The Last Man Standing

About Davide Longo

Davide Longo was born in 1971 in the province of Torino, Italy. In addition to novels, he writes books for children, short stories, and articles.

About Silvester Mazzarella

Silvester Mazzarella is a distinguished translator of Italian and Swedish literature.

Praise

"The story in The Last Man Standing might sound familiar, if it weren't for the fact that Davide Longo has written it better than anyone else." —Daria Bignardi, Vanity Fair

"A bleak, lyrical tale that evokes Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. . . . Gruesome, intense, and strange . . . a eruozone nightmare brought to life on the page." —James Lovegrove, Financial Times

“A searing, dystopian parable . . . [A] remarkable book . . . Longo's characters get in touch with the basest parts of themselves in order to preserve what is denigrated as “the most arid.” . . . Visceral and gripping.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred)

"A novel in which precision of language is as crucial an element as the steadily accelerating tension." —Barry Forshaw, The Independent
 
“A powerful insight into the most primal corners of the human psyche. Longo is a superb writer and every sentence drips intelligence and humanity . . . The Last Man Standing is set to be one of the best novels of the year.” —Damien Walter, SFX
 
“A complex and compelling investigation of the behavior of survival.” —Times Literary Supplement

"With mesmerizing control of language, Longo weaves a tale that will leave readers with much to think about long after they have put it down.”—The Irish Examiner

“Beautifully written, totally plausible interpretation of a dystopian, economically and politically bereft Europe 13 years in the future, as seen through the eyes and experiences of a disgraced leader of social conscience.” —We Love this Book
 
“With mesmerizing control of language, Longo weaves a tale that will leave readers with much to think about long after they have put it down.” —Bridlington Free Press

About the Book

Davide Longo’s Last Man Standing is a vivid description of one man’s struggle in a post-apocalyptic world to protect his loved ones even as societal norms give way to barbarism and cruelty. 
 
 
1.     The reason for society’s downfall is never explicitly told. What clues does the story hold, however, that explains it? Discuss whether it’s a worldwide calamity or confined to Italy.
 
2.     Protagonist Leonardo, described as “timid,” doesn’t seem well-suited to a post-apocalyptic world. Discuss how his traits become strengths as the world falls further into decay.
 
 
3.     Leonardo’s motivation throughout the book’s second half is saving Lucia. Do you think he did?
 
4.     What is it about Leonardo’s character that would impel him to risk his life to rescue Bauschan? Compare it to how he later rescues David and Circe.
 
 
5.     Sergio told Leonardo he had a choice between killing him and his crew or offering them brief sanctuary. He opted for sanctuary—was that the right choice?
 
6.     The pendulum swings between kindness and cruelty throughout the book. Which do you think would win out in a world without electricity, phones, and a functioning government? Why?
 
 
7.     Why was Leonardo’s shocking sacrifice to Richard enough to free him and the children? Why did it lead to Richard’s death?
 
8.     Leonardo is paired with two boys, Alberto and Saloman, with vastly different results. Compare how his relationship with Alberto prepared Leonardo to have a better one with Saloman.
 
 
9.     How has Leonardo changed by the end of the book? Do you think his little tribe will survive beyond the winter?