Despite his Fascist affiliations, Malaparte's literary prowess earned him a diverse set of admirers, including Che Guevara and Milan Kundera, although his political history also led to significant backlash.

Malaparte's life and writings illustrate the paradox of a writer whose talents thrived under the Fascist regime, raising questions about the relationship between artistry and ideology.

His book 'Coup d'État: The Technique of Revolution' gained notoriety for its analysis of political power, though it faced criticism for its flawed understandings of historical events and figures.

A recent revival of Malaparte's works and a new biography have sparked discussions about his relevance and the complexities of his legacy as both a writer and a political figure.

Curzio Malaparte, originally named Kurt Suckert, was an Italian writer and journalist known for his controversial relationship with Fascism and Mussolini's regime.

In 1925, liberal writer Piero Gobetti cautioned Malaparte that aligning with the Fascists was a waste of his talent, yet he ultimately became a key propagandist for Mussolini.

During World War II, Malaparte served as a war correspondent, employing surrealist techniques to document the conflict's brutality, producing notable works such as 'The Volga Rises in Europe,' 'Kaputt,' and 'The Skin.'

After the war, he switched allegiances, working with the U.S. Army and later writing critically about the American occupation of Italy in 'The Skin.'

Malaparte's writings often displayed a fascination with both the powerful and the powerless, revealing a complex character who navigated between high society and the lower classes.

He was known for his meticulous personal grooming and lifestyle choices, reflecting both vanity and a complex relationship with his own identity.