100 Days Of Happiness by
Fausto Brizzi
It’s December. The month of good cheer and joy. So why would I choose to review a book
that deals with terminal cancer and a diagnosis of 100 days to live for the
main fictional character, Lucio Battistini? Because although it is a sad subject, the book is by no
means tragic. In fact, it is filled with hope, humor and a reminder that “to
live life to the full” is to appreciate thoroughly what you already have.
A best seller in the author’s native Italy, this is Fausto
Brizzi’s first novel, deftly translated by Antony Shugar. Brizzi, an Italian director,
screen-writer and film producer,
structures the novel in a very readable format, counting down the days
from 100, documenting Lucio’s three-month journey, or better called his “adventure”,
to achieve his goals of enjoying the smallest pleasures in life, spending time
with those he loves. His search for happiness lies not in unfulfilled dreams
and ambitions but in appreciating the things in life that he has taken for
granted.
But he also
sets himself the hardest task of all—to earn his wife’s forgiveness.
Told in first person, we meet Lucio, who at the opening of
the book is sleeping on a camp bed in the back room of his father-in-law’s
bakery. Why? Because his wife,
Paola, has thrown him out of their home when she discovers he has had an affair
with one of his clients at the gym where he is a trainer. In spite of this discretion, we find
ourselves sympathizing with this flawed character because realizing the error of
his ways, he is well aware that he has been “a complete moron” with this one
aberration in what has otherwise been a happy marriage. He spends the next 100 days seeking his
wife’s forgiveness, trying to win her love back and to repair what he calls his
“shipwreck” of their marriage. Paola,
not angry or bitter, remains distant and unforgiving, in spite of Lucio’s
diagnosis. We find ourselves hoping she will relent and forgive Lucio. The tension mounts as the day count goes
down.
Lucio also makes every effort to maximize his time with
others dearest to him-his two children, ages six and nine and his life-long
friends Umberto and Corrado. These
colorful characters are developed with such affection, warmth and humor you
find yourself smiling or laughing each time they enter a scene in Lucio’s
heartfelt journey. There is also another constant companion he has come to
accept who he has named my friend Fritz. Yes, he has named his tumor after an
Italian phrase to “describe hypothetical friends you don’t want to name
outright”.
As one reviewer said, “There is so much to love about this
novel.” It is filled with vivid
descriptions of Rome, references to great works of literature and poetry, and
occasional facts about the many inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Some readers might find fault with the premise of the story
saying it is not realistic--Lucio’s acceptance of his fate, refusing treatment
and setting off on a grand adventure.. Others, myself included, are willing to
suspend their disbelief for the sake of a heart-warming story.
This book has been compared to Beckman’s A Man Called Ove, the Swedish novel that
swept across Europe last year. Ove finds solace and purpose in community spirit
and neighborly good deeds after his dear wife’s death. Both books offer us an alternative to
the cynicism and violence our attention is so often drawn to in the world
around us.
As for me, a simple, feel-good narrative with plenty of
gentle humor is exactly what December and a Christmas story should give
us. Oh, one note of caution. You
might find yourself craving a delicious donut by the end of the book. Read on and enjoy this delectable tale.
