Three collections of comic and warrior stories: The Republic gives Benni

The Italian newspaper La Repubblica has begun distributing free collections of stories written by comedian and writer Stefano Benni, nearly a year after his death on September 9, 2025. The initiative started on August 17 with three stories drawn from Benni’s works, including Bar Sport, Bar Sport 2000, and Il bar sotto il mare. These selections were made available to readers in the newspaper’s edition, marking the beginning of a tribute to Benni’s literary legacy through his surreal and satirical narratives. On August 17, the first volume offered to readers was a preview of Cari mostri, featuring the character of Mitch, a feline detective investigating a series of brutal “cat murders.” Benni blended elements of horror, noir, and police procedural into his absurdist storytelling. Other stories included Povero Nos, which depicted the vampire Nosferatu struggling with bureaucratic red tape, and Il mercante, a tale about an arms dealer facing a crisis due to the near-extinction of humanity caused by war. By August 18, the focus shifted to L’ultima lacrima, another collection of Benni’s work. One notable story, Fratello bancomat, written in 1994, presented a surreal dialogue between a man named Piero and an AI-equipped ATM that knows everything about him. This story highlighted Benni’s ability to blend absurdity with social commentary. Another piece, Re capriccio, parodied former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, while La vergine del Moscato criticized disrespectful tourists who commit a sacrilegious theft. On August 19, the final installment featured three stories from La grammatica di Dio, a book Benni described as “a circus of virtues and vices, a cacophony of men and commonplaces, where silent heroes and loud charlatans of survival and oppression find their place.” The book, published in 2007, had the subtitle Storie di solitudine e allegria (Stories of Solitude and Joy). Among the stories were Dottor Zero, exploring cynical dynamics in mass entertainment, and La strega, following a protagonist unable to adapt to modern society. A standout piece, Lezione sotto il mare, told an ecological fable about a wise sperm whale teaching young whales the classics and life lessons beneath the Pacific Ocean. Benni’s work spanned five decades, starting with Bar Sport in 1976. His stories often reflected societal issues through humor and satire, capturing the essence of contemporary life. He used absurd scenarios to highlight deeper truths, infusing his tales with civic spirit and profound insight. His contributions left an indelible mark on Italian literature, offering readers both laughter and reflection. The distribution of these stories continues to honor Benni’s legacy, allowing readers to revisit his unique perspective on the world. Each selection offers a glimpse into the mind of a writer who transformed everyday observations into extraordinary narratives. As the weeks progress, more volumes will be released, ensuring that Benni’s voice remains accessible to new and existing readers alike.