Overview

Over the last three decades, Italian crime fiction has demonstrated a trend toward a much higher level of realism and complexity. The origins of the New Italian Epic, as it has been coined by some of its proponents, can be found in the widespread backlash against the Mafia-sponsored murders of Sicilian magistrates which culminated with the assassinations of Judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino in 1992. Though beginning in the Italian language, this prolific, popular movement has more recently found its way into the English language and hence it has found a much wider international audience. Following a brief, yet detailed, history of the cultural and economic development of Sicily, this book provides a multilayered look into the evolution of the New Italian Epic genre. The works of ten prominent contemporary writers, including Andrea Camilleri, Michael Dibdin, Elena Ferrante, and Massimo Carlotto, are examined against the backdrop of various historical periods. This ""past is prologue"" approach to contemporary crime fiction provides context for the creation of these recent novels and enhances understanding of the complex moral ambiguity that is characteristic of anti-mafia Italian crime fiction.

Full Product Details

Author:   William Farina
Publisher:   McFarland & Co Inc
Imprint:   McFarland & Co Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.20cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.318kg
ISBN:  

9781476677354

ISBN 10:   1476677352
Pages:   234
Publication Date:   13 March 2020
Recommended Age:   From 18 years
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vi Introduction 1 1: Ancient Origins 13 2: Roberto Saviano (b. 1979) 22 3: Norman-Arab Feudal Code 31 4: Wu Ming (b. 1970?) 41 5: Spanish Black Legend 50 6: Gianrico Carofiglio (b. 1961) 58 7: Risorgimento Roots 66 8: Maurizio de Giovanni (b. 1958) 74 9: Little Hell 83 10: Massimo Carlotto (b. 1956) 91 11: Saint Valentine's Day Massacre 99 12: Giancarlo de Cataldo (b. 1956) 107 13: Unlikely Allies 116 14: Elena Ferrante (b. 1953?) 124 15: Cosa Nostra Resurgence 132 16: Michele Giuttari (b. 1950) 141 17: Falcone and Borsellino 149 18: Michael Dibdin (1947–2007) 157 19: Sicilian Backlash 166 20: Andrea Camilleri (1925–2019) 173 Summary 183 Chapter Notes 189 Selected Reading (English Language) 217 Index 221

Reviews

[Farina] describe[s] [these authors'] work accurately and in a way that will attract new readers to their books. ...an excellent reference --Mystery Scene

“[Farina] describe[s] [these authors’] work accurately and in a way that will attract new readers to their books. ...an excellent reference”—Mystery Scene

Author Information

William Farina is a retired real estate consultant for the federal government, now living in Evanston, Illinois. He has written books on Arthurian legend, early Christianity, the American Civil War, Shakespeare and baseball.

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