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Romanzo Criminale

A gripping tale of crime and ambition in 1970s Rome

Giancarlo De Cataldo author Antony Shugaar translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Atlantic Books

Published:3rd Sep '15

Should be back in stock very soon

Romanzo Criminale cover

In the gripping tale of Romanzo Criminale, a criminal mastermind seeks to conquer Rome's underworld amidst violence and betrayal, reflecting a tumultuous historical period.

Set against the backdrop of 1977 Rome, Romanzo Criminale explores the rise of La Banda della Magliana, a ruthless gang determined to dominate the city's heroin trade. The narrative centers on a character known as The Lebanese, whose ambition drives him to navigate the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld. As the gang's influence grows, they face not only external threats but also internal conflicts that could lead to their downfall.

The story delves into the violent and chaotic atmosphere of Rome during the Age of Lead, a period marked by terrorism, corruption, and social upheaval. Through the lens of Romanzo Criminale, readers witness the gang's ascent to power, revealing the dark realities of life in the streets. The characters are intricately developed, showcasing their motivations and the consequences of their choices amidst a landscape of betrayal and ambition.

Ultimately, Romanzo Criminale is not just a tale of crime; it is a reflection on the moral complexities of its characters and the society they inhabit. The book captures the essence of a turbulent era in Italian history, making it a compelling read for those interested in crime fiction and historical narratives alike.

A forceful crime narrative...the period details is impeccable, while the stark and gritty presentation of the many characters pays dividends in terms of verisimilitude. This belated English translation by Antony Shugaar is rich and idiomatic -- Barry Foreshaw * Financial Times *

Only when the story is over, when the book is closed, only then do you realize what a great story teller De Cataldo is: with the reader unaware, suspecting nothing, he paints little by little, page after page, the huge canvas representing a global failure. A failure concerning not only his characters but our whole society.

-- Andrea Camilleri, author of the Montalbano series * la Stampa *
What captivates here is the feeling of witnessing an epic tale, a piece of Italian history viewed from the streets * La Repubblica *
If you're a fan of gangster movies you're going to blow your wad over this one... the characters' lives are brilliantly revealed without prejudice, leaving you to decide where to draw the moral lines. Effing great! * Weekend Sport *

ISBN: 9780857893727

Dimensions: 233mm x 156mm x 41mm

Weight: 884g

576 pages

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