One, Nobody and a Hundred Thousand , by Luigi Pirandello, is a very unique novel by the Italian author, and we can read it in Catalan thanks to editions of the ela geminada , with translation by Marina Laboreo. It is a philosophical novel that puts on the table a universal theme: identity and the perception that others have of us.

The starting point is surprisingly banal. The protagonist, Vitangelo Moscarda, realizes that he has a crooked nose. When his wife confirms it to him and, in passing, adds a whole list of defects that he had never seen, his life is turned upside down. He suddenly realizes that the image he has of himself does not coincide with that of others, and even more: each one sees him in a different way.

This discovery triggers a series of reflections on identity. Are we who we think we are, or are we what others project onto us? Can we be the same person to everyone? Or are we "one" to ourselves, "nobody" when we try to reconcile all the versions, and "a hundred thousand" because each look recreates us in a different way?

Pirandello: between narrative and theater

Reading One, Nobody and a Hundred Thousand is a peculiar experience. Although it is presented as a novel, at many moments it seems more like a theatrical monologue. Pirandello, who was also a playwright and won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1934, knows how to transfer to the text the rhythm and intensity of the spoken word on stage.

This can be disconcerting to the reader (it disconcerted me, wow). Rather than a plot full of dialogue and action, we find a long speech full of banter. But when you get into the game, the book has an indisputable strength.

A thought-provoking read

I must admit that at times it has confused me, but I have also been captivated by its ability to make me reflect. After all, it is a work that shakes the way we understand ourselves. What are we, really? Our own image? The reflection we project? Or a sum of all perceptions? The ending (don't worry, I won't spoil it for you) is coherent with this entire journey and gives meaning to the protagonist's trajectory.

One, Nobody and a Hundred Thousand is not an easy or quick read. If you are looking for a classic plot with action and characters, it may put you off. If, on the other hand, you are attracted to works that question identity and you like to be challenged by philosophy, this is a highly recommended read.