Marco Steiner's new novel 'Nella musica del vento' blends adventure with historical trauma

Marco Steiner, former collaborator of Hugo Pratt, has released a new novel titled 'Nella musica del vento' (Salani Editore, 2021). The book follows Morgan Jones, a Welshman raised in the pampas, and Maria Leibowitz, a Polish prostitute, as they flee from Butch Cassidy's gang and attempt to escape by sea with a gold cargo. Steiner drew on investigative journalism about the 'white slave trade' and historical massacres of indigenous people by landowners in early 20th-century South America. The narrative echoes literary influences such as Stevenson, Melville, Francisco Coloane, and Bruce Chatwin. Steiner worked with Pratt from 1989 to 1995 and credits him with teaching how to craft adventure 'with a razor cut.' The novel is published by Salani in Milan, 320 pages, €16.90, ISBN 9788831008426.