To 'want the moon at the bottom of the well' is an Italian expression to describe reaching for the impossible. Reflected in the well water, the moon seems frustratingly close. Ennio Iacobucci, an illiterate boy from Italy's Abruzzo mountains, uses these words when Derek Wilson, a British reporter, asks him to consider becoming a photographer. Such a transformation is at first unimaginable. Abandoned by both parents, Ennio's spends his childhood as a slave in a monastery, forced to wash dishes and feed pigs to earn his keep. Later, in Rome, his self-esteem is so low and his desperation so great that despite his lust for women he sees no alternative but to prostitute himself. Thanks to Derek's coaching, Ennio's self-confidence soars. Their unlikely partnership takes them to Brussels, London, Paris, Israel and eventually Saigon at the height of the Vietnam War. Within a few short years, Ennio is a Pulitzer prize-nominated photo-reporter. But when the US military withdrawal begins, the fairytale starts to unravel. A true story based on unpublished, firsthand accounts.
The Moon at the Bottom of the Well
and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
What makes a war photographer want to put himself in the line of fire, at risk of being captured, tortured and perhaps killed? The Moon at the Bottom of the Well charts the real life of Ennio Iacobucci, from abandoned child in dirt-poor central Italy, through hustler on the streets of Rome to his rise to become an acclaimed photo-journalist. At the heart of the story is Ennio's relationship with a gay older man, himself a BBC news reporter, and the very different demands the men make on each other. Justin Stares fills this book about everyone's search for love and fulfilment with a strong sense of yearning. It's tragic, funny and fascinating, like all the best life stories.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
And what a privilege it is to enter the world of the infant Ennio Iacobucci, especially when he has become such an articulate adult.
His description of childhood abandonment is heartrending in its sincerity. The early days of his later friend and lover, Derek Wilson, are not described, but we can presume they were equally complex. The author treats the material they have bequeathed to the world with great respect and sensitivity. The reader becomes involved in the urge to explain and justify the story. Such stark honesty is rare and revealing. Well done.
His description of childhood abandonment is heartrending in its sincerity. The early days of his later friend and lover, Derek Wilson, are not described, but we can presume they were equally complex. The author treats the material they have bequeathed to the world with great respect and sensitivity. The reader becomes involved in the urge to explain and justify the story. Such stark honesty is rare and revealing. Well done.
By VanPat
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I found the characters experiences interesting and enjoyed this book, even though I found myself really disliking both Ennio and Derek a lot of the time.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews
3.8 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Moon at the bottom of the Well
Good story. Well worth to down load to kindle. I read a lot of the free books and this one is not a disapointment
Published 1 month ago by Christabell
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Moon at the Bottom of the Well
Easy interesting read. Sad in parts but amusing in others. Although the main character very self absorbed with no real thought for others.
Published 2 months ago by Barli
4.0 out of 5 stars
Show me the Child at Seven
A fascinating account of the climb out of poverty and ultimate self destruction of Ennio Iacobucci, gifted photo journalist. Read more
Published on 15 May 2011 by Jane Fitches
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than fiction...
I loved reading The Moon at the Bottom of the Well, but often had to remind myself that every page is based on the true and real-life story of the country boy, turned international... Read more
Published on 30 Aug 2010 by Brian Donnan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deeply shared lives of real men
A beautifully written exploration of two intimate and extraordinary men from their own diaries and writings. Their story speaks for itself. Read more
Published on 22 July 2010 by alex boswell
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
