The Paradox of Curzio Malaparte: Fascist Propagandist, Literary Icon, and Complex Legacy

July 2, 2025
The Paradox of Curzio Malaparte: Fascist Propagandist, Literary Icon, and Complex Legacy
  • 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.

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Curzio Malaparte’s Shock Tactics

The New Yorker • Jul 2, 2025

Curzio Malaparte’s Shock Tactics

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