The Animal Gazer

-A lightly told literary tour-de-force based upon the bizarre and singular life story of an early 20th century artist-Rembrandt Bugatti-who is gaining increasing renown. Bugatti’s brother is the founder of the celebrated auto manufacturer.

-Bugatti’s sculptures sell for millions at auction and are on view in the world’s leading museums. One of his most original works was the silver elephant mascot atop the radiator of the legendary Bugatti Royale luxury car.

-Bugatti is known for his sculptures of animals; one of the influences on his work was the decision during World War II made by Belgian authorities to kill all animals in the Antwerp Zoo, to prevent their haphazard slaughter by the German air force.

-This novel is an attractive title for history buffs and art lovers, along with being simply a fantastic work of literary fiction from one of Italy’s finest writers.