Comrade Don Camillo (original 1963; edition 1976)

When Don Camillo (the priest) blackmails Peppone (the Communist mayor and senator) into taking him on a trip to Russia, he finds ways to turn everyone's life upside down. Written in the mid-60's, it is wonderfully insightful about the political situation and about life and religion in general. Unlike the earlier Don Camillo books, this is a novel rather than a series of short sketches. ( ) ( )