Sicilian Avengers (Books One & Two)
A veritable opera in book format, Sicilian Avengers is a masterpiece of Italian historical fiction by Luigi Natoli (1857–1941). Translated into English for the first time, it tells a riveting tale featuring the Beati Paoli, a secret society dedicated to fighting injustices committed by the high and mighty upon the lower classes who have no other recourse. This tale takes place in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, during the years 1698 to 1719. It oozes with Sicilianismo, the essence of a culture formed by layers of survival under centuries of conquering invaders. The people who arose from this soil form a dramatic cast of characters. Readers will want to boo and hiss at the evil characters, and clap and cheer for the heroes. Richly vibrant descriptions of the people and places that comprise the physical environment of this era further embellish the theatrical landscape of its telling.
The plot is quick; the drama is high, and emotions run rampant. Book One begins with Don Raimondo, a devious younger brother, scheming to secure his place in his noble family through nefarious means. His plan seems to work until Blasco da Castiglione, a wandering adventurer and swashbuckler seeking his destiny, arrives on the scene fifteen years later. Blasco’s presence, coupled with mysterious notes accusing Don Raimondo of wrongdoing, usher in a time of intrigue and mayhem involving the ongoing intersections of multiple characters. The plot thickens; secrets and accusations escalate; and Book One ends as a cliffhanger. Book Two immediately picks up the unresolved threads from Book One, and adds in further kidnappings, swordfights, love interests, subterfuge, betrayal, and revenge.
Whether or not the Beati Paoli ever truly existed or served as a precursor to the Mafia is unknown. Its powerful appeal as a vehicle for a storyline in a literary work, however, is undeniable. Bravo!
