Having not long finished reading the book 'Gomorrah', by Roberto Saviano, I thought I'd just give some thoughts on it myself.The book itself is quite an interesting read, especially for those who are living in Italy, as it is a daring account of one of the most sinister and feared dangers present in many societies today; the Mafia element. Now this is not your typical Don Corleone-family-business-type-stuff; on the contrary it shows how the Mafia bosses are forced to live in constant hiding, despite their wealth and riches, for fear of being caught by the police. It also recounts the story of Don Pepino Diana, a local preacher who was assassinated after he refused to bow to the code of silence induced upon the communities in which the Camorra operates. He made a stirring speech criticising the Mafia, of which the most stirring line was 'Per l'amore del mio popolo non taceró' ('For the love of my people, I will not keep quiet') after witnessing years of Camorra activity in his area.
There are many more such characters in the book and it is certainly worth a read. The worst thing about it is that, with its various insights into the Mafia grasp on certain apsects of Italian society, it leaves the reader with a profound sense of rage and feeling of ineptitude as for every person who, just like Don Peppino Diana, chooses to stand up against the Mafia, there will be at least another 1000 who for fear of their livelihoods, businesses and families will not be inclined to do so as the threat of the Camorra is still very real. (I apologise but there are no equivalent videos in English)
Roberto Saviano has refused to leave Italy conceding that that would be a victory for the Camorra. Unfortunately for him, he now has a price on his head and has to live in similar conditions to those of the Mafia bosses he details in the novel - in a state of constant fear and protection.
As always, here are some relevant links;
The author's website aiming to promote anti-mafia movements and activities
From the same site, a review of the book by the Toronto Star newspaper
Some images of an anti-Camorra event
An article describing the death threats issued to the author by the Camorra
There was also a petition against the Camorra on the 'La Repubblica' newspaper's website yet this seems to have disappear (strange?) It has tens of thousands of signatures. IF you do want to sign, the only current one I can find is this;
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