Camilleri's publisher, Sellerio, is marking the first anniversary of his death with the long awaited last adventure of his famous character, inspector Montalbano.
The book, titled Riccardino, has already climbed to the top of Italy's best sellers, even before reaching the bookshops.
During an interview with SBS Italian in 2008, the world-famous Sicilian writer explained he had already given the last adventure of Montalbano to Sellerio a few years earlier.
Ascolta l'intervista:
When Camilleri told us he had already written the last Montalbano book
"I happened to write it almost four years ago, which is when it occurred to me how to end Montalbano," he said in 2008. "I am an orderly man and being 80 years old, at the time, I had no desire of leaving things half done.
"And so for fear that Alzheimer may catch me by surprise, I wrote this novel, the end of Montalbano, and I sent it to the publisher... I told him, 'Look, this is the last Montalbano [book], leave it there, in a drawer. The moment I won't feel like writing Montalbano anymore or I'll get bored, I will tell you: 'publish that last novel'."
"It's a bet with old age. For now, I'm winning, but let's see," he said.
In 2016 Camilleri decided though to partially rewrite that last book. Sellerio has therefore decided to publish its latest version but also a special edition with both versions, to give a chance to the readers to see how the language and writing style of Camilleri evolved over the years.
Riccardino has already reached the number 1 position in Italy's Amazon and ibs top 10, overtaking Il colibrì (The Hummingbird), which recently won writer Sandro Veronesi his second Premio Strega, the most prestigious Italian literary award.
"It's a novel in which Camilleri tackles his relationship with Montalbano and appears in person. A novel in which his passion for [Italian author] Pirandello emerges in all his strength", publisher Antonio Sellerio declared to news agency Ansa.
Montalbano's readers are enthusiastic to get a last chance to read a new adventure of their hero, and those who also love the TV series can be comforted by reading the post on Instagram by actor Luca Zingaretti, who has for many years played the inspector. Judging by his enthusiasm, a TV adaptation could be on the cards.
"In a few days Sellerio will publish, posthumously, the last novel of the series dedicated to this character. I feel it is my duty to advise you to read the first book in which Salvo Montalbano introduces himself to the audience. Not only because it is a great book, but because from here began my wonderful adventure with this character. Enjoy!".
