Is it possible that at the root of Italy’s problems—delayed public transport, a stagnant economy, the collapse of the public healthcare system, and the overdevelopment of the Ligurian coastline—there lies a single railroad crossing on Via Palombini, in the hamlet of Trecentola Scrigna, in the municipality of Collesarchio, province of Novara?

One of the hilarious stories in this book stars a character who’s absolutely convinced of it—so much so that he calls it “The (Real) Problem of This Country.”

The 34 chapters in this book were originally written as television monologues, later “translated onto paper,” with a more refined rhythm and deeper insights. As the authors put it, the difference lies in “a greater dose of kiss-ass-ery — and in the length.”

So here are surreal tales like the one about retrieving a key that fell through a grate—successfully recovered thanks to the one true expert in “retrieving keys that fall through grates.” Or the story of the spring-loaded trap that crushes the fingertip of an unsuspecting customer trying to pay with his credit card at the mechanic’s.

These are small masterpieces that oscillate between irresistible humor and surprising depth, offering a faithful reflection of the society we live in. Stories that make us laugh at ourselves, reflect on the absurdities of the world around us, and rediscover the beauty of being human.

Do you want to know more about the authors?

Visit Makkox’s page!
Visit Valerio Aprea’s page!