Roberto Saviano's novel on Giovanni Falcone published for Capaci massacre anniversary
Roberto Saviano's novel "Solo è il coraggio. Giovanni Falcone, il romanzo" (Bompiani, 2022) was released on the thirtieth anniversary of the Capaci massacre, in which judge Giovanni Falcone, his wife, and escort agents were killed by the mafia. The book also commemorates the Via D'Amelio massacre that claimed Paolo Borsellino and his escort. Saviano blends documented facts with imaginative reconstructions of dialogues and emotions, aiming to portray Falcone's intimate solitude and the broader network of anti-mafia figures. The author states that every referenced person and event is real, while the narrative uses literary tools to explore the complexity of the criminal organization and the personal sacrifices of those who fought it.
Key facts
- The novel was published by Bompiani in 2022.
- It marks the 30th anniversary of the Capaci massacre (May 23, 1992).
- Giovanni Falcone, his wife, and escort agents died in the Capaci attack.
- The book also references the Via D'Amelio massacre (July 19, 1992) killing Paolo Borsellino and his escort.
- Saviano describes the work as a 'retablo' built with literary tools granted by the novel.
- The author claims every character and event is real, but some dialogues and emotions are imagined.
- The title echoes the theme of solitude and courage in the fight against the mafia.
- Other anti-mafia figures mentioned include Boris Giuliano, Cesare Terranova, Emanuele Basile, Gaetano Costa, Ninnì Cassarà, Rocco Chinnici, and Paolo Borsellino.
Entities
Artists
- Roberto Saviano
Institutions
- Bompiani
Locations
- Capaci
- Italy
- Via D'Amelio