Gianni Rodari’s “Gelsomino in the Land of Liars” — now presented in a more complete edition — has been translated directly from the original Italian, restoring the witty rhymed passages that were omitted in many earlier translations. These poetic interludes add a new layer of charm to the tale and bring Rodari’s playful voice even closer to the reader.
Rodari’s signature humor runs through every page of the novella, balancing satire with light-hearted whimsy. The story leaps into action with no preamble, opening instead with a sly nod to its origins:
“This story was told to me by Gelsomino himself…”
