racconto

Racconto is the Italian word for a short narrative prose piece, usually fictional, though some examples recount real events. A racconto is typically a self-contained narrative that concentrates on a specific incident, character, or moment and is shorter than a novel. The term is commonly used in Italian literary criticism and publishing to distinguish brief fiction from longer works.

The word derives from the verb raccontare, "to recount" or "to tell," and has been part of the Italian language since the Middle Ages to designate narrative forms in prose.

Forms and length: The phrase racconto breve (short story) is widely used, while racconto lungo or novella indicates a longer short narrative; a racconto may be realist, fantastical, historical, or experimental. In anthologies and journals, multiple racconti are presented together, sometimes grouped by themes or authors.

Typical features include a tightly constructed plot, a focus on a single situation, and often a concise, precise prose style. Endings may be open or surprising, and the narrative point of view can vary, from first-person to third-person.

Notable Italian writers associated with the racconto include Luigi Pirandello, Italo Calvino, Dino Buzzati, and Giovanni Verga. The form remains active in contemporary Italian literature and is widely published in magazines, anthologies, and collections.