Chourmo

In this second volume of the Marseilles Trilogy, ex-cop Fabio Montale confronts his past and the city's dark underbelly as he searches for his missing cousin's son amidst crime and desperation.

Chourmo, the second installment in Jean-Claude Izzo's celebrated Marseilles Trilogy, continues the journey of ex-cop Fabio Montale, set against the vibrant backdrop of Marseilles. This novel serves as a heartfelt homage to the city, capturing its rich tapestry of life, from its beauty to its darker undercurrents. Montale, a reluctant hero, finds himself navigating the complexities of a city that is as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it.

Having left behind a police force riddled with corruption and moral decay, Montale hopes to escape the turmoil of his past. However, his plans are upended when his cousin's son mysteriously goes missing. This event pulls him back into the chaotic streets of Marseilles, where he must confront the harsh realities of a world filled with crime and despair. As he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, Montale's journey reveals the city's underbelly, exposing him to a network of mobsters, religious extremists, and corrupt law enforcement.

Through Montale's eyes, readers experience the relentless struggle faced by ordinary people pushed to their limits. Izzo's narrative is both gripping and poignant, reflecting the complexities of human nature and the impact of environment on individual choices. Chourmo not only advances the plot of the trilogy but also deepens the exploration of the themes of loyalty, identity, and the search for redemption in a world fraught with challenges.