A short life of the author
Roberto Saviano (b. 1979) was born on 22 September 1979 in Naples, Italy. He studied philosophy at the University of Naples Federico II. He worked as a journalist covering organised crime in Campania.
Life and Career
Gomorrah (Gomorra, 2006) — a work of investigative journalism and literary reportage about the Camorra, the Neapolitan organised crime network — exposed the scale of the Camorra’s operations: its control of the garment industry (counterfeiting luxury goods), construction, waste disposal (illegal dumping of toxic waste across Campania), drug trafficking, and its penetration of legitimate business throughout Italy and Europe.
The book sold over 10 million copies worldwide, was translated into over fifty languages, and made Saviano one of the most famous writers in Italy. It was also the most dangerous book published in the twenty-first century: the Camorra issued death threats against Saviano, and he has lived under permanent police escort since October 2006 — unable to have a fixed address, unable to go out alone, unable to live a normal life.
The book was adapted by Matteo Garrone into a 2008 film that won the Grand Prix at Cannes. The television series Gomorrah (2014–2021) — loosely based on the book — was one of the most acclaimed European crime dramas.
ZeroZeroZero (2013) — about the global cocaine trade — and The Piranhas (La paranza dei bambini, 2016) — a novel about teenage Camorra members in Naples — continued his work.
Major Works and Themes
Saviano writes about organised crime as an economic and political system, not as a set of colourful personalities. His courage is extraordinary.
Key Works
- Gomorrah (2006)
- ZeroZeroZero (2013)
Collecting Saviano
Gomorra (2006, Mondadori) — the Italian first — brings $20–$60. English firsts (2007, Farrar, Straus and Giroux) bring $15–$40.