This is an all new version of the popular PARALLEL TEXT series, containing eight pieces of contemporary fiction in the original Italian and in English translation. Including stories by Calvino, Benni, Sciascia and Levi, this volume gives a fascinating insight into Italian culture and literature as well as providing an invaluable educational tool. Introduction vii The Long Crossing Leonardo Sciascia (1921-89) 1(14) Avril Bardoni Italy Goffredo Parise (1929--86) 15(14) Nick Roberts The Girl with the Plait Dacia Maraini (1936--) 29(14) Sharon Wood The Last Channel Italo Calvino (1923--87) 43(14) Tim Parks Lilith Primo Levi (1919--87) 57(14) Ruth Feldman The Island of Komodo Susanna Tamaro (1957--) 71(24) Charles Caroe Chris Roberts Women by the Pool Sandra Petrignani (1952--) 95(14) Sharon Wood A Naughty Schoolboy Stefano Benni (1947--) 109(18) Nick Roberts Saturday Afternoons Antonio Tabucchi (1943--) 127(42) Edward Williams Notes on Italian texts 169(6) Acknowledgements 175