TA political thriller set in 1913, in the serious period of international tension due to the war of the Balkan countries against the Ottoman Empire, “The Archduke Must Die” by Maurizio Scateni, Kairos editions (222 pages, 15 euros), is based on in-depth historical studies, sulle personalities and international balances of the period, and gives voice to fictional but plausible, real but paradoxical, and famous characters, including a young Winston Churchill. Presentation of the volume Tuesday 18 June 2019 at 18,30:XNUMX pm at the Iocisto bookshop in Piazza Fuga in Naples. Speakers, Rita Felerico (critic) and Fiorella Franchini (journalist). Moderator Yvonne Carbonaro (writer). The author will be present. Through the memories of the protagonists and the episodes recounted, the events of that historical moment are represented which, from the capture of Rome to the outbreak of the First World War, is somewhat hastily called the Belle Époque. And it is precisely in this period of time that the wars of independence, Bismarck's politics, the anarchist movements, the Russo-Japanese War, technological progress, the Anglo-Boer War emerge... All this forms the backdrop to a gripping novel that the author develops by weaving a plot that is not only fascinating, but precise, leaving nothing to chance. In order to manage any type of complication on his borders, the Emperor of Austria Franz Joseph has appointed General Hoetzendorf as head of his army. Although Vienna and Rome are allies, he is famous for not having hidden in the past his aggressive intentions towards Italy, which he considers Austria's mortal enemy. On the other hand, Italy has not yet overcome the aftermath of unification, but already wants to project itself into the European context as a great power. In this situation, the Italian Foreign Minister, San Giuliano, believes he can identify in a letter the trace of a plot that would lead to a war between the two nations. He then entrusts Baron Luparelli, who lives in Naples, with the task of discovering Hoetzendorf's true intentions. But San Giuliano keeps the baron in the dark about an important factor that will turn the whole affair around. Flanked by a very polite butler and an unconventional wife, Luparelli will face, among secret pacts, terrible weapons, priceless paintings, traps to unmask him, hasty escapes, stalking, double-crossers and costume parties, the missions that will take him first to Vienna, then to Prague, then to London and finally to his Naples. Here everything will converge in a plot and a counter-plot to assassinate an important figure in the Austrian royal family.
Article published on 13 June 2019 - 16:40
