This is a fascinating exploration of the grip that the criminal underworld has on southern Italian society. Saviano through a series of thematic chapters details the unrelenting reach of the clans who dominant the areas under their control using diverse and innovative methods to generate large amounts of cash. This could easily be a book on economics such is the free market nature of much of the clans work. In fact at times the clans actions feel like the climax of ultimate capitalism; the apogee of a free for all society unrestrained by morals or principles. The chapter on the unsustainable illegal dumping of waste which is literally poisoning the local population re-reinforces the tone of the book which is one of despair, despair that nothing seems to change, despair that there seems to be no way out of the endless criminal cycle that ensnares Naples and condemns it to be forever trapped in poverty. In fact the only suggestion at a solution, and one that is not explicitly stated by the author but implied throughout, is to raise the income levels of these communities through providing aspiration and wealth opportunities other than the Camorra.
Although the structure of the book is excellent, thematic and engaging, the writing style is oddly poetic and verging on self indulgent. Some of the philosophical asides begin to grind after a while and seem patronising at times. This could be a result of a bad translation, or possible Saviano does indeed write in this style, either way it detracts from what is a well researched, disturbing and engaging read.
Although the structure of the book is excellent, thematic and engaging, the writing style is oddly poetic and verging on self indulgent. Some of the philosophical asides begin to grind after a while and seem patronising at times. This could be a result of a bad translation, or possible Saviano does indeed write in this style, either way it detracts from what is a well researched, disturbing and engaging read.
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