I'm not a literary critic by any means and I know the book has received an enormous amount of publicity and praise but as interesting as it is, I have to admit I'm a little disappointed. Saviano's text is full of metaphors. It seems like everything he describes he has to say in three or four different ways, which just serves to give me the impression that he really loves his own voice, and it makes the book quite heavy to read.
Having said that, I do think it is probably one of those books that one - particularly one living in Italy - should read. While reading the book I have had to keep remind myself of a few things; firstly, the man is a journalist, not a novelist, which probably has something to do with the style of the writing. Secondly and linked to the first point, he is reporting - not inventing - on things that happen regularly and daily right here in Italy and also in other parts of Europe. After more than 2500 years of European culture, some 300 years after the enlightenment and after 150 years of unified Italy, it still really is a jungle south there. I know the problems involving mafia are complex and I'm not going to pretend that I have any solutions to offer, the issues are deep rooted in this society on social, economical and political levels. I do really hope though that in the next 150 years Italy, with its long and impressive history, can find a way to restore some of its former glory.
P.S. Happy St. Patrick's day too!! Ireland will always have a special place in my heart, maybe I'll even do a little jig tonight just because.
Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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