Umberto Eco, the renowned italian writer who promulgated the genre historical mystery through his much critically acclaimed novel 'The name of the Rose', narrates an engaging tale about conspiracies and paranoia through his work 'Numero zero'.'Numero Zero' is about conspiracy theories and setting up of propagandas in the newsroom. The context of the novel is set in the 1990s Italy. The content is relevant even after decades because of it's universal appeal.
Dr. Colonna, a fifty year old intellectual, is the narrator in the novel. one day Simei,a veteran friend, approach him to set up a newspaper called 'Domani(Tomorrow)' with a trial run span of one year. The intension of such a venture is to blackmail the powerful persons with the data they collect during the year. Attracted by the sum of money they are offering, Colonna takes up the offer. At the office, he start working with his colleagues without unveiling the hidden agendas behind the novel. Colonna starts a romantic relationship with Maia, a former gossip magazine writer. Braggadocio, an eminent colleague of Collona, one day comes up with a strange theory. He suggests that its not the Duce (Benitto Mussolini) that get killed and mutilated by the mob during the world war 2, but his body double. As days passes Braggadoccio comes up with more and more concrete evidences and conspiracy theories in an ardent effort to prove his arguments. baffled upon the strange theories Braggadoccio put forwards on a daily basis, Dr. Colonna chooses to neglect it and to move on. next day Braggadoccio gets murdered in conspicuous surroundings. then all the suppressed thoughts and queries emanate out with all the glory. Dr. Colonna becomes paranoid. How he escape from the chaotic situations forms the rest of the novel.
The novel strictly refutes the norms of spoon-feeding. Unlike the popular best sellers, 'Numero Zero' compel the readers to think. Rather than providing a clear cut climax, Umberto Eco gives a vague ending. As a repercussion, the reader will show enough courage to think beyond and fill up the intentionally left blank pages at the end. Entrenched with black humour and sarcasm, the thought provoking 'Numero Zero' is a clairvoyant depiction of newsroom politics.
The novel strictly refutes the norms of spoon-feeding. Unlike the popular best sellers, 'Numero Zero' compel the readers to think. Rather than providing a clear cut climax, Umberto Eco gives a vague ending. As a repercussion, the reader will show enough courage to think beyond and fill up the intentionally left blank pages at the end. Entrenched with black humour and sarcasm, the thought provoking 'Numero Zero' is a clairvoyant depiction of newsroom politics.
The novel strictly refutes the norms of spoon-feeding. Unlike the popular best sellers, 'Numero Zero' compel the readers to think. Rather than providing a clear cut climax, Umberto Eco gives a vague ending. As a repercussion, the reader will show enough courage to think beyond and fill up the intentionally left blank pages at the end. Entrenched with black humour and sarcasm, the thought provoking 'Numero Zero' is a clairvoyant depiction of newsroom politics.
