The Hoax

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century upheaval, the narrative explores themes of illusion and self-deception through the life of Mario Samigli, a disillusioned septuagenarian writer. As he clings to his dreams through fables, a traveling salesman tricks him into believing that his long-forgotten novel will be published, igniting a misguided pursuit of fame. This leads to neglect of his ailing brother and an inevitable confrontation with reality, illustrating the pitfalls of impractical aspirations in a pragmatic world.