This edition, brought to you through the collaboration of Well-Read Mom and Wiseblood Books, pairs the original story with a commentary by the Italian writer, teacher, and Dante expert Franco Nembrini. Well-Read Mom and Wisblood Books are grateful to Word Among Us for joining our endeavor as our publishing and distribution partner.
It is not just about reading “classics”; it’s how you read them that matters.
Pinocchio , by Carlo Collodi, is the third most translated literary work, behind the Bible and The Little Prince. This deceptively simple tale packs a metaphysical punch. Entertaining through and through, the novel also explores the nature of freedom, reason, memory, grace, and sacrifice, ultimately pointing us to discover the meaning of our lives – to become real (authentically human) through love. This tale has nothing to do with “wishing upon a star,” but rather opening your heart to the grace that wounds, heals and saves
In his extraordinary commentary, Franco Nembrini reveals the uncompromising truth at the core of this adventure: we were made by and for God, the Father who loves us and seeks us, who forgives us, and waits patiently for our return to him. We witness this in Geppetto’s sacrificial love, undying despite Pinocchio’s pride and the puppet’s delinquent descent into an underworld of misbehavior before, the great reversal with the prodigal Pinocchio’s saving, acts of love for the man who made him, which quickens his transformation into a real boy at last.
The story of Pinocchio is the story of humanity. Reading Pinocchio alongside this insightful commentary makes the text come alive in a way that is nothing short of remarkable.
“Oh, little fairy, why did you die? Why did I not die instead of you, I who am so wicked, whilst you were so good?...And my papa? Where can he be? Oh, little fairy, tell me where I can find him, for I want to remain with him always and never to leave him again, never again!” (Bk XXIII) - Carlo Collodi
A Note From Well-Read Mom
Several years ago, while visiting friends in Italy, I asked if I could use their computer. In the family’s book-lined back office, one particular book caught my eye: Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio, with notes by Franco Nembrini. Aware of Nembrini’s work on Dante and always more interested in books than checking emails, I was unable to contain my curiosity and pulled Pinocchio off the shelf. Within moments, I was lost in wonder. Surprisingly, the commentary was not for children; it was for me. Somehow, this tale of a wooden puppet illuminated the journey of my life. My friends gave me the book as a gift. I devoured the story— and Nembrini’s accompanying wisdom—on my ten-hour plane ride home to Minnesota. Since then, this story about the adventures of a puppet has continued to be my companion. While Italians know this beloved novel well, most Americans are only vaguely familiar with children’s versions of the tale and have never read the original classic. I hope you discover—as was the case for me—that you didn’t just find the book. The book found you. – Marcie Stokman, founder of Well-Read Mom
The Well-Read Mom edition of Pinocchio with Reflections on a Father’s Love is a rare gem because we are presenting Carlo Collodi’s original tale alongside extensive reflections made available in English for the first time by Franco Nembrini. Nembrini focuses his reflections on Geppetto’s love for Pinocchio and, in doing so, unveils tremendous depth to this story. When we discovered these reflections in Italian, we knew it would be a perfect choice for the Year of the Father.
Here is a sneak peak at some themes brought to light by this amazing, new commentary:
- The metaphysical context of Pinocchio and the deeply Catholic culture in which it was written.
- The original ending of Pinocchio was amended. Learn who revolted against the proposed ending and how it was changed.
- Good and evil are at the heart of our (fallen) existence – learning to recognize each, and to courageously choose between them, is the only true education.
- The need for memory and reason along our human journey.
- Virtue is not just choosing the good in bits but becoming good over time.
- Discover, like Pinocchio, what your life is for.
"Obedience is the ability to recognize that things are what they are, in a way not decided by me, and that, if I want to enjoy life I have to make the effort to take stock of things, in obedience to the circumstances, to go see the goodness inside them. Pinocchio will not understand this point until the end of the story." - Franco Nembrini
About the Authors
Carlo Collodi
Franco Nembrini
Franco Nembrini is dedicated to furthering the education of youth, and has been constantly involved in educational initiatives. He helped found a private school in Calcinate and has served in various advisory capacities on educational commissions, particularly those serving Catholic schools. He has been a member of the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life since October 2018.
