Affable and unflappable Italian crime writer Giancarlo de Cataldo kindly gave his time last Tuesday lunchtime to speak in conversation alongside excellent NZ crime writer Paul Thomas and author and teaching fellow Barbara Pezzotti. As well as a writer, Giancarlo is also a judge and so has a very unique perspective for an author. Through the conversation he shared a deep understanding of the Italian legal system and social and political history of Italy across the 20th century. When he read his first crime novel at 27, Giancarlo realised the potential for crime writing to explore history, power, politics and society. Romanzo Crimanale, Giancarlo’s first novel to be translated into English, focuses on a period of great social reform in Italy which began in the late 1960s. This period too, saw the rise of partisan terrorist groups which carried out hundreds of attacks across the country. Giancarlo’s love and respect for 19th century European novelists was clearly evident in his conversation and his depth of knowledge of Italian society and the incredible events of the time make for excellent and thoughtful reading. It was a true pleasure to have Giancarlo visit the shop.
Barbara Pezzotti, Giancarlo de Cataldo, Paul Thomas
Giancarlo
Standing room only
Autographs
Romanzo Criminale is available to purchase from our online shop here
