Cappellani generates full-throttle comedy with a bitter edge. It’s only after the laughter stops that you smell the gunpowder.’ The New York Times
In Ottavio Cappellani’s latest novel SICILIAN PASTORAL, a young girl goes missing in the Sicilian countryside. Three immigrants are blamed. Ernesto, a writer hoping inspiration will return; Raffaella, organiser of green economy activities; and Claudia, who sets traps for aliens, team up to protect the immigrants and find out who is really behind the girl’s disappearance. A literary thriller, satire, a profound and witty novel – this is Cappellani’s best to date.
SICILIAN PASTORAL will be published in 2026 by Giulio Perrone Editore Italy, who will also issue a new edition of Ottavio’s blistering debut thriller WHO IS LOU SCIORTINO?
Material: manuscript, 300pp
Born in 1969, Ottavio is an author and journalist with a regular column in La Sicilia. He writes for several other Italian papers. He lives in Sicily and cultivates carob trees and olives.
‘Cappellani has chosen the light weapon of metaphysical irony… a new and courageous narrative, which knows how to elevate the reproaches and vices of the Italian people into quality literary material… Cappellani is one of the narrators who could really give a turning point to literary discourse.’ Sergio Pent – Tuttolibri, La Stampa