Twice As Nice

In two of what the late-twentieth century's Master of Allegorical Fantasy, Euripides Officini, termed "novellinos", the reader accompanies flawed characters on two quite different journeys. Each tale can be read in under four hours, yet will be reread and contemplated for long afterwards.

In one of Officini's most beloved works, The King of Leaves, the proud yet unsatisfied King Checotah leaves his pinnacle and elegant Queen. Thus begins a fable as old as humanity, how pride brings "fall" and arrogance, self-betrayal. Humor, pathos, Officini's unique wit mixed with his unique ability to bring unexpected tears.

The second novellino in the collection, Finally Rectamente, is not as straightforward. At times mysterious and enigmatic, we journey with a growing company of odd souls on their struggles to reach Rectamente. Oddest of all it is the tale's rhyme and use of language. When asked about this in 1999, Officini only said, "I decided if they like to buy Seuss then Euripides too will let his own loose." However, this indescribable fantasy is no child's tale and at times, like the characters in the story the reader will wonder what occurence exceeding imagination might happen next.