This Is Italy
In his latest book Sicilian situations lawyer-author Roberto Pennino takes you on an enchanting and compelling journey through the heart of Sicily. As the son of a Sicilian father and a Dutch mother, Pennino has a keen eye for the complexity and rich history of this fascinating island. From vibrant Palermo to atmospheric Siracusa, from historic Agrigento to lively Messina, Pennino takes the reader on a fascinating exploration of diverse places and lively stories.
At the beginning of this year, mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro was arrested near Palermo. He managed to stay out of the hands of the police for about 30 years and in the meantime lived a very normal life, drank his wine in the café and was regularly spotted in the village. No one tipped off the police about this, because the law applies in Sicily omerta.
No ordinary island
This shows that Sicily occupies a special place within Italy. A unique nature and culture developed through centuries of Greek, Roman, Norman and Gothic domination, but at the same time quintessentially Italian.
No, Sicily is not an ordinary island. It bears the traces of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Gothic domination, creating a culture that is both unique and unmistakably Italian. This also includes a strong distrust of everything that comes from the government. In Sicily people solve their own affairs.
Goethe, the famous German poet, emphasized the importance of Sicily in understanding Italy as a whole, and with Sicilian situations you can dive deeper into the soul of this beautiful island.
Former mayor Leoluca Orlando's statement that there is no such thing as the perfect Sicilian (where have we heard that before?), reflects the many influences that have shaped the local population.
Pennino takes this notion to heart and weaves it through his stories, emphasizing that the various dominations have led to a complex identity in which pride and conflict coexist.
Writer Andrea Camilleri's quote about Sicily as a "glorious bastard" takes on a deeper meaning in this book as Pennino shares the stories of his ancestors and contemporary relatives.
Layered and lively
Sicilian situations is not just a travelogue, but a layered and vivid portrait of an island steeped in history and emotion. Pennino's ability to bring the culture and traditions of Sicily to life will immerse you in a world full of rituals, customs and local festivities.
With sharp humor and clarity he describes the essence of the island and its inhabitants, making you feel like you are strolling through narrow streets with him and smelling the smell of Sicilian street food sniffs.
An important theme in the book is the shadow of the mafia, which has deeply embedded itself in the history and social fabric of Sicily. Pennino does not shy away from tackling this dark side and sheds light on the turbulent year 1992, when the brutal murder of investigating judges Falcone and Borsellino led to a wave of resistance against organized crime. This turning point in history is described and analyzed by Pennino with careful attention.
Pennino also describes in one of the chapters a special tradition from Prizzi, the village of his ancestors. It is a tradition that takes place on Easter Sunday and dates back to the Middle Ages. Residents then wear red suits and frightening metal masks. They represent devils and are accompanied by a figure in a yellow suit, who is supposed to represent Death himself. It is the annual recurringdance of the devils'.
What Sicilian situations even more fascinating are the photos that enrich the book. Sourced from both Shutterstock and the author's personal collection, these images provide visual context and bring to life the places and people described in the text. Morbid is the post-mortem photo of Pippo Pennino, a relative of the author who died at the age of 17 from 'the evil eye'. It's like getting a window into the colorful and sometimes dark world of Sicily.
On a journey through time and space
Pennino clearly has more talents besides being a lawyer. His ability to describe his family history in vivid stories shows a deep understanding and love for Sicily. As a writer, he has a compelling style that captures the reader and takes them on a seemingly random journey through time and space. The author does not follow any particular thread or timeline.
In short Sicilian situations a nice and recognizable book for Italy lovers that provides a broader insight into the soul of Sicily. Every page you are immersed in the colors, smells and history of this island, and Pennino's sharp observations, compelling stories and concise style make the book difficult to put down. If there is one negative, it is that the book could have been thicker, so that you can enjoy the beautiful journey it offers for longer.
As Sicilian situations is a harbinger of things to come, then readers can look forward to more enchanting stories from this author. With Pennino as your guide, reading this book is almost like traveling to Sicily itself. A must-read for anyone interested in Sicily, history, culture and the art of storytelling. Put it in your suitcase when you travel to Italy, and especially when you travel to Sicily.
Sicilian situations
by: Roberto Pennino
192 pp.
€ 22,50
Edicola, June 2023
ISBN 9789493300682
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