Giulio Natali's 'Sotto il diluvio' explores political stasis in fictional Italian town
Giulio Natali's novel 'Sotto il diluvio' (Castelvecchi, 2024) is set in the fictional Marche town of Colle Filippo. After 30 years in power, mayor and senator Oreste De Ritis dies, leaving the town in shock. His unchallenged rule had conditioned citizens to say 'please' instead of 'why.' Three candidates—his nephew Oscar De Ritis, Katiuscia, and Uccio's son—compete to succeed him, all claiming to break with the past. The novel critiques political disaffection and superficiality, using the metaphor of a flood to symbolize potential change. The review by Antonia De Francesco appears on Artspecialday.
Key facts
- Novel 'Sotto il diluvio' by Giulio Natali published by Castelvecchi in 2024.
- Set in fictional Colle Filippo, located in the Marche region of Italy.
- Mayor Oreste De Ritis dies after 30 years in power.
- Three candidates run for mayor: Oscar De Ritis, Katiuscia, and Uccio's son.
- The novel critiques political apathy and the 'gattopardismo' (leopardism) of unchanged power.
- The flood metaphor suggests both destruction and cleansing change.
- Review written by Antonia De Francesco for MIfacciodiCultura.
- Article first appeared on Artspecialday on June 26, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Giulio Natali
- Antonia De Francesco
Institutions
- Castelvecchi
- Artspecialday
- MIfacciodiCultura
Locations
- Colle Filippo
- Marche
- Italy