Summary of MalacquaÂ
The novel “Malacqua” is set in Naples, where relentless rainfall causes flooding, collapsing buildings, and roads being swallowed by water. Mysterious voices whisper from the castle walls of Castel Nuovo, and eerie music emerges from five-lire coins. As Naples descends into chaos, political discourse grows increasingly divisive.
Reasons to read MalacquaÂ
“Malacqua” is a surreal Italian cult novel that explores the impact of a natural disaster on the lives of the citizens and officials of Naples. Although first published in the 1970s, its themes remain relevant today, touching on climate change and polarised political debate. “Malacqua” is the only novel written by Italian writer Nicola Pugliese. A literary sensation upon its release in 1977, the book was withdrawn from print at the author’s request and remained unpublished until after his death in 2012.
Setting: Naples (Italy)
Original title: Malacqua
Year of publication: 1977
Nr of pages: 256
