Barbara Pezzotti Bücher

This book is the first monograph in English that comprehensively examines the ways in which Italian historical crime novels, TV series, and films have become a means to intervene in the social and political changes of the country. This study explores the ways in which fictional representations of the past mirror contemporaneous anxieties within Italian society in the work of writers such as Leonardo Sciascia, Andrea Camilleri, Carlo Lucarelli, Francesco Guccini, Loriano Macchiavelli, Marcello Fois, Maurizio De Giovanni, and Giancarlo De Cataldo; film directors such as Elio Petri, Pietro Germi, Michele Placido, and Damiano Damiani; and TV series such as the “Commissario De Luca” series, the “Commissario Nardone” series, and “Romanzo criminale–The series.” Providing the most wide-ranging examination of this sub-genre in Italy, Barbara Pezzotti places works set in the Risorgimento, WWII, and the Years of Lead in the larger social and political context of contemporary Italy.

Exploring the transcultural nature of Mediterranean crime fiction, Barbara Pezzotti presents innovative interpretations of both renowned and lesser-known authors. By analyzing the works of figures like Andrea Camilleri and Yasmina Khadra, she advocates for a regional perspective on the genre, highlighting the unique cultural influences that shape these narratives. This study offers fresh insights into the complexities and connections within Mediterranean crime literature.

Focusing on the interplay between detective fiction and its settings, this analysis delves into how Italian detective stories from the past two decades reflect and articulate the evolving social landscape of Italy. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the genre's role in mirroring societal changes, making it a significant contribution to the study of literature and culture.