There is Jessica, who's a bit of a slut. Claudio, who rocks designer threads and snorts lots of cocaine. Then there's Tony, cruising in his Porsche, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind him. And don't forget Max, the high society hustler with secrets to spare. This novel isn't just a story - it's a snapshot of a generation. From endless nights at the disco to aimless days spent scrolling through social media and pretending to study, it's a journey into the desperate heart of youth. Pier Francesco Grasselli, acclaimed Italian author, paints a vivid picture of modern life in his debut novel. With 25 books under his belt, Grasselli's storytelling prowess is unmatched. "Last Cuba Libre", a best-seller in Italy, is a must-read, hailed by critics as "the portrait of a generation" and "a tough novel.""Last Cuba Libre" by Pier Francesco Grasselli is a novel that offers a raw and unfiltered view of the lives of a young, affluent generation that is deeply disillusioned and lost. The book follows the stories of characters like Leo, Tony, Claudio, Jessica, and Max, who are immersed in a world filled with nightclubs, drugs, sex, and violence. The plot is a merciless portrayal of the decadence and existential emptiness that characterize their lives, where luxury and excess fail to fill their sense of void (Recensioniyoungadult) (Libreria Universitaria).
ThemeThe central theme of the book is the moral decay and existential void of wealthy youth. The main characters are trapped in a spiral of self-destruction fueled by drugs, promiscuous sex, and violence. The novel explores power dynamics, the superficiality of relationships, and the lack of genuine values, painting a bleak yet realistic picture of contemporary reality (Recensioniyoungadult) (Libreria Universitaria).
StyleGrasselli's style is direct and uncompromising, with explicit language that leaves nothing to the imagination. The narration is intense and engaging, capable of transporting the reader into the dark intricacies of the protagonists' lives. The choice of a raw language and detailed descriptions of extreme situations make the book a "punch in the stomach," hard to forget (Recensioniyoungadult) (Libreria Universitaria).
Audience"Last Cuba Libre" appeals to both young readers, who can easily see themselves reflected in the pages of the novel, and to an adult audience, particularly those interested in social issues and criticism of contemporary youth. It is a book that can attract readers who appreciate works of social denunciation and realistic narrative, similar to those of Bret Easton Ellis (Libreria Universitaria).
SalesPublished by Ugo Mursia Editore, the book has gained significant popularity, especially among young readers and fans of contemporary Italian literature. It is often compared to the works of international authors for its ability to mercilessly represent the reality of today's youth (Libreria Universitaria).
CriticismThe novel has received mixed reactions from critics. Some have appreciated the realism and sincerity of the narration, praising Grasselli for his courage in tackling such controversial themes. Others, however, have found the book excessively raw and disturbing, feeling that the representation of the characters' lives was too negative and depressing (Recensioniyoungadult) (IBS Libreria).
In summary, "Last Cuba Libre" is a work that leaves a profound impact, inviting the reader to reflect on the drifts of contemporary society and the price of superficiality and excess.