Montalbano's Last Stand In Camilleri's Posthumous Novel
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published July 16, 2020 | 11:10 PM
Rome, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2020 ) :The last whodunnit featuring famed Sicilian police inspector Salvo Montalbano hit the bookshelves in Italy on Thursday, nearly a year to the day after the death of author Andrea Camilleri.
"Riccardino" was first penned by the celebrated author in 2005, then tweaked in 2016, after which Camilleri gave it to his publisher on the promise it would not be released until after his death.
Fans are in for a special treat: not only do they get another murder for grumpy Montalbano to resolve, but Camilleri himself makes an appearance.
The author, who died on July 18, 2019, at the age of 93, turns up to tick his detective off after he is reluctant to get on with the new case, according to an extract of the novel published by the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
"I offer you a lead and you mess around, and I find myself in trouble. As a writer, I mean. We can't go on like this, you have to start investigating," he tells him sternly in a telephone call.
An unimpressed Montalbano hangs up on him.
The Riccardino of the title gets bumped off on page 9. Montalbano also reportedly takes a bow, though Camilleri had promised fans he would not kill off his gruff food-loving sleuth.
"The fact that Montalbano -- unlike other serial characters such as Sherlock Holmes or Maigret -- gets older, takes part in everyday life, makes it increasingly difficult for me to keep up with him," he said in an interview in 2005.
"So I decided to write the final novel. But he doesn't end up getting shot or retiring...," he said.
Initially a theatre and television director and scriptwriter, Camilleri became a novelist later in life, publishing his first book at the age of 57.
The politically-engaged author, who never shied away from criticising those in power, would go on to sell some 20 million books in Italy, and publish 30-odd novels featuring Montalbano which were translated into about 30 languages.
Recent Stories
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
Iranians appear unfazed by Isfahan blasts
UAF celebrates Int'l Chinese Language Day
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
19 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
5 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
6 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
9 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
13 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago