Antonio Pennacchi, Premio Strega-winning author of 'Canale Mussolini,' dies at 71
Antonio Pennacchi, the Italian author, passed away at the age of 71 in his Latina residence due to a sudden illness. He gained recognition for his novels centered around the Pontine Marshes, especially 'Canale Mussolini,' which was awarded the Premio Strega in 2010. Born in 1950 in Latina, Pennacchi's political evolution spanned the Italian Social Movement (MSI), Marxism, and involvement in the protests of 1968. He dedicated over three decades to Alcatel Cavi. After shifting away from politics, he pursued a degree in literature and embarked on his writing career. His prominent works include 'Mammut' (1995), 'Il fasciocomunista' (2003), which inspired the 2007 film 'Mio fratello è figlio unico,' and 'Canale Mussolini. Parte seconda' (2015). Culture Minister Dario Franceschini commended his storytelling prowess.
Key facts
- Antonio Pennacchi died at his home in Latina at age 71 from a sudden illness.
- He won the Premio Strega in 2010 for 'Canale Mussolini'.
- Born in Latina in 1950 to Umbrian workers and Venetian colonists.
- Worked for over 30 years as a laborer at Alcatel Cavi in Latina.
- His novel 'Il fasciocomunista' (2003) was adapted into the film 'Mio fratello è figlio unico' (2007).
- He was politically active, joining MSI, then Marxist groups, PSI, CGIL, UIL, and the Italian Communist Party.
- Culture Minister Dario Franceschini paid tribute to Pennacchi's literary contributions.
- His first novel 'Mammut' was published in 1995.
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Pennacchi
- Daniele Luchetti
- Riccardo Scamarcio
- Elio Germano
Institutions
- Premio Strega
- Premio Campiello
- Alcatel Cavi
- MSI – Movimento Sociale Italiano
- Unione di Comunisti Italiani
- PSI
- CGIL
- UIL
- Partito Comunista Italiano
- Artribune
Locations
- Latina
- Italy
- Agro Pontino
- Lazio
- Umbria
- Veneto