A Man of Few Words (Paperback)

Paperback. Nobody knows how much I owe that man, Primo Levi said of the bricklayer who saved his life at Auschwitz. I could never repay him. Levi was referring to Lorenzo Perrone, who for six months risked his own life to smuggle food, letters and clothing to Levi, providing him with the sustenance he needed to survive.In A Man of Few Words, Carlo Greppi pieces together the life of Perrone, a near destitute labourer with little formal education. Despite their stark differences, Levi and Perrones friendship survived the Holocaust and continued until Perrones tragic death. As Perrone withdrew from the world, Levi tried persistently to preserve the memory of this man of few words who had saved his life, but who left few traces of his own behind.This is a universal story about an individual who kept hope alive in one of the darkest times and places known to manGreppis biography of this elusive figure is intriguingGreppi suggests that Perrones untutored altruism answers the deepest question of Levis oeuvre: what it means to be human. Because Perrones solidarity had neither motive nor reason. It was simply instinctive. And theres something beautifully poetic in the fact that such instinct was revealed through a man who was so simple and so troubled. The ObserverGreppis biography, from start to finish a marvel of sympathetic insight, is a valuable addition to Levis writings on the human infamy that was Auschwitz. Times Literary SupplementThis is a great book: scrupulously researched and superbly written. Ian ThomsonA thoroughly moving read. Out of utter degradation, this inspiring story emerges to remind us that the spark of human decency can never be crushed. Julia BoydA story for all stories: Greppi has rescued it from oblivion.Inch by inch, Lorenzo Perrone has taken a little bit of evil out of the world Rolling StoneSheds light on an unsung heroa fluent retelling The Jewish ChronicleLevis greatest piece of luck in Auschwitz was meeting Lorenzo, who kept him alive when he was hanging on to life by a thread. Literary Review A Man of Few Words tells the remarkable true story of Lorenzo Perrone, the humble bricklayer who saved Primo Levis life in Auschwitz by secretly sharing food. Carlo Greppi traces Perrones quiet heroism and lasting friendship with Levi in this moving portrait of courage, dignity and enduring human connection. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…