A short novel set in the Dunes, South of ROME, LAZIO

29th September 2026

The Old Man By The Sea by Domenico Starnone, a short novel set in the Dunes, South of Rome, LAZIO

TR: Oonagh Stransky

Nico is 82, he has rented a property in the Dunes, South of Rome and during the day he parks a chair by the sea and observes the comings and goings of the locals.

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This is a reflective story as the protagonist, Nico, searches for meaning in his latter years, retracing events and pondering people who have played a significant part in his life. He has a curious modus operandi and engages with individuals in unusual ways. He drops a 50 Euro note for a metal detectorist to find, who responds with mixed feelings. He buys clothes for a young woman, which actually can feel marginally creepy. He buys an inflatable kayak for himself and drives a hard bargain with the salesman, negotiating with a resolute playfulness.

Nico was, after all, a judge and appeared in that capacity on TV, so he has a hard-nosed worldliness that tempers his softer side.

In young Lu, he can see elements of his mother. His attention is then drawn to a boutique, where he chooses to pass the time. A coffee, a walk, and then his day is done. He goes home for a few hours sleep, how ever many his age allows him of a nighttime.

The maritime setting is beautifully described, as the colours and hues change each day. Overall this is is a mischievous story, with an overlay of melancholy that offers the reader food for thought. The ending is abrupt although perhaps not surprising. I think the images of the Dunes and the seascape will remain with me, but I felt quite ambivalent about this octogenarian and perhaps a touch ill at ease at his machinations.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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