Library Journal: "Benni again unveils his Italian brand of magical realism for readers of English, this time demonstrating a decidedly more political slant than what featured in his previous novel, Margherita Dolce Vita."

Benni again unveils his Italian brand of magical realism for readers of English, this time demonstrating a decidedly more political slant than what featured in his previous novel, Margherita Dolce Vita. While Margherita lamented the intrusions of modern technology on the pastoral Italian lifestyle, Timeskipper focuses on the perceived evils practiced by conservative Italian politicians in the second half of the 20th century. Despite the subject matter, the book is more strongly characterized by the main character, Timeskipper, and his “duoclock,” which was given to him by a filthy elderly man who may or may not be some sort of pagan god. The duoclock enables Timeskipper to see into the future occasionally, a gift he uses to his advantage as his country, small village, and personal life undergo radical changes. With its shifting from the fantastical to the political and its dizzying number of characters, this is not an easy book to follow, and it specializes in an obscure, scatological brand of humor. If your tastes range from impish gnomes to Italian politics, you will enjoy this book more than the average reader. Recommended for large fiction collections.