{"title":"Monica Cantieni","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the collection of works by the talented author, Monica Cantieni. An esteemed voice in General Fiction, Cantieni captivates readers with her ability to weave compelling narratives that resonate with authenticity and emotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of her most notable works, \u003cem\u003eThe Encyclopaedia of Good Reasons\u003c\/em\u003e, presents a poignant and imaginative exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the human condition. Her storytelling is characterised by vivid imagery and profound insights, drawing readers into the unique worlds she creates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a long-time fan or new to her work, Monica Cantieni's books are sure to offer an enriching reading experience. Dive into her narratives and discover stories that linger long after the last page is turned.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-encyclopaedia-of-good-reasons-by-monica-cantieni-9780857428363","title":"The Encyclopaedia of Good Reasons","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'My father bought me from the council for 365 francs,' recalls the narrator in Monica Cantieni's novel \u003ci\u003eThe Encyclopaedia of Good Reasons\u003c\/i\u003e. She's a young girl, an immigrant to Switzerland whose adoption is yet to be finalised. When she finally moves into her new home with her new family, she recounts her days in the orphanage and how starkly different her life is now. Her new community speaks German, a language foreign to her, and she collects words and phrases in matchboxes. Though her relationship with her adoptive parents is strained, she bonds with her adoptive grandfather Tat, and together they create the eponymous 'Encyclopaedia of Good Reasons'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSet in the time of the crucial 1970 Swiss referendum on immigration, Monica Cantieni introduces us to a host of colourful characters who struggle to make Switzerland their home: Eli, the Spanish bricklayer; Toni, the Italian factory worker with movie star looks; Madame Jelisaweta, the Yugoslav hairdresser; and Milena, the mysterious girl in the wardrobe. This is a book with a very warm heart, and rarely has a young girl's narrative been at once so uproariously hilarious and so deeply moving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAt the heart of this quirky and good-natured novel is a serious political issue— that of immigration to Switzerland.' - Lizzy Siddal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Encyclopaedia of Good Reasons\u003c\/i\u003e by Monica Cantieni is just as much a thought-provoking novella as it is a quick and entertaining read. Despite its setting in a recent past, it's a sociocritical work dealing with several highly topical themes in a way as I like it, i.e. with great understanding and without being in the least schoolmasterly. I enjoyed reading this novella from Switzerland immensely and finished it in only one go. And of course, I recommend it warmly! - \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eEdith's Miscellany\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46716483436780,"sku":"9780857428363","price":42.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7209163482493.jpg?v=1754427287"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/monica-cantieni.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}