This was a ghostly story. I was never sure how real the characters were; it verged on magical realism. It is hard for 21st Americans to understand the sense of loss experienced by aristocratic families as the times made their way of life superfluous. But living in a time of rapid change, as we do now, it is something we should be sympathetic to, even if we think it needed to happen. ( )

This was a book that I came to via a culinary program on BBC4 that sought to recreate some of the meals described in the novel. It was an absolutely terrific read, the best book I have read in a while. The historical content was interesting without becoming tedious, and the characters, principally Don Fabrizio (The Leopard himself), were wonderfully imagined/remembered. The book really managed to evoke time and place incredibly vividly, and Lampedusa clearly understood his historical surroundings very clearly. The elaborate use of metaphors was very interesting, and masterfully carried out. My favorite part was most definitely Part VII, and all the sections with Berdico, the Prince's faithful dog. The only disappointment for me was the final chapter, Relic's, which seemed a little less powerful than the rest, functioning as I saw it more as a coda than a climax to the novel. The accompanying Appendix and Forward in my edition were very enlightening, and revealed some interesting details about the author, and his work. I would very much like to read the novel in the original Italian, as I believe (as is suggested in the Translators Note) that in the language in which it was conceived it would be even more exquisite. All things considered, a truly great book. ( )

An absorbing tale of passion and atmosphere. It is a beautiful description of the Sicilian way of life. ( )

Set in the 1860's and the times are changing, but not in the Sicily of Don Fabrizio, the Prince of Salina, commonly known as The Leopard. He is definitely "old school" but has the grace and dignity to let the new ways in without taking over. Those new ways are embraced by his earnest nephew Tancredi of whom Fabriziio is strangely fond. He even encourages his marriage to the rich and beautiful Angelica, despite her dubious background. I was greatly amused by the imagery of "swallowing the toad" as he and Angelica's father work out the details of the marriage contract.

Lampedusa writes beautifully of his ancestors and provides many vivid descriptions of palaces, balls, the land and people -- aristocrats and peasants alike. Many details of everyday life are painstakingly portrayed while at the same time the historical significance is conveyed. Prince Fabrizio refuses to take a political role in the reunified country and is subdued by nostalgia for the old ways even as the new regime takes over. However, he is a true Sicilian in that his vanity and pride in his country is stronger than his misery. ( )

The Leopard is a lush series of vignettes set at the birth of a united Italy beginning in the 1860s. Its author, Guiseppe di Lampedusa, is the great grandson of Sicilian Prince Don Fabrizio, also know as "The Leopard" and the main character of the novel.

The novel captures the slow, sensual, sun-baked world of Sicily as characters maneuver to find love and happiness and preserve their way of life. Things move slowly and people change only reluctantly, understanding that "things must change in order to stay the same." The author uses the story to help readers place the Sicilian worldview in the context of the landscape and its history. The prince languidly discusses the coming political changes as the story moves forward. He confides his antipathy toward change to his ambitious nephew. He listens to the reasoned emotions of his faithful retainer who prefers royal generosity. He sees the opportunity for characters like the greedy mayor of the small town where his estates are located. His final decision on where to secure his place in the new regime gives the reader some insights into the politics of another time and culture.

In structuring the book, the author makes interesting choices about how to organize the chronological progression of events and what to include and exclude. For me the book started slowly but built in intensity and ended with a satisfying but unconventional resolution. ( )