In 'Ask the Dust', John Fante weaves a passionate tale of love and aspiration set against the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles. The protagonist, Arturo Bandini, is a struggling Italian-American writer battling poverty and his own demons. His tumultuous relationship with the enigmatic Mexican waitress Camilla adds depth to his turbulent journey. As he navigates the harsh realities of life and the intoxicating allure of ambition, Fante beautifully captures the essence of dreams and despair. Will Bandini find the success he yearns for, or will the unforgiving dust of the city consume him?
By John Fante
Published: 2006
"I had to go find my own life, to tear the world apart and build a new one, because nothing is as it seems and nothing is ever certain."
Ask the Dust is a virtuoso performance by an influential master of the twentieth-century American novel. It is the story of Arturo Bandini, a young writer in 1930s Los Angeles who falls hard for the elusive, mocking, unstable Camilla Lopez, a Mexican waitress. Struggling to survive, he perseveres until, at last, his first novel is published. But the bright light of success is extinguished when Camilla has a nervous breakdown and disappears . . . and Bandini forever rejects the writer's life he fought so hard to attain.
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“I had to go find my own life, to tear the world apart and build a new one, because nothing is as it seems and nothing is ever certain.”
Ask the Dust
By John Fante
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John Fante (1909-1983) was an American novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter, renowned for his impactful contributions to American Literature. Best known for his semi-autobiographical novel 'Ask the Dust,' Fante's works often explore themes of identity, family, and the struggles of the immigrant experience in America. His writing style is marked by a raw, passionate prose and a deeply personal tone, reflecting his own experiences as the son of Italian immigrants. Other notable works include 'Wait Until Spring, Bandini,' and 'The Road to Los Angeles.' Fante's influence can be seen in the works of contemporary authors, and he is celebrated for his unflinching honest portrayal of life's complexities.
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