If You Think You Are Old, Read This; Or, Even Otherwise...

This is a review of the Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri.

Note from the reviewer: First, I will touch upon the question ‘Where does this book fit in?’ and this might be relevant if you are not a fan of crime fiction. Then, I will briefly touch upon Andrea Camilleri (age 85 and going stronger) and his wonderful character Detective Inspector Salvo Montalbano (age 56 in the recent ‘The Wings Of The Sphinx’). Here, I will use passages from this particular book to illustrate my case. I shall try not to reveal the plot or the story. I will also touch upon other details which you could look forward to while reading this or any book in the Montalbano series.

Crime fiction can be roughly classified into three. One, those books where the emphasis is on the crime, the plot and the method of detection (Holmes, Poirot-Miss Marple, Dalgliesh, Morse are typical examples of master detectives). Two, those crime novels which use the structure of ‘a police procedural’ to focus on society, the current issues and the exploration of human nature (here, I recommend Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly, Val McDermid, Henning Mankell). Finally, an equal combination of the first two categories along with a motive for crime which astounds and enthralls (Umberto Eco’s ‘The Name Of The Rose’ is a likely example).

The Montalbano series falls under category two. Camilleri uses sparkling wit, subtle and also slapstick humour, satire and an honest love for the good things in life to discuss the ills of society, crime and the true criminals, politics and of course, a poignant view of human relationships. Though the novels are typically based in Sicily, there is a universal nature to his discussions. Each book usually contains a barely concealed attack on ‘controlled’ media and Silvio Berlusconi, the powerful Italian politician. The reader can easily replace Berlusconi or the Italian media with the local bigwigs. The books in this series rarely exceed 300 pages. But, in between crime detection and entertaining comic dialogue, Camilleri finds space for simple observation:

‘Actually, if one really thought about it, the television had been presenting the same news stories for years; the only things that changed were the names: the names of the towns in which the events were occurring and the names of the people involved. But the substance was always the same.’

What should you know about the author Andrea Camilleri? He was born in 1925. In 1994, Camilleri at the age of 69, published his first book in the bestselling Montalbano series. This series is based in a fictitious place called Vigata, the model for which is Camilleri’s own Sicilian birthplace. To honour Camilleri and the Montalbano series, his birthplace Porto Empedocle has changed its name to Porto Empedocle Vigata.

Why do I envy the character Salvo Montalbano? At 56, he has –

• a volatile but trusting relationship with a long-term long-distance girlfriend Livia;
• the sexy and intelligent Swedish blonde ‘Ingrid Sjostrom! His friend, confidante, and accomplice!’ with whom Montalbano shares an occasional platonic cuddle;
• trustworthy colleagues including the half-wit Catarella who is the expert in computers, the good journalist-friend Nicolo Zito and Dr. Pasquano, a match for irascibility;
• a wonderful cook and housekeeper Adelina;
• Enzo’s trattoria which serves him the best (the unfortunate reader will be tortured with well-described meals, a la gourmet, and even enticed with recipes);
• survived many battles against the establishment;
• a lovely house by the beach;
• ‘before going in…lit a cigarette. Smoking was not allowed inside. And he always conformed – perhaps with a curse – whenever he saw a non-smoking sign…On the other hand, where on earth was a poor bastard allowed to smoke these days? Not even in the toilets.’

The Montalbano series have been translated into English by Stephen Sartarelli and he has done a great job. He adds his own touch to the books with ‘Notes’ for the English reader unfamiliar with Italian/European politics and history, and Camilleri’s usage of Sicilian dialect and references to Italian literature.

Of course, Camilleri leaves you with his own challenging note at the end:

‘This novel is made up…There is no doubt, however, that the novel is born of a specific reality.’

For a proper review of Camilleri and his work, please refer to:

• ‘Paul Bailey on the late flowering of an Italian phenomenon’ in The Guardian.
• Review including the list of his books and Author Q&A.


Or better, read the books...you will not regret!