Review- Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere by Jan Morris

Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere was the first book by Morris that I have had the opportunity to read, and even though it was so very melancholy I look forward to reading the rest of her works. 

The book filled me with a sense of despair from the beginning but I kept reading it because the words gave me an odd sense of familiarity.  If you have ever been slightly depressed or felt lost in your life but could'nt understand why you will definitely understand the feelings this book invokes.  

Trieste details the history and story of the people who fill the town on the Italian peninsula.  Morris describes a city that has no striking monuments or architecture for the tourists but has played a role in history, even though it may now seem so insignificant.  Because of its location Trieste has swung back and forth when it comes to nationality and loyalty.  Morris shows the reader how those changes have shaped and effected Trieste's people and it's own character.      

Once a respectable port city, Trieste is not a tourist destination and personally I do not think I will ever find myself there.  Generally when I read a great literary piece about any destination, I have to visit.  This is the first book I have felt differently about.  I feel as though Morris found me in a dazed, lost state and led me by the hand, showing me the events in my life that led up to that moment.  Knowing about them is enough, I was filled with understanding and appreciation and that was enough.