broken fountain review

Thomas Belmonte’s Broken Fountain is a powerful book that largely shows the struggle and life of the poor class. It gives a strong sense of urban life through the history of a Neapolitan neighborhood. However, it goes beyond that. There is much more to it than just a sandy street and dilapidated buildings. There is much more to it than poor people strolling and families overflowing with excitement. There is an underlying theme of humanity, of justice and injustice, that the reader cannot help but be moved by.

The images are strong and bring the book to life. The reader gets a real feel for what it’s like to be in the neighborhood. The description of buildings and people captivates minds and brings to light a world of humanity. Whether on the streets or in the houses themselves, the reader feels that he now has some experience in this uncomfortable world, even if they are so far from his location. The Naples setting does not distract from this either. It gives us not only a look at Italy, but at the whole world. One could apply such difficulties and feelings across the spectrum of humanity.

His interpretation of people is unique and moving. He doesn’t brush them aside as poor and gives us little glimpses into their lives. It allows the reader to live as oneself and experience what is meant to be experienced in this story. From acts of theft and abuse to pain, sadness and a lot of fear, he captures it all so intricately in the characters and creatures in a setting that the reader is so entranced that he almost becomes a character.

The insight and depth provided by the author is a large part of the book’s accomplishment. The willingness to open their soul and become one with the story allows the audience to feel that they know this person, that they have a better understanding of this life and story. The emotions, the actions, the unsaid things come together and give life to the words. There is so much to the topic, and so many topics to follow. It is not only a book about the poor, but it is a book about family and friends, about economics and civilization, about social structure and conditions, about Italy, and most importantly, about humanity.

It is clear to understand from its reading how it is a classic for the study of anthropology and sociology. A classic story of human survival and resistance, The Broken Fountain transcends beyond a simple work of literature and becomes a story of human depth in spirit and body. Not only do we get information about the author and the neighborhood he brings to life, but the audience gets to know themselves. Through this, they look at their own life and are simply touched by the pure human being shown in a book.