The geometry of equality: Antonio Tabucchi and the civil dimension

Abstract

Antonio Tabucchi is the first to declare that his work is neither political nor confrontationist but existential in essence and, despite occasional impressions or misunderstandings we may have, it is not difficult to believe him. His undeniable liking for the anarchic tradition and for those who reject the ruling powers, as is seen in Piazza d'Italia and in Sostiene Pereira, where the protagonist revolts against Salazarian fascism, is always set in contexts in which the pleasure of story-telling or crises of conscience transform politics into one of many elements that form part of each person's life and determine the nature of how we live with ourselves and with others.