Many years ago a book by Primo Levi the famous Holocaust Survivor. I've always remembered it as immensely beautiful what I had forgotten though is that he was also a chemist The book I'm reading now in preparation for our trip to Turin is called the Periodic Table. His background as chemist plays a big role.

The book is, once again terrifically beautiful, and obviously while the background of his life is very sad, the stories themselves are often hopeful. One fun thing is to see the frequent bicycling and trips by bicycle in the book. I especially liked the fictional story around lead. Later there is a chapter around corporate bureaucracy, which was recognizable. Page 161 said: "...the frightening anesthetic power of company papers..." and had a fun story about why there is a slice of onion in the preparation of commercial in linseed oil.

After the House on the Hill this was the second book I read about Turin.

We're going to Turn, Italy, in a few weeks and to get into the mood I checked out a few books from that part of Italy from the library.

This story takes place in 1943 and while it doesn't describe much of the city, it does give good insight into this crucial era for Italy after the fall of the Fascists and the invasion by the Germans of the northern part of the country.

Well written and poetic to read.