Lucio Mastronardi: The Writer Who Inspired Alberto Sordi's Film

Lucio Mastronardi (1930-1975) was an Italian author celebrated for his 1959 novel "Il calzolaio di Vigevano," which was serialized in Il Menabò under the direction of Elio Vittorini and Italo Calvino. This verist work captures Italy's transition from an agrarian society to an industrial one and was characterized by Eugenio Montale as "a variant of neorealism." Despite receiving praise, Mastronardi experienced social exclusion. Following a conflict in 1961 that led to his hospitalization, he returned to teaching in February 1962, just before the publication of his second novel, "Il Maestro di Vigevano." He also wrote lyrics and released "Il meridionale di Vigevano" (1964). After facing various challenges, he vanished in 1979, with his remains later discovered in the Ticino River. A dedicated website showcases his literary contributions.