from a former generation. Each community possesses a culture and an assortment of certainties which it does not intend to give up, judging a priori the customs of those who preceded it as uncivilized or unreasonable.

Over the years, the community consolidates and grows, together with their prejudices, social injustices, and religious superstitions. The structural transformations of the village have repercussions on the ecosystem of the island which – starting as a protected nature reserve – becomes a hunting place, a tourist destination, and a favorable terrain for smugglers to exploit.

Thus, faced with the opportunity to adopt a new lifestyle – concerning principles of equality, safeguarding personal freedoms, and restoring the ancient harmony between man and nature – there are those who choose to follow the tested path of the government of man over man, which makes discrimination its founding principle, and those who choose to defy it. Social contrasts – delineated by origin, by social background, by acquired privileges – begin to arise within these communities, which are made up of heterogeneous families and members of different ages and ambitions.

Given the possibility to make a clean sweep of the past and rebuild the social fabric from scratch, will those who position themselves as leaders avoid the mistakes made by their predecessors or will they end up mechanically following the same steps laid out by human history?

The editing and translation of this book was done by Ian Zwaschka.

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The Review

This was such a unique and compelling narrative. The author does a beautiful world-building in this book, allowing the reader to become immersed in this island world and develop such unique cultures and different communities. The imagery the author utilizes within the narrative brings this island setting to life in a vibrant way, allowing the narrative to come alive in the reader’s mind.

Yet, as with every fantastic book in this trilogy, the author soars when delving into the philosophy and themes behind this story. The tension that builds slowly over time as readers read how each generation on this island evolves and takes on the prejudices and judgments of those who came before speaks to the very cyclical nature of humanity in a social setting and how giving into the government’s role in our society plays a significant role in that, as bigotry and injustice, along with particular religious beliefs, tend to impact the laws and social settings the rest of the community must live in, leading to a significant disparity between social classes. The exploration of why some people can rise above the bigotry of the past while others remain seething in that hatred was so remarkable to behold.

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The Verdict

Thought-provoking, insightful, and engaging author Massimo Fantini’s “Concerning Decay of The Human Race” is a must-read contemporary fiction narrative. The twists and turns in this island setting and the impeccable discussions of these themes drive the reader to make this a thoughtful and remarkable book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Greetings, readers.

I am Massimo Fantini, an Italian author and free thinker, writing from my home in the hills just outside Bologna. In quiet moments, when I am not writing, I enjoy classical music, particularly orchestral works for violin and the Italian opera.

I graduated from a university in Bologna with a degree in civil engineering. However, the studies of my youth do not represent my life’s obsession—that is, delving into those realities which unite all members of the human race: suffering, frustrations, conflicts, and the human reactions to these. They are the events and forces that take every human as an innocent in the crib and twist and turn them into 8.1 billion unique (but intimately connected) forms.

In short, I am obsessed with exploring the intimate recesses of the human condition.

In 2018, entirely dissatisfied with my job, I sought a new form of expression. Thus, I began to write. Incessantly.

I experimented with many kinds of writing. How best to give my ideas form? Then, I found my voice through stories, giving life to characters who explore, triumph, and fail for us to watch.

In each installment of my Human Condition Trilogy, these same all-encompassing issues are approached from different directions, under different circumstances, and by different characters.

Echoing the sentiment of Heraclitus, no two people may look at the same problem, because it is different to each. From the old cynical Leonard in Concerning Fanaticism to young Tommaso (a character inspired by my own youth) in Concerning Intellectual Suicide, I tried to cast a light on a path that is a constant part of our lives, but also constantly shifting.

Through my writing, I encourage readers to find their own perspective on life. Rather than embracing the comfortable mold which society provides, like a goldfish “free” to swim around in its little bowl, I hope my readers can use my books as a steppingstone toward their own unique way of thinking. And then, I wish them the freedom to pursue it.

Art is wonderful because it is a representation of what we otherwise cannot express. I seek not to provide myself and my readers with a mere distraction (what so often passes for “entertainment”). Not a hole in which to stick our heads for a few hours, only to emerge weakened and even less able to face our reality. Rather, I offer up a representation of our shared condition.

The Human Condition.

Concerning Fanaticism in The Human Race (Human Condition Trilogy) by Massimo Fantini Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A seemingly simple law dispute turns into a gripping look into the human condition in author Massimo Fantini’s “Concerning Fanaticism in The Human Race”, the latest book in the Human Condition Trilogy.

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The Synopsis 

Elijah is a promising young lawyer, in love with his work and confident in the potential of the human race.

His law firm’s senior partner gives him his first important assignment. Elijah will have to follow the case of Leonard, an elderly engineer who lives in Montepastore, a small village in the Bolognese Apennines (Italy).

Leonard’s question concerns the supplementary contribution that engineers enrolled in the professional register are required to pay to Inarcassa, the Engineers’ Pension Fund. At first, the case seems simple. It was the subject of a previous ruling by the Court of Cassation. But Leonard is not satisfied with an institutional response. He wants to know why. He wants to know what hides behind the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Leonard’s demands grow meeting after meeting, and the subject of the dispute widens to include ethical, religious, and historical concerns.

As in the previous manuscripts, questions about the human condition are at the center of this philosophical debate. In the absence of answers, what is the point of writing about anything else?

The editing and translation of this book was done by Ian Zwaschka.

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The Review

One of the most compelling questions a person can ask is whether or not to trust what is being told. The dialogue and character growth that the author brings to life on the page is rich and driven, allowing the reader to get lost in the narrative. The setting and atmosphere the author can develop and the mounting tension add to an already thoughtful story.

Yet the discussion and philosophical journey that readers are presented with makes this story so inviting. The ability to question authority and tackle mounting ethical dilemmas as they are presented to us delves into our philosophy and how we interact with religion, politics, and the human mind overall. The way the author presents this discussion to readers gets the reader’s minds working and does so without going over the line of being abstract, allowing the story to shine brightly. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and gripping author Massimo Fantini’s “Concerning Fanaticism in the Human Race” is a must-read contemporary fiction that meets philosophical discussion. The twists in the narrative and the engaging character dynamics between Elijah and Leonard will keep readers on the edge of their seats while also looking inward at how we view blind faith and the ability to question authority for ourselves. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Greetings, readers.

I am Massimo Fantini, an Italian author and free thinker, writing from my home in the hills just outside Bologna. In quiet moments, when I am not writing, I enjoy classical music, particularly orchestral works for violin and the Italian opera.

I graduated from a university in Bologna with a degree in civil engineering. However, the studies of my youth do not represent my life’s obsession—that is, delving into those realities which unite all members of the human race: suffering, frustrations, conflicts, and the human reactions to these. They are the events and forces that take every human as an innocent in the crib and twist and turn them into 8.1 billion unique (but intimately connected) forms.

In short, I am obsessed with exploring the intimate recesses of the human condition.

In 2018, entirely dissatisfied with my job, I sought a new form of expression. Thus, I began to write. Incessantly.

I experimented with many kinds of writing. How best to give my ideas form? Then, I found my voice through stories, giving life to characters who explore, triumph, and fail for us to watch.

In each installment of my Human Condition Trilogy, these same all-encompassing issues are approached from different directions, under different circumstances, and by different characters.

Echoing the sentiment of Heraclitus, no two people may look at the same problem, because it is different to each. From the old cynical Leonard in Concerning Fanaticism to young Tommaso (a character inspired by my own youth) in Concerning Intellectual Suicide, I tried to cast a light on a path that is a constant part of our lives, but also constantly shifting.

Through my writing, I encourage readers to find their own perspective on life. Rather than embracing the comfortable mold which society provides, like a goldfish “free” to swim around in its little bowl, I hope my readers can use my books as a steppingstone toward their own unique way of thinking. And then, I wish them the freedom to pursue it.

Art is wonderful because it is a representation of what we otherwise cannot express. I seek not to provide myself and my readers with a mere distraction (what so often passes for “entertainment”). Not a hole in which to stick our heads for a few hours, only to emerge weakened and even less able to face our reality. Rather, I offer up a representation of our shared condition.

The Human Condition.

Concerning Intellectual Suicide in the Human Race: a debate on the human condition by Massimo Fantini Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Massimo Fantini delves into what drives people to switch off their brains and engage in irrational behavior in the book “Concerning Intellectual Suicide in the Human Race: a debate on the human condition”. 

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The Synopsis

Intellectual suicide corresponds to the more or less conscious decision to switch off the brain and renounce rational thought in favor of attitudes dictated by superstitions, by established habits, by prejudices, by common places. The effects of irrational choices – made with the brain switched off – can be devastating for oneself and for the others. Examples range from conformism, to religious superstitions, to ideological fundamentalism, just to name a few possibilities.

Tommaso, the protagonist of this debate, is the victim of his parents’ intellectual suicide, perpetrated through procreation. Procreation – the unilateral act by which a couple throws innocent individuals into the stillicidium of life, without weighing the consequences that the hell of existence will have on them – is the most heinous form of intellectual suicide in the human race, not least because of the scale of its consequences.

The author’s intention is to shine the spotlight on the one reality that unites us all, that accompanies our lives from birth until death, but which is casted to our periphery: the human condition.

The editing and translation of this book was done by Ian Zwaschka.

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The Review

This was a thoughtful and compelling philosophical read. Using satire and fiction to bring about the themes of conformity and forgoing critical thinking in society was a brilliant way to illustrate the author’s points. The idea that by engaging in superstition and even religious practices, one is essentially committing intellectual suicide, or in other words, ignoring rational thought and thinking for one’s self, was truly thought-provoking and kept the reader engaged thoroughly. 

The unique thing about this book is that the author utilized a fictional, albeit satirical, story. Yet, the protagonist, the cast of characters, and even the setting all played a supporting role in this narrative. Instead, the book’s story helped elevate the themes the author was exploring and became a philosophical discussion between the author and the reader as Tommaso’s experiences reflect the intellectual journey the author encourages us all to embrace.

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and compelling author Massimo Fantini’s “Concerning Intellectual Suicide in the Human Race” is a must-read satire meets philosophical book. The extensive discussions the narrative inspires, and the call to arms that allows readers to think for themselves and not because of others allowed this book to flow smoothly and keep the reader invested. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Greetings, readers.

I am Massimo Fantini, an Italian author and free thinker, writing from my home in the hills just outside Bologna. In quiet moments, when I am not writing, I enjoy classical music, particularly orchestral works for violin and the Italian opera.

I graduated from a university in Bologna with a degree in civil engineering. However, the studies of my youth do not represent my life’s obsession—that is, delving into those realities which unite all members of the human race: suffering, frustrations, conflicts, and the human reactions to these. They are the events and forces that take every human as an innocent in the crib and twist and turn them into 8.1 billion unique (but intimately connected) forms.

In short, I am obsessed with exploring the intimate recesses of the human condition.

In 2018, entirely dissatisfied with my job, I sought a new form of expression. Thus, I began to write. Incessantly.

I experimented with many kinds of writing. How best to give my ideas form? Then, I found my voice through stories, giving life to characters who explore, triumph, and fail for us to watch.

In each installment of my Human Condition Trilogy, these same all-encompassing issues are approached from different directions, under different circumstances, and by different characters.

Echoing the sentiment of Heraclitus, no two people may look at the same problem, because it is different to each. From the old cynical Leonard in Concerning Fanaticism to young Tommaso (a character inspired by my own youth) in Concerning Intellectual Suicide, I tried to cast a light on a path that is a constant part of our lives, but also constantly shifting.

Through my writing, I encourage readers to find their own perspective on life. Rather than embracing the comfortable mold which society provides, like a goldfish “free” to swim around in its little bowl, I hope my readers can use my books as a steppingstone toward their own unique way of thinking. And then, I wish them the freedom to pursue it.

Art is wonderful because it is a representation of what we otherwise cannot express. I seek not to provide myself and my readers with a mere distraction (what so often passes for “entertainment”). Not a hole in which to stick our heads for a few hours, only to emerge weakened and even less able to face our reality. Rather, I offer up a representation of our shared condition.

The Human Condition.