A collection of the best of Sciascia's gritty, darkly glittering short stories
Leonardo Sciascia Books
January 8, 1921 – November 20, 1989
Leonardo Sciascia chronicled his unique Sicilian experience, exploring the intricate connections between families, political parties, and the treacherous nature of alliances. His work delves into the subtle art of favors and allegiances that ultimately serve individual interests over societal benefit. Sciascia compellingly argued that the pervasive corruption within Italian society historically and presently empowers only those entrenched within secret societies, loyalties, and political establishments.
The Knight And Death
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Two of Sciascia's most powerful novellas published side by side: One Way or Another is a chillingly prophetic work, while in The Knight and Death a mysterious handwritten note proves fatal
Council of Egypt
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Abbot Vella is a schemer who sets out to exploit the Sicilian aristocracy by making reference to a fictitious ancient Arabic chronicle that enhances the rights of some families and justifies the claim of Naples over the island community.
Sicilian Uncles
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Four novellas that offer a tantalising glimpse of Sicilian life, from the 1848 revolution to the death of Stalin
The Wine Dark Sea
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Exploring the complexities of Sicilian life, Leonardo Sciascia's collection features thirteen short stories that delve into themes of secrecy, suspicion, and societal contradictions. With a blend of sympathy and skepticism, he portrays a range of characters, from village idiots to mafia figures, capturing the humor and tragedy of everyday experiences. This work showcases Sciascia’s sharp intelligence and unique perspective on Sicily's tumultuous history, making it a compelling reflection on the human condition.
The Moro Affair
- 193 pages
- 7 hours of reading
On March 16, 1978 Aldo Moro, a former Prime Minister of Italy, was ambushed in Rome. Within three minutes the gang killed his escort and bundled Moro into one of three getaway cars. An hour later the terrorist group the Red Brigades announced that Moro was in their hands; on March 18 they said he would be tried in a "people's court of justice." Seven weeks later Moro's body was discovered in the trunk of a car parked in the crowded center of Rome. The Moro Affair presents a chilling picture of how a secretive government and a ruthless terrorist faction help to keep each other in business. Also included in this book is "The Mystery of Majorana," Sciascia's fascinating investigation of the disappearance of a major Italian physicist during Mussolini's regime.
Equal Danger
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
A string of high-profile murders leads an inspector to believe there is more to his case than mere personal grudge - but can he prove it?
To Each His Own
- 146 pages
- 6 hours of reading
This is a short, powerful novel dealing with the complicities and accomodations of power within Italian politics.
The Council of Egypt
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
A tale of power, corruption and forgery set in a Sicily ripe for reform.
A man is shot dead as he runs to catch the bus in the piazza of a small Sicilian town. Captain Bellodi, the detective on the case, is new to his job and determined to prove himself. Bellodi suspects the Mafia, and his suspicions grow when he finds himself up against an apparently unbreachable wall of silence. A surprise turn puts him on the track of a series of nasty crimes. But all the while Bellodi's investigation is being carefully monitored by a host of observers, near and far. They share a single to keep the truth from coming out.This short, beautifully paced novel is a mesmerizing description of the Mafia at work.
