I confess that when I was a child I was fascinated by this book. At that time I wasn't able to catch its unbearable paternalism, its overwhelming patriotism, its examples of juvenile heroism, its didactical meanings. If you're looking for some of these aspects or if you want to have a sweetened and moving fresco of Italian primary school just a few years after national unity in 19th century Cuore is the book you should read.
 - Edmondo de Amicis)