Chicca Maralfa's novel 'Il segreto di Mr Willer' explores noir through a female lens

Chicca Maralfa's second novel, 'Il segreto di Mr Willer', published by Les Flaneurs Edizioni, delves into psychological thriller territory with noir elements. The story centers on Mr Willer, a provocative streaming show host of 'Babilonia', whose extreme views and promiscuous lifestyle place him in constant danger. The narrative unfolds largely from male perspectives, including the misogynistic Willer and investigator Roberto Natali, alongside twin sisters, exploring themes of family trauma and societal decay. Maralfa, a journalist and writer, contextualizes contemporary Italian issues like no-vax movements, homophobia, and pandemic tensions. The book features a modern writing style, a curated rock playlist accessible via QR code, and draws comparisons to Oliver Stone's 'Talk Radio' and Eric Bogosian's performance. While marketed as noir, it blends hard-boiled detective fiction with psychological depth, examining a disoriented upper-middle class. The title references a generational cultural figure, adding psychological nuance. A review by Vieri Peroncini for MifacciodiCultura suggests Maralfa is ready for a larger-scale thriller.