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Rating: Novel published in '78 by Lalli and set in Sicily in the 1950s. This is Camilleri's first novel, written in '69.
All publishing houses refused to print this picturesque picture of the post-fascist era. In my opinion, Bompiani, Garzanti, and Feltrinelli are still kicking themselves after they screwed up a golden opportunity.
Commissioner Corbo (Commissioner Montalbano first appeared in '94) investigates the murder of a shepherd who was killed with his shoes placed on his chest. In mafia symbolism, this gesture means the dead man wanted to escape.
On the same day the body was discovered, Don Vito suffers an attack, with two warning shots being fired in clear warning. Vito is a good person who, however, never took a stand and always lived avoiding taking sides.
The novel is brilliant. The plot is ingenious. We are in the peasant province, where the mafia has not yet extended its tentacles. It seems so simple to solve a murder in the village: "Here in our place, people only die because of affairs". Events unfold with alternating twists and local legends.
The protagonist's laughter in front of law enforcement is highlighted by the commissioner, like the laughter of Uncle Manuele. Uncle Manuele, on a stormy night, realizes that a boat, untied from its mooring, was being carried out to sea.
He had a hearty laugh thinking about the shocked face of the unaware owner. When the boat sank, Uncle Manuele discovered it was his own, unrecognized in the dark.
The charming scene of an elderly villager being informed of the investigations through a newspaper article. And all the popular wisdom comes out from this statement:
"Newspapers are only good to take to the bathroom; you read them and then wipe your behind with them."
After reading the first and hopefully the last book by Ry Cooder, I had to read a Camilleri. Yes, because a book should be a pleasant encounter and not a challenge.
Long live Camilleri.
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