Which Primo Levi to start?

[Mrsemcgregor]

Hello! I want to read some Primo Levi but don't know what would be the best of his books to start with? Thanks

Hi, obviously this is a very subjective decision but personally I think If This Is A Man would be a good place to start.
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Hope this helps!

Personally, I'd go for 'If not now, when?' (But I don't think I have a good reason for that.)

Periodic Table is a collection of short stories vaguely related to the elements (Primo Levi was a chemist). Might be a good starting point.

Haha, I love this! Three responses and three different books
Doesn't help you much though.

If This Is a Man

If This is a Man.

His experience in the camp informed everything he did.

Probably the most powerful book I ever read.

Yes if this is a man to start with. The drowned and the saved also but that was his last book I think

It doesn't matter, they don't go in order.
They're harrowing and memorable, you won't want to race through everything he ever wrote so read one then, when you feel ready, try another.

Thank you all. I will start with If This is a Man.

I have a weird feeling of not really looking forward to reading them but knowing I want to. I don't think I have ever felt like that before.

If This is a Man is book you would regret not reading. But it is brutal to do so.

Definitely If This is a Man. Saying that, they're all exquisitely (if harrowing) written.

It is a devastating book. Only start it when you feel somewhat emotionally resilient, if you know what I mean. My grandparents and family were in Sachsenhausen and I feel like a know a tiny, tiny bit of what they'd experienced. If This Is A Man is such an important book and so timely. I wish you strength and fortitude during the reading.

Thank you Ghost I picked it up in the charity book shop today but am saving it for sunnier days.