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An Ode to Sicily's Andrea Camilleri

Andrea Camilleri was one of the greatest Italian writers of all time. He was a magician of words and an amazing story teller who wrote unusual crime in every novel. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and made into the hit TV show “Commissario Montalbano”. Read here for more information on his books and TV show. Meanwhile, this post is nothing but an ode to Sicily’s Andrea Camilleri- the greatest Italian writer of all.

An Ode to Sicily’s Andrea Camilleri

Andrea Camilleri’s literary life started very late. He published his first Montalbano book at the age of 68 and then there was no looking back. Camilleri was an avid lover of good literature and gave tribute to Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, the famous Spanish writer by naming his main character Montalbano!

The Documentary: Montalbano and Me:

I rarely delve into author’s lives as the books are somehow more important to me than the author. But with Camilleri, it was different. I was curious of him and his life as much as the alter ego he created- Montalbano!

In the documentary Montalbano and Me, Camilleri can be seen sitting with a cigarette in his hand in his studio in Rome. Filled with books of his favorite authors- James Joyce and Luigi Pirandello, his studio is simple and elegant.

The author talks about his habits and lifestyle and shows a peek into his world. One can notice a gentler side of him as he comes across as a very family oriented man. Camilleri tells the viewers of the time he had to live with his wife, mother and mother in law, all under the same roof! He lovingly speaks of his family, his father and of course his favorite character- Inspector Montalbano.

Available with English subtitles, the documentary covers many aspects of the author’s life such as his Sicilian upbringing, habits, reading, popularity etc. 

Throughout the documentary, Camilleri comes across as a very intelligent man who is equally humble and sweet.

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Montalbano and Me (pic from Google)

Life of Andrea Camilleri:

Andrea Camilleri lived in Rome most of his life but was originally from Porto Empedocle, Sicily. He was very inspired by his hometown and created the fictional town of Vigata` which is the setting for the Inspector Montalbano books.

The Montalbano series of crime fiction are much more than just novels, they are in fact Camilleri’s description of the Sicilian way of living. In these books, food prioritizes over everything else, sometimes more than solving a case!!

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Montalbano and Me

 

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Montalbano and Me

Conclusion:

It is a real treat knowing about the late author who is a household name in Italy! Montalbano and Me is a must watch for Andrea Camilleri’s fans as it offers a peek into his world. To know more about the English version of Camilleri’s books read this post.

Update- Montalbano and Me was available on BBC iplayer but unfortunately it is no longer available.

Also Read:

Did you know Camilleri wrote the final book of the Montalbano series many years back and knew the fate of Inspector Montalbano!

22 Comments

  • […] Also read: Montalbano and Me […]

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  • […] An Ode to Sicily’s Andrea Camilleri […]

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  • […] An Ode to Sicily’s Andrea Camilleri […]

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  • Helene D'Souza (@MasalaHerb)
    December 26, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    I think so it’s the first time that I read about Andrea Camilleri. So his wife died before his mother and mother in law did? That must have been difficult. He is the same age as my grandfather and this generation has a lot to tell! I find him intriguing as well now. 🙂

    Reply
    • Ishita
      December 26, 2017 at 8:26 pm

      No his wife is still alive 😛 They were all living together under one roof. Yes very intriguing especially more when you read his books and realize his snarky humor.

      Reply
  • Anuradha Goyal
    December 24, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    I have found that authors usually have usual lives, but it is what they see makes them unusual. They see what we tend to miss most of the times.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      December 24, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      Very well put. I am intrigued by this man really.

      Reply
  • Andreas Moser
    March 25, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    I have only read “The Shape of Water” and I enjoyed it.
    I think you would also like the crime novellas by Leonardo Sciascia, also set in Sicily, a bit older, but with more literary ambition. Beautifully written!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      March 25, 2017 at 8:33 pm

      Thank you for recommending Andreas. I’m going to look it up!!

      Reply
  • priyankamahajan26
    February 1, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    nice post

    Reply
  • pamelaallegretto
    January 28, 2017 at 3:35 am

    Lovely tribute to an exceptional author!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      January 29, 2017 at 7:39 pm

      Grazie mille Pamela

      Reply
  • afarawayhome
    January 21, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    I don’t know about you, I eat my cannoli exceptionally quickly! Far too delicious to leave lying around…

    Reply
    • Ishita
      January 22, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      But when there are many I take time 😉 that’s what I meant

      Reply
  • Francesca
    January 20, 2017 at 6:16 am

    A lovely tribute.

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    • Ishita
      January 20, 2017 at 12:07 pm

      Grazie cara 🙂

      Reply
  • Francis
    January 19, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Excellent read – both Camilleri and your post.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      January 19, 2017 at 3:13 pm

      Thank you Francis 🙂

      Reply
  • Darlene
    January 19, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    It is always nice to know more about a favourite author. He sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      January 19, 2017 at 2:03 pm

      I know right 🙂 love his books too

      Reply

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