I can say that I joined among people who saw Leonardo Sciascia’s books as case studies of how people live in corrupt societies. The society in this book is Sicily. I think it will be a good choice for detective story enthusiasts and those who want to read something interesting. However, The Day of the Owl is not your typical detective story.
The language and manner of expression of Sciascia are interesting and not very easy to follow. Since this a crime book, things can get confusing immediately. The characters are not fantastic, but since the subject is interesting enough, I didn’t need them to stand out.
At the end of the book, the author has one last word that is epic. Instead of reading it right away, please enjoy the ride and leave it for now. It will be much more enjoyable when the time comes. Enjoy!
The Day of the Owl
In the piazza, a man lies dead. No one will say if they witnessed his killing. This presents a challenge to the investigating officer, a man who earnestly believes in the values of a democratic and modern society. Indeed, his enquiries are soon blocked off by wall of silence and vested interests; he must work against the very community to save it and expose the truth.The narrative moves on two levels: that of the investigator, who reveals a chain of savage crimes; and that of the bystanders and watchers, of those complicit with secret power, whose gossipy, furtive conversations have only one end: to stop the truth coming out. This novel about the mafia is also a mesmerizing demonstration of how that organization sustains itself. It is both a beautifully, tautly written story and a brave act of denunciation.
Leonardo Sciascia
Leonardo Sciascia was a Sicilian writer, novelist, essayist, playwright, and politician. Some of his works have been made into films, including Porte Aperte, Cadaveri Eccellenti, and Il giorno della civetta.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
