Vincenzo Latronico, an Italian author, explores modern identity through his latest novel 'Perfection,' which draws inspiration from Georges Perec's 'Things.' The story, set in Berlin, follows digital creatives grappling with contemporary relationships and self-perception shaped by online imagery. Latronico's intention in rewriting Perec was not merely to recreate but to address his struggles during a creative block, turning a personal exercise into a broader commentary on millennials' lives. With a unique narrative style focused on detailed descriptions over dialogue, Latronico presents a poignant reflection on how our environments and digital cultures shape our identities.
I didn't want to write a smug satire about the superficiality of millennial life—it’s my life!
It was almost a way to keep my mental health in lockdown. I thought: OK, you're not managing to write anything creative, so just pedantically rewrite Perec.
I was trained by reviewing for the art magazine Frieze. I'd be giving my opinion on works of art and my editor would say: No: describe the pieces in detail.
I read Things and immediately saw parallels. Perec was trying to describe the life of someone whose identity is defined by their relationship to objects.
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