The sun is shining. It’s about 28 degrees. It is, after all, a very nice day for the end of the world.

So, if you’re reading this then it hasn’t happened yet (please be patient) or you’re just too early, but I thought I would fit one last post in before it all happened.

Back in Mantova, at the Festivaletteratura, we didn’t see as many events as I would have liked. We did get to see Howard Jacobson, who was quite funny and Peter lent me the book.

We also got to see Roberto Saviano. This guy has written a book about the Naples’ mafia, known as the Camorra and his book is called Gamorra. I do want to read the book even though it may not be such a good read (I’ve read that editing and translation could have been better). We managed to get tickets. This guy is now in hiding and with permanent bodyguards due to the fact that he has named names and detailed methods used by the notorious Camorra.

It was the first event that we’ve ever been to in Mantova where the audience was completely silent for much of the talk. Usually there are people talking, whispering, receiving mobile phone calls, etc. But not in this case.

What slightly annoyed us was the ‘poor me’ attitude he seemed to display at the end. Like ‘I can’t use trains’, ‘buy a house’ or do other ‘normal’ things now. Well, if you’re going to write about such a powerful organisation, expect them to be less than happy and, if you’re looking for others to join you and stand up against these people, telling everyone ‘look what has happened to me when I stood up’ may not be a winning sales line.

However, let’s not take away from the fact that he has a raw power in his anger and that he deserves credit for writing the book and showing the world how far their power extends.

At the end, he received a 10 minute standing ovation. The event was good and worth seeing, in any case. Now I really have to buy the book.