Page 6 - Italian-American Herald - November 2024

6 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | NOVEMBER2024 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD THE ARTS
Books and their film adaptations open windows to Italian culture and lifestyles
Continued from preceding page
“Gomorrah” in 2006. He received death threats from the Neapolitan crime syndicate and was placed under police protection
in 2006. He continues to live a restricted life and has had his own legals troubles in recent years with his criticizing of various government officials. The consequences of his penning this novel is a story in itself.
Another extremely popular series of novels is those written by famed author Andrea Camilleri. He is the author of
the series telling the saga of Inspector Montalbano, a charming, charismatic inspector who works in the fictional town of Vigata in Sicily who has become one of the best-loved characters in Italian contemporary literature. The mysteries – 28 in total – are told with a great deal of humor and explore the complex political and social issues that the island faces.
Another well-known crime novel which takes us back in time in rural Italy is the story “I Am Not Scared” (“No Ho Paura”) by Niccolo Ammaniti. This riveting novel follows the story of 9-year-old Michele
Amitrano as he and five other children explore the deserted countryside during the hottest summer of the 20th century. Here among the golden wheat, Michele stumbles upon a secret so horrendous that he can’t bring himself to tell anyone. As he struggles to understand what he has found, the reader is drawn into a dual story of tragedy which involves the adults in the small and isolated community.
Taken from the pages of real life is the novel “Romanzo Criminale” written by Judge Giancarlo De Cataldo. It tells the
story of a group of gangsters in 1970s Italy known as la banda della Magliana (an urban area of Rome). The group was founded in 1975 and was accused of being involved
in drug dealing, horserace betting, money laundering, kidnapping, and several murders. They were also reportedly tied to various political factions. The author realistically describes the relationship between gangs
and state government and depicts theanni di piombo(the years of lead), one of the darkest pages of Italian history.
Buona lettura!
The 1963 historical drama “The Leopard” chronicles an aristocratic family’s saga during the era of Italian reunification.
Driven by the Best
Proudly presented by the Giacchino family!
The Carman Auto Group Celebrating our 51st year!
www.carmanautogroup.com
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM 302-323-1666 | FORD 302-323-2300 | LINCOLN 302-324-4400 | FIAT ALFA ROMEO 302-323-1666