Primo Levi, A Life by Ian Thomson is a comprehensive biography of the Italian-Jewish writer and chemist, Primo Levi, whose works have become foundational in modern European literature. Drawing from extensive access to Levi’s personal archives and interviews, including a conversation with Levi himself in 1986, Thomson delves into both the man and his art. The biography explores Levi's intellectual and personal journey, from his early life in fascist Italy to his harrowing experiences as a Holocaust survivor at Auschwitz, and his later literary achievements. Thomson also addresses the tragic end of Levi’s life in 1987, when he died by a fall under ambiguous circumstances. Through this work, Thomson seeks to uncover the truth behind Levi's writings, motivations, and the complexities of his character, presenting a portrait of an enduring literary figure.
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