THE HOUSEKEEPER

I finally read La governante (The Housekeeper) by Csaba Dalla Zorza, published by Marsilio, thanks to Tania.

I was really very curious.

I have been following Csaba Dalla Zorza since the days of Il mondo di Csaba – Csaba’s world because her style struck me immediately.

After many cookery and lifestyle books, La governante is her first novel and, contrary to what we might assume, it is the fulfilment of a long-held dream. 

She herself has stated several times that she would love to work as a housekeeper, so it is natural to assume that the book is not only the fulfilment of a desire, but also the story of it.

In reality, this is not exactly the case.

While reading, I had a constant feeling that I was visualising Csaba removing a long series of pebbles from a pair of suede Mary Janes in autumn colours.

Have you ever expressed discomfort, vented your feelings, or lifted a weight off your shoulders?

How did you communicate?

Another perception I had was a sort of disbelief regarding the acknowledgements page, because while reading I had the impression that The Housekeeper was the result of deep but individual commitment.

La governante is undoubtedly a celebration of perfection personified.

But… ‘perfect people don’t fight, don’t lie, don’t make mistakes and don’t exist.’

Apparently Aristotle hadn’t read La governante…

Joking aside, perhaps I’m just jealous, since I’m drowning in my multitude of flaws, but doesn’t too much perfection risk becoming tiresome?