Self-Knowledge of Zeno

Zeno Cosini feels ill despite being in perfect health, considers himself a failure and a worthless person, although he is well-off, has a family, and a beautiful young mistress. Zeno Cosini does not feel happy, healthy, or part of this world. The novel represents the notes of the main character, intended for a psychoanalyst. Zeno narrates, choosing events and often disrupting the chronological order; he does not simply recall, he explores his life trying to know himself. In his self-exploration, Zeno follows the prescriptions of psychoanalysis, his goal is to "uncover his complexes" and heal from his illness. Partly autobiographical, the novel "Self-Knowledge of Zeno" is a deep and sometimes ruthless exploration of the soul of a broken man.