The Baron in the Trees

This is the story of a young Italian nobleman who, after a disagreement with his parents, climbs a tree and vows never to let his feet touch the ground again. Calvino's masterful, folkloric writing style is possibly the only thing that could temper this ridiculous, whimsical story, sculpting it into an allegory about the power of determination and defiance, and a rousing testament to the courage needed to live life on your own terms - all accompanied by a hunting dachshund with small dog syndrome, of course (Ottimo Massimo 4 lyf yo!). Bloody brilliant. Put me in mind of both A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Márquez, and The Wasp Factory by Iain M. Banks.