Lu Bummulu Racconta Selinunte 628. A.C.

Loved it Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2025 A touching and beautifully illustrated journey through ancient Sicily Lu Bummularu racconta Selinos is a poetic and heartfelt story that blends history, adventure, and art. Through the eyes of young Obelius, a talented potter, we follow the journey of Greek settlers as they found the city of Selinunte. Each chapter begins with a moving poem in Sicilian and Italian, setting the emotional tone of the story. The combination of historical detail, colorful illustrations, and lyrical writing makes this book both educational and enjoyable. It's a perfect read for anyone curious about Sicily’s past, especially its Greek roots. A lovely tribute to tradition, resilience, and craftsmanship.

A touching and beautifully illustrated journey through ancient Sicily Lu Bummularu racconta Selinos is a poetic and moving story that blends history, adventure, and art. Through the eyes of young Obelius, a talented ceramist, we follow the journey of the Greek colonists as they discover the city of Selinunte. Each chapter begins with a touching poem in Sicilian and Italian, which sets the emotional tone of the story. The combination of historical details, colorful illustrations, and lyrical writing makes this book both informative and enjoyable. It's a perfect read for anyone curious about Sicily's past, especially its Greek roots. A delightful tribute to tradition, resilience, and craftsmanship.

An intriguing and interesting premise — but the book would shine brighter with a good edit! Vanessa Edwords 5 stars Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 July 2025 This book, "Lu Bummularu" The potter tells us the story of Selinunte 628 B.C., has an intriguing and interesting premise — a slice of early Sicilian history is seen through the lens of a young craftsman and the artisanal pottery product he makes, a ‘bummulu’ or vase. Or perhaps ‘jar’ would be a more natural translation … which bring me to one of my criticisms. But first, the positives. "Lu Bummularu" does what it says on the tin (or jar …) and traces a rich narrative around the founding of the Greek city Selinunte in Sicily, described by the young Obelius whose family sail from Megara Nisea in Greece to launch a new city-state. The journey — both literal and metaphorical — is vividly described with much information on many topics from olive harvesting to quarrying to rubbish collection. The narrativ...

History made simple, beatiful and memorable Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2025 A very beautiful historical short story springs from the pages of this book. Mr. Spano has managed to create an unforgettable, immersive tale that pulls you in and shares the beauty of Sicily and the Mediterranean Sea. I already knew that the Ancient Greeks colonized southern Italy, possibly even before the Latin tribes arrived. This book dives into that fascinating time, telling the story of a young boy named Obelius from his perspective. He's a young craftsman who creates a special piece of pottery that is passed down for generations, even reaching the 20th century. The language is simple and clear, making it perfect for children, teens, and young students - especially those who might not enjoy traditional history books. Despite usually preferring dry facts and detailed analysis, I still really enjoyed this. There's a quiet, mysterious beauty to the story, and it's written with...

Roger12 5.0 out of 5 stars Verified Purchase a poetic voyage to ancient Selinunte Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2025 First of all, author Rocco Spano has created a wonderfully immersive atmosphere - whether through the gentle illustrations, the poetic openings to each chapter, or his clear and engaging prose. I genuinely felt like I was walking the ancient streets of Selinunte, feeling the sea breeze, and playing alongside the local children. One thing that briefly pulled me out of the historical setting was the use of the modern metric system (like kilometers), which didn't exist in Ancient Greece. But perhaps this is part of the author's unique stylistic blend - merging poetry, storytelling, and educational content in a way that makes the book both accessible and multidimensional. I also appreciated how the book weaves historical facts with fiction. Obelius's journey from Megara to Sicily, the founding of Selinunte, and the emphasis on community and d...

A Love Letter to Sicily: A Must-Read for Island Dreamers Prepare to be utterly captivated! This remarkable book about Sicily is more than just an account; it's an immersive journey into the heart and soul of this breathtaking island. The author possesses a rare gift for weaving together the rich tapestry of Sicilian history and the island's undeniable beauty, painting a vivid picture that leaps off the page. From ancient ruins whispering tales of bygone eras to the sun-drenched landscapes that have beckoned travelers for centuries, this book masterfully captures the very essence of why Sicily has always been, and continues to be, a sanctuary. It's the kind of book that becomes a cherished companion, difficult to put down as you eagerly turn each page. Beyond its engaging narrative, this work serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the historical significance and enduring allure of Sicily. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or simply dream...

The potter tells us the story of Selinunte 628 B.C. The peculiarity of the book lies in the fact that each chapter is introduced with a poem, which is a nice peculiarity and makes an impact on the reader due to its short nature. A way that splits between short story, poem and novel. Another striking feature are the illustrations inserted throughout the story. The story is set in the happy and glorious period of ancient Greece in 628 B.C. in Selinunte and speaks about an object made by the young craftsman Obelius. An object handed down until the 1960s. Bummulu comes from the Greek word 'bombùlion' meaning vase. It would therefore be the story of the creation of a simple container to keep water and wine cool and the adventure of life in Selinunte. It is a sea voyage from Greece to Sicily, where Obelius with his family and other Megareans set up a new colony under the name of Selinos. This name is due to the smell of celery when arriving there. A fictional tale that describes t...