After reading Extracts from the Diary of a Proscribed Sicilian, I cannot say whether it is a diary or a novel. At times, it seems to be a diary, other times a novel.
The book is set in the period in which a united Italy did not exist. Bourbon kings ruled Southern Italy and Sicily. Naples was the capital. Their government was absolutist and disliked by the Sicilians.
The story narrated by Alfio Balzani begins with the arrest of his father, a doctor respected by everybody, but whose political ideas clashed with those of the Bourbon regime which was determined to get rid of its opponents. A few days after his arrest, he is tried and sentenced to death.
Deprived of the father’s support, the family becomes poor, but fortunately, a noble and generous bishop helps it.
Alfio Balzani grows up under the protective wing of the bishop. His life goes through various difficult situations. He finds a job as clerk at the court of law in Palermo. Later, the love for his beloved land of Sicily leads him to clash with the Bourbons as his father had done.
Overall the book is enjoyable to read and adventurous. It is worth reading!
Ettore Grillo, author of these books:
– November 2: The Day of the Dead in Sicily (English edition)
– A Hidden Sicilian History (English edition)
– The Vibrations of Words (English edition)
– Travels of the Mind (English edition)
– Una Storia Siciliana Nascosta (edizione in lingua italiana)
– Viaggi della Mente (edizione in lingua italiana)
Ettore Grillo's Blog and Books 