The second volume in Jean-Claude Izzo's acclaimed Marseilles Trilogy, featuring ex-cop Fabio Montale.
Jean-Claude Izzo Books
June 20, 1945 – January 26, 2000
Jean-Claude Izzo carved a significant niche in the literary world with his potent noir novels, widely recognized as the Marseilles Trilogy. Set against the vibrant yet gritty backdrop of his native Marseille, these works delve into complex narratives often featuring the disillusioned ex-cop Fabio Montale. Izzo's writing is characterized by its unflinching exploration of societal undercurrents and the human condition, rendered in a distinctive, impactful style. His prose possesses a raw energy that draws readers into the heart of his meticulously crafted urban landscapes.
Solea
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
The Final Book in the Marseilles Trilogy Ex-cop, loner, Fabio Montale returns in this stunning conclusion to Jean-Claude Izzo's Marseilles trilogy. Italian Mafiosi are hunting journalist-activist Babette Bellini, and the body count is growing as they close in on their prey. In desperation, Bellini seeks help from her former lover, Montale. Before he has time to shake off his most recent hangover, Montale is receiving sinister phone calls from men with Italian accents who want him to find Bellini for them. Like a woman he can't leave, like strong liquor he can't refuse, Marseilles lures Montale back into its violent embrace. This is a Marseilles that will break your heart. A modern city and an ancient Mediterranean port, a melting pot of ethnicities and a cauldron boiling with human passions, a place of natural splendor and of sudden violence. Solea is Izzo's heartfelt cry against the criminal forces corrupting his beloved city. It is his farewell to Marseilles and to its ideal protagonist, Fabio Montale. It concludes an unforgettable trilogy that epitomizes the aspirations and ideals of the Mediterranean noir movement.
Garlic, Mint, & Sweet Basil
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
This collection features previously unpublished writings by Jean-Claude Izzo, celebrating his deep connection to Marseille, the sea, and the Mediterranean noir genre he pioneered. It includes poignant reflections on the city’s unique culture, its history, and the welcoming spirit of its port. The book also highlights themes of Mediterranean identity and beauty, with tributes to culinary staples like garlic, basil, and mint. Additionally, it offers insights into Izzo's beloved character, Fabio Montale, including a touching new story about him.
Izzo's Marseille is explosive, tragic, breathtakingly beautiful and deadly.
Il sole dei morenti
- 236 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Il sole dei morenti è l'ultimo romanzo scritto da Jean-Claude Izzo prima della sua prematura scomparsa. È il suo capolavoro: una struggente esplorazione del potere distruttivo dell'amore, la storia di un uomo che cerca l'amore e non lo trova, e per questo viene relegato ai margini della società. Il merito di Izzo di è di riuscire a farci identificare con un destino apparentemente estremo, quello di un essere umano che ha perso tutto. Quando i pompieri portano via il corpo di Titì, l'unico amico rimastogli, morto di freddo in una stazione del metrò parigino, Rico decide che è ora di andarsene, lasciare Parigi per il sud. Se deve morire, tanto vale morire al sole. Nel suo viaggio incontra altri disperati come lui, persone finite sulla strada seguendo percorsi di vita diversi e che reagiscono diversamente, chi con solidarietà chi con cattiveria. In fondo al viaggio c'è Marsiglia e la speranza di rivedere Léa, il grande amore della sua gioventù.
Die Marseille-Trilogie
Total Cheops, Chourmo, Solea
Fabio Montale ist ein kleiner Polizist mit Hang zum guten Essen und einem großen Herz für all die verschiedenen Bewohner der Hafenstadt: für die Italiener, die Spanier, die Algerier und auch die Franzosen. Ob einer Polizist wird oder Gangster, das ist reiner biografischer Zufall. Freund bleibt Freund. Deswegen muss Fabio auch handeln, als zwei seiner Gangster-Freunde ermordet werden. Als die beiden gerächt sind, muss er feststellen, dass das Spiel nach Regeln gespielt wird, die mit Ehre nichts zu tun haben. Von Leuten, denen genauso egal ist, ob einer Polizist ist oder Verbrecher.
" J'ai appris la mer comme ça. C'est comme ça que la littérature s'est mise à avoir un sens. Enfin celle qui est capable de nous raconter qu'il y a des mers dans lesquelles on pourra jamais se baigner, des ports où l'on pourra pas baiser de filles. Et des pays qui survivront à la connerie humaine. " Abdul, Diamantis et Nedim survivent à bord d'un vieux cargo échoué dans le port de Marseille. Ils y partagent leurs souvenirs et leurs doutes. Un drame moderne se noue autour de ces trois protagonistes, dont seul le dénouement tragique leur révèlera qui ils sont. La mise en scène impeccable de ce sombre huis clos donne au roman une dimension noire et tendre, violente comme peut l'être la lumière en Méditerranée.
Vivre fatigue
- 104 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Scène de rupture, drame du racisme ... Six faits divers pour six nouvelles aux allures de tragédie antique.
Mein Marseille
Anthologie. Mit Fotos von Edwin Gantert
Die geheime Heldin aller Romane von Jean-Claude Izzo ist Marseille. Diese Texte erzählen von den Menschen, dem Licht und den Farben der Stadt. Izzo führt durch die Gassen und Kneipen, erzählt von Kräutern und Düften, von Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft einer ewigen Stadt.
Quatorze écrivains (Mohammed Choukri, Mahmoud Darwich, Assia Djebar, Thierry Fabre, Gamal Ghitany, Jean-Claude Izzo, Jacques Lacarrière, Erri de Luca, Carlo Lucarelli, Amin Maalouf, Malika Mokeddem, Orhan Pamuk, Dominique Sigaud) racontent la Méditerranée, sous forme de nouvelle, de récit ou de réflexion.
