Please, use the direct download link: thank you!

Blackout

This episode concludes the First Season and is one of the most important of the novel-podcast.

On the dramatic night of 5 November 1994, which preceded the terrible flood in Piedmont by a few hours, Emmanuel, in the throes of a deep depression after the death of his dog Saucepan, hopes to have found a peaceful relationship with Antonia by giving up sex, but has the bitter surprise to discover that things are not like this for her.

The interpreters are Paul Emmanuel and Nicole, both AI.

Throughout the episode you can listen to an instrumental version of "Music to Watch Boys" by Lana Del Rey and to "Dog Meat Stew" by Conil, which we thank very much for permission. :-)

Please, use the direct download link: thank you!

No Take Off

Emmanuel's story with Antonia ended in the worst way; the boy tries to distract himself with other girls, but discovers with great surprise the banality of sex with strangers. He enters a period of confusion and depression, which ends with a tragic event for him. After this story, the "old" Emmanuel of moped racing and trips to the river with his dog will no longer exist. If Emmanuel is to survive, he will have to find a new identity.

The performers are Paul Emmanuel and Nicole (AI).

Excerpts from the following tracks can be heard in the episode:

"All I Wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow;

"All that she wants" by Ace of Base;

"Anyway" by Genesis.

Antonia's betrayal (see Episode 15 "Double fault") has irreparably damaged the relationship between her and Emmanuel, but their mutual dependence makes them unable to put an end to their relationship, which takes on morbid connotations.

Emmanuel, seized by a fierce thirst for revenge, discovers the demonic side of himself, which he did not know he possessed, and experiences all of his power on her, until she blows to pieces.

The interpreters are Paul Emmanuel and Nicole (AI).

During the episode you can hear instrumental versions of "Forget Her" by Jeff Buckley and "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.

A very important episode: what happens here changes Emmanuel's life; all the characters reveal the pathological implications of their personalities.

This marks a traumatic turning point in the relationship between Antonia and Emmanuel and causes an incurable fracture in the boy's hypersensitive psyche. Their story, which began a few months ago, is already on its way to an end: the boy reacts with pain and indignation to her betrayal and decides to end it with her, despite suffering a great deal. Antonia realizes too late that she has made an irreparable mistake.

The performers are Nicole, Paul Emmanuel, Eric and Andrew, all AI.

The episode features excerpts and covers of Weezer's "Say it ain't so".

Emmanuel has been sent by his parents to Cambridge for a study holiday. Antonia anxiously awaits his return, but when she sees him again she is incredibly surprised.

The interpreters are Nicole and Paul Emmanuel (AI).

The songs that play in the episode are "Stand by me" by Ben E. King and a bizarre remake of "Buddy Holly" by Weezer.

One of the most intense pages of Emmanuel's diary.

The story between Emmanuel and Antonia turns into an overwhelming physical experience, which shocks them both. The boy recalls those unforgettable moments, which coincide with the 1994 soccer World Cup.

The performers are Paul Emmanuel and Nicole, both AI.

Excerpts from the following tracks can be heard in the episode:

"Soma" by the Smashing Pumpkins;

"Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.

At the end you can listen to an original song by Emmanuel, "The Wind Inside".

In loving memory of Jeff Buckley.

It's the first time that we hear the narrative voice of Emmanuel, in a crucial moment in his life: Antonia, raped by Frédéric (see episode n. 10), not finding the understanding of Michele, Emmanuel's older brother and her boyfriend, turns to him for help.

It will be the beginning of their love story.

The performers are Anthony and Nicole (both AI).

During the episode you can hear excerpts from the following Jeff Buckley songs: "Grace", "So Real" and "Halleluyah" and a live version of Elliott Smith's "Bye".

At the end you can listen to an original song by Emmanuel inspired by the first part of this episode: "The Phone Call".

Antonia has been raped by Frédéric (see "Some Good Guys") and doesn't know how to tell Michael, who in turn doesn't seem to want to understand.

The young man recalls his first meeting with Antonia and reflects on the difficulties of his relationship with her.

Then the two meet at their usual bar, where a dialogue between the deaf takes place.

Antonia is more alone than ever.

The performers are Anthony and Alice (AI).

Frédéric Valentino suddenly bursts into Antonia's life, a charming young engineer with some mental problems. In episode no. 1.8 ("Frédéric Valentino") the young man had explained his plan to "prove himself" with Antonia, essentially by raping her. Now we see him put his plan into action.

A period of profound internal crisis begins for Antonia, which will unfortunately also involve Emmanuel: the woman will be forced to discover the dark areas of her personality.

The interpreters are Anthony and Nicole (AI).

In the episode you can listen to covers and songs of the following tracks: "Du hast" by Rammstein; Mozart's "Requiem"; Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" (a cover in "bardcore style" of this song can be heard at the end of the episode).

Emmanuel and Antonia meet for the last time at the river, before their lives take an unexpected and somewhat dramatic turn.

The story of Emmanuel's dog, Tegame (Saucepan), serves as a sinister premonition.

The narrative voice is that of Nicole, Emmanuel is performed by Anthony (both AI).

The soundtrack includes an instrumental version of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven".