In this engaging discussion, Guido Bonsaver, a Professor of Italian Cultural History at Oxford, Jennifer Burns, an expert in Italian Studies from Warwick, and Beatrice Sica from UCL delve into the life and works of Italo Calvino. They explore how Calvino's WWII experiences influenced his shift from neorealism to fantastical writing in masterpieces like 'Invisible Cities.' The conversation highlights his belief that art can enhance life, the impact of his childhood reading, and the evolution of his narrative style, intertwining political engagement with imaginative storytelling.