Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio

3.5 rounded to 4. As stated in the blurb, this is a »mix of social satire and murder mystery.«. I can imagine that this novel could be even funnier in the original language, Italian. But unfortunately, my knowledge of the Italian language is not good enough.

Lorenzo Manfredini, the Gladiator, was found murdered near the elevator in an apartment building in Piazza Vittorio. Most residents in the building are immigrants from different countries. But we get to know also northern and southern Italians, and we can see some distinctions in their characters. Interestingly, we also learn how some northern Italians see southern Italians. The story constantly develops around a character named Amedeo, a guy from the south with perfect knowledge of the Italian language and the streets of Rome. He often helps immigrants with their issues. Each chapter presents the thoughts of one of the characters, and entries from Amedeo’s diary follow those chapters. Of course, each character sees things and people differently.

Readers who like literary fiction that blends with a comical cozy mystery could like this novel. I would recommend some knowledge about Italian culture and history. Otherwise, prepare Wikipedia to understand some details mentioned in the novel.

Goodreads

Details:

• author: Amara Lakhous
  
• full title: Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio
  
• genre: literary fiction, mystery
• format/type: bookfiction
• country: italy
  
• topics: murder, immigrants
  
• publisher: Europa Editions (UK)
  
• publish date:
  
• pages: 131
  

Literary Prizes:

• Premio Flaiano (2006)

My Rating of the Book:

• content: 💙💙💙💙

Excerpt from the Book:

About the Author:

Amara Lakhous was born in Algiers in 1970. He has a degree in philosophy from the University of Algiers and another in cultural anthropology from the University la Sapienza, Rome. He recently completed a Ph.D. thesis entitled “Living Islam as a Minority.” His first novel, Le cimici e il pirata (Bedbugs and the Pirate), was published in 1999. Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio, winner of Italy’s prestigious Flaiano prize, is his second novel. He lives in Italy.