The Cloven Viscount

by Italo Calvino
The Cloven Viscount cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Fantasy
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  • ID: 11547
  • Added: 2026-03-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780544130098
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2012-10-26
  • Reviews: 3

In the seventeenth century, the Viscount Medardo of Terralba is bisected by a cannonball during a battle against the Turks. Miraculously, both halves survive, each pursuing a distinct path. One half becomes a cruel and lavish ruler, while the other returns as a virtuous knight. Their differing lifestyles and ideologies lead to a complex rivalry, especially when they both fall for the same woman. This fantastical novella by Italo Calvino explores themes of good and evil, love and obsession, and the consequences of division. Calvino's unique storytelling blends the macabre with the whimsical, creating a darkly humorous and thought-provoking narrative. The Cloven Viscount is a delightful and bizarre exploration of human nature, presented in a style that is both engaging and unsettling.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2026-03-10
disappointing 3.00

The novella did not match the beauty of Invisible Cities or the originality of Cosmicomics. Only one line made the reader laugh, highlighting a lack of consistent humor.

The reviewer found The Cloven Viscount to be a disappointment compared to other works by Italo Calvino. They appreciated the unique premise but felt it lacked the depth and originality of his other works. The humor was sparse, with only one line standing out, which made the overall reading experience less engaging. The reviewer acknowledged the novella's strengths but felt it fell short of expectations.

Quick quotes

    The novella fell short of Invisible Cities' beauty and Cosmicomics' mind-bending originality.

    Only one line really made me laugh, and that was the part in which...

    The Cloven Viscount is a fantastic novella about a Viscount who is exactly as the name implies – cloven.

Hardcover · Fee · 2023-07-20
engaging 4.50

The book is hugely thought-provoking and dark, with moments of humor that are laugh-out-loud funny. The reviewer found it to be a unique and engaging read.

Fee described The Cloven Viscount as a hugely thought-provoking and often very dark book. They appreciated the moments of humor that were laugh-out-loud funny, which added to the overall enjoyment of the read. The reviewer found the book to be unique and engaging, highlighting Calvino's ability to blend dark themes with humorous elements. They enjoyed the novella for its originality and the way it kept them engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

    A hugely thought-provoking and often very dark book but, in keeping with the theme, laugh out loud funny in places.

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Sloopie72's Blog · Sloopie72 · 2013-12-13
entertaining 4.00

The book is thought-provoking and dark, with moments of humor that align with its themes. The reviewer found it unique and entertaining.

Sloopie72 found The Cloven Viscount to be a deeply thought-provoking and often dark book. They appreciated the humor that was interwoven with the darker themes, making it a unique and entertaining read. The reviewer highlighted Calvino's skill with words and the novella's ability to engage the reader with its fantastical elements. Overall, they enjoyed the book for its originality and the way it balanced dark and humorous elements.

Quick quotes

    There is never a moonlit night but wicked ideas in evil souls writhe like serpents in nests, and charitable ones sprout lilies of...

    I enjoyed the work because it was unique and entertaining and Calvino has skill using words.

    However, if I step back and consider the novella in...

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